The recognitions keep on coming for the Creamline Cool Smashers, as they were named the Team of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association after their historic grand slam in 2024.
The Creamline Cool Smashers continue to etch their names in Philippine volleyball history after being named Team of the Year once again by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during their annual awards night at the Manila Hotel on Monday, January 27.
The recognition comes as a fitting reward for their groundbreaking feat in 2024 when they became the first team to complete a professional volleyball grand slam—winning all three PVL conferences in a single season.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses, who steered the team to dominance, expressed gratitude for the award and acknowledged the team’s hard work throughout the year.
"Siyempre thankful kami at napili 'yung team namin na maging 'Team of the Year' pa rin. Thankful kami kasi 'yun nga 'yung na-achieve namin 'yung grand slam last year,” Meneses told reporters.
Creamline’s journey to the grand slam saw them defeat Choco Mucho in the All-Filipino Conference, Akari in the Reinforced Conference, and Cignal in the Invitational Conference, capping off a dominant season.
For Jema Galanza, winning the award for the second consecutive year was a special moment, especially with middle blocker Bea De Leon finally joining in the celebration.
"Sobrang happy kasi ito 'yung second time namin na makakuha kami ng award and siyempre masaya din na kasama na namin si Bea. First time na makakasama namin sa award na ito,” said Galanza.
[ALSO READ: ‘Happy to be here’ | Bea de Leon relishes triumphant first PVL conference with Creamline]
De Leon, who joined the Cool Smashers ahead of the 2024 season, called the recognition a testament to the team’s relentless effort.
"Of course, we're all very happy to receive this award. It's a really big honor and a testament sa hard work na ginawa namin all throughout the year and talagang sobrang happy lang namin na nandito kami ngayon,” said De Leon.
Bernadeth Pons, who took home the 2024 Reinforced MVP and Final MVP honors, echoed the same sentiments, highlighting how this recognition was the result of their sacrifices in training.
"Sobrang happy din po and sobrang grateful na ma-recognize ulit and siyempre sobrang thank you din sa lahat ng mga teammates kasi ito 'yung result ng pinaghirapan din talaga namin sa training,” said Pons.
Meanwhile, team captain Alyssa Valdez saw the award as both an achievement and a motivation for the squad moving forward.
"For the team, we're very, very happy and [this is] another motivation for us to be better this year. Hopefully, ito 'yung isa naming inspiration para mas galingan pa namin as a team this year,” said Valdez.
Valdez also took the time to acknowledge Jia De Guzman, who was named Ms. Volleyball during the awards night after leading Alas Pilipinas Women to incredible bronze medal finishes in the 2024 AVC Women's Challenge Cup and 2024 SEA Women's V.League.
"For Jia, we're very, very proud of her. I just can't wait to see her again, but we're just happy sa lahat ng mga recognition na binibigay niya, not only for the Creamline team but also for the national team. So, we're really looking forward to cheering her as part of Alas Pilipinas as well,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman left in awe after PSA Ms. Volleyball citation: ‘Dream come true for me’]
With their sights set on another dominant run in 2025, the Cool Smashers are determined to defend their title and continue building on their historic success.