Veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan was seen training with the Creamline Cool Smashers ahead of their AVC Women's Champions League stint, signaling a potential return to action.
A familiar face is making waves again in Philippine volleyball—this time, not in a PLDT uniform, but in the iconic pink and white of the Creamline Cool Smashers.
In an Instagram story posted by Michele Gumabao, veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan was seen in Creamline training gear alongside returning import Erica Staunton, as the PVL Grand Slam champions prepare for their upcoming campaign in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, set from April 20 to 27.
The sighting of Dimaculangan at practice sparked buzz across the volleyball community, as she had stepped away from professional play before the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
After a solid three-year stint with PLDT as their starting setter, she took a step back to focus on her personal life, embracing her role as a newlywed.
[ALSO READ: Perfect Connection: PLDT’s Rhea Dimaculangan makes the ultimate call to “I Do”]
Though not currently active as a player, Dimaculangan remained close to the game. She took on deputy coaching duties for the UE Red Warriors in UAAP Season 87, marking her first steps into mentorship.
Dimaculangan, though, admitted that she would still return to the taraflex if an opportunity is given. Now, she appears to be lacing up her sneakers once more—this time, with the 10-time PVL champions.
If confirmed for Creamline’s AVC roster, Dimaculangan will bring a wealth of experience to the squad.
A former PSL MVP and three-time Best Setter, she could form a formidable playmaking duo with Kyle Negrito, the reigning Invitational Conference Finals MVP and a two-time Best Setter in the PVL.
Dimaculangan would also rejoin former teammates Bernadeth Pons and Denden Lazaro-Revilla during their Petron Blaze Spikers days in the PSL.
Creamline is pitted in Group A where it will face Kazakhstan's Zhetysu VC and Jordan's Al-Nassr Club.
[ALSO READ: Creamline draws Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC, Jordan’s Al-Nassr in Pool A of AVC Champions League]
One Sports has since sought confirmation from Dimaculangan and coach Sherwin Meneses on her possibly joining the Creamline team, but no official update as of posting time.