The winning culture runs deep.
Remember Joyce Palad? The setter/middle blocker was part of the Creamline Cool Smashers roster in their first PVL year back in 2017. They won third place in the Reinforced Conference.
Fast forward six years later and she's bannering a champions' plaque—this time as coach of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in the International Schools Athletic Association (ISAA) Season 14 volleyball tournament.
"Grateful for these players who fought together until the end. They deserve the world," Palad posted on Instagram.
"Thank you coach for the few months we spent together and the team—learning what real patience and growth is as an athlete," player Charlene Rustia posted on Instagram Stories, while sharing a hug with Palad.
The UP Lady Maroons product has learned a lot about winning.
With Palad as one of the tacticians for UP, the team won the 2018 PSL Collegiate Grand Slam, paving the way for MVP Tots Carlos to sign up with Creamline.
The Cool Smashers also started their title run in 2018 with Palad as an assistant.
The Cool Smashers never forgot Palad, as she was also part of the Philippine women's national volleyball team for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.
It's nice to spread and share that winning mentality, especially to young talent.
(MDB)