2024 PVL Invitational Conference MVP Michele Gumabao reflected on her experience stepping up as captain for the Creamline Cool Smashers in place of then-injured leaders Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos.
The Creamline Cool Smashers faced an extraordinary challenge during the 2024 PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conferences, a time when the team had to push through without their star players, Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos.
In their absence, Michele Gumabao stepped up to lead the team as captain and was eventually hailed the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference MVP.
With grace and determination, Michele carried the mantle of leadership and kept her composure on and off the court.
The Cool Smashers triumphed, claiming a historic grand slam—becoming the first team in PVL history to achieve such a feat.
Even as the team’s leader, Michele remained humble and spoke of the constant presence of Alyssa Valdez in her journey.
“Alam ko naman na Alyssa will always be the captain. Siguro, representative [ako] for the toss coin, pero ‘yong trabaho naman namin no matter what the label or the title is, it’s going to be the same,” she shared to One Sports.
“As an ate to the team, as someone na gustong manalo and tumulong. But thankful syempre nabigyan ako ng opportunity and syempre tiwala talaga ni coach.”
Even in her moment of individual glory, Michele never lost sight of the importance of teamwork, crediting Alyssa’s constant guidance both on and off the court.
"Nandiyan naman lagi si Ly to always guide us on and off the court. So I think it was really the same,” she said.
As Michele reflects on her breakthrough MVP performance, her eyes are already set on the road ahead. With the same drive and commitment, she turns her focus to the new season—ready to take on whatever challenges come next.
The Creamline Cool Smashers will begin their journey into the 2024-2025 season on November 16 as they face off against the Petro Gazz Angels at Ynares Center in Antipolo.