Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers continue to support Jia De Guzman from afar as she continues her international volleyball career.
It has been over a year since Jia De Guzman last suited up for Creamline, but for Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the Cool Smashers, her presence is still deeply missed—both on and off the court.
De Guzman, an eight-time PVL Best Setter, made history as the first Filipina setter to play professionally in Japan’s V.League with the Denso Airybees.
On Monday, January 27, the superstar setter was honored as Ms. Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) after her incredible run with Alas Pilipinas, which took home the bronze medals in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup and 2024 SEA Women's V.League.
Valdez, along with other Cool Smashers, were also present during the awards night after being named 'Team of the Year.'
[ALSO READ: Creamline celebrates second PSA ‘Team of the Year’ recognition after historic PVL grand slam]
For Valdez, seeing De Guzman earn such recognition is a proud moment, but it also comes with a sense of longing.
“Honestly, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Jia, not just on the court but also off the court as well,” Valdez told reporters after Creamline’s sweep of Nxled.
“We really can’t wait to see her. I’m not just sure kung ano ‘yung upcoming tournaments and commitments niya with her teams and the national team, so we don’t actually know what’s going to happen. But we just really miss Jia,” she added.
Despite their time apart, Valdez respects the space that she and De Guzman have given each other to grow as athletes and individuals. The two have been teammates dating back to their time in Ateneo de Manila University back in 2014.
“I honestly respect the space na binibigay namin sa isa’t isa to grow. But definitely, alam ni Jia na nandito lang kami, supporting her and cheering for her,” said Valdez.
Valdez though couldn’t resist joking about how much they miss their former playmaker.
“Naku, bibiruin ko na lang siya—joke lang! But we definitely miss Jia.”
[ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas team captain Jia de Guzman takes to heart leadership advice from Alyssa Valdez]
With De Guzman thriving overseas and Creamline continuing its dominance in the PVL, the possibility of a reunion remains uncertain.
But one thing is clear: no matter where De Guzman plays, she will always have the unwavering support of her former teammates.