Kyle Negrito credits her growth over the years with the Creamline Cool Smashers to her former teammate Jia De Guzman in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Kyle Negrito continues to thrive in her role as Creamline’s starting setter, but she never forgets the inspiration she draws from her longtime mentor, Jia De Guzman.
De Guzman, an eight-time PVL Best Setter, was honored as Ms. Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during their annual awards night at the Manila Hotel on Monday, Jan. 27.
The award recognized her outstanding professional career and leadership in guiding Alas Pilipinas to podium finishes in international tournaments in 2024.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman left in awe after PSA Ms. Volleyball citation: ‘Dream come true for me’]
Just a day after the awards night, Negrito led the Cool Smashers past the Nxled Chameleons in straight sets, 25-12, 25-21, 25-19, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference. The 2024 Invitational Conference Finals MVP had 15 excellent sets to go along with three points.
For the former FEU standout, seeing her former teammate receive the prestigious recognition was a proud and motivating moment.
“First of all, congratulations, Ate Jia. You’re my idol, my inspiration,” Negrito said. “Siyempre, sa tulong na rin ito ni bossing [coach Sherwin], pati mga teammates ko na grabe rin ‘yung naging support sa akin, both on and off the court. Pinaparamdam nila ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin, kaya ginagawa ko lang ‘yung role ko,” Negrito said during the post-game press conference.
Negrito has been a key figure for Creamline since De Guzman departed for Japan’s V.League with Denso Airybees, seamlessly stepping into the playmaking role for the defending PVL champions.
She credits her years of training alongside De Guzman as instrumental in her transition.
“Matagal na akong nandyan sa likod ni Ate Jia sa training, kaya nung dumating ‘yung pagkakataon, wala akong binago,” Negrito shared. “Sinunod ko lang ‘yung system namin, at sa dulo, volleyball pa rin naman ‘yung nilalaro namin.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Kyle Negrito repays trust given by Creamline teammates for first Finals MVP award]
De Guzman’s recognition as Ms. Volleyball follows in the footsteps of another Creamline star, Tots Carlos, who won the award in 2024.
With Creamline continuing its dominance in the PVL, Negrito hopes to uphold the team’s legacy while carrying forward the lessons she learned from her decorated predecessor.