Erica Staunton is already back in the Philippines as she readies to lead the Creamline Cool Smashers in the upcoming AVC Women's Champions League.
Erica Staunton is back in the Creamline Cool Smashers' fold—and she couldn't be happier.
The American outside hitter arrived in the Philippines on April 1, to rejoin the team for the upcoming AVC Women’s Champions League from April 20 to 27.
[ALSO READ: Erica Staunton set for Creamline return in AVC Women’s Champions League]
She’s also present at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao to watch the Cool Smashers’ semifinal match against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Having suited up for Creamline in the 2024 PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conferences, Staunton expressed her excitement about playing with the squad again.
"I love these girls. I love playing with these girls," Staunton told reporters. "And then, face some different competitions. So, I'm happy to be back and to get to play some more volleyball."
Although she missed the chance to play alongside Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos during their grand slam run, Staunton is eager to finally share the court with a fully loaded Cool Smashers roster.
"I can't wait to play with them. I, unfortunately, didn't get to play much with them [before]. They were kind of just coming back into practice when I was leaving," she explained. "So, yeah, I'm really excited to share the court with them."
After her successful stint in the Philippines, Staunton returned to Finland to play for OrPo before later joining Jakarta Pertamina Energi for the Proliga 2024-2025 season.
Staunton admitted that her return was already in the works even before she left Indonesia, as discussions about bringing her back with Creamline were already happening.
"Honestly, even when I was leaving, we were talking about me coming back," she revealed. "So, yeah, I've been looking forward to it since even before I left the Philippines the first time. I'm grateful to be here and excited to be back."
[ALSO READ: “Mahal ko kayo” | Erica Staunton hints at possible Creamline return after closing first PVL chapter]
Now, with Creamline set to take on top teams from Asia, Staunton is ready to make her mark once again and help the Cool Smashers in their international campaign.
The Cool Smashers were placed in Pool A where they will face Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan and Al Naser Jordan.