Alyssa Valdez expressed gratitude after Creamline was named Team of the Year at the 2025 Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night, emphasizing the recognition as a reflection of the squad’s long journey.
Team captain Alyssa Valdez couldn’t hide her pride as the Creamline Cool Smashers bagged the Team of the Year award at the 2025 Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night at the Novotel Manila in Quezon City on Wednesday, May 28.
While the Cool Smashers fell short of defending the All-Filipino crown, Valdez sees the award as validation of their long-term effort and growth.
After all, Creamline had just come off a grand slam year, winning the All-Filipino, Reinforced, and Invitational Conferences.
“Honestly, we were actually shocked din kasi we got the Team of the Year even though we didn’t get the championship last conference,” Valdez told reporters.
“It’s been a very long journey for the team, and it was acknowledged here, recognized here. Maraming, maraming salamat sa PVL [Press] Corps for acknowledging our hard work.”
[ALSO READ: Yearender: Creamline completes perfect year behind historic PVL Grand Slam run]
Valdez, who has been a mainstay of the franchise since its early years, said the Cool Smashers’ journey—from being a struggling new team to the PVL’s winningest club—is something she hopes will resonate with aspiring athletes.
She credited the organization’s support system, especially team owner Jonathan Ng, and emphasized the value of consistency, team culture, and commitment over quick results.
“Hopefully, the story and the journey of our team inspire all the aspiring athletes out there—not just in volleyball,” said Valdez. “We started not so good eight years ago, but through hard work, passion, and determination, you will reach your dreams.”
[ALSO READ: Rebisco chief Jonathan Ng hailed as PVL Press Corps' Executive of the Year]
Back then, Creamline struggled to reach the finals. Now, it’s hard to see the grand slam champions even finish in second place.
Under its “good vibes” motto, the Cool Smashers have shown that their team-first approach and longevity are a recipe for success, something that many teams try to replicate under the modern PVL era.
[ALSO READ: Coolest Queens: Meet the MVPs behind Creamline’s PVL championship dynasty]
With this in mind, Valdez believes their example can remind young players that growth is a process, and building something lasting takes time and unity.
“If you enjoy and you’re really as one team, as one family, you’ll go to greater heights,” said Valdez.