Jema Galanza is prioritizing long-term recovery as she deals with a lingering foot injury, choosing to sit out the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference to ensure she returns to Creamline at 100 percent.
Creamline Cool Smashers star Jema Galanza is taking a cautious approach with her return to the taraflex as she recovers from a lingering foot injury, which sidelined her in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Galanza, who was spotted wearing a medical boot during Creamline’s first two games, revealed that the issue had been bothering her for over a year before it was finally diagnosed.
The pain located in her foot was initially manageable but progressively worsened, prompting her and the Creamline medical staff to seek further tests and prioritize full healing.
“Wala naman siyang pain or anything, so kailangan lang talaga niyang mag-heal kaya naka-boot ako,” Galanza shared to reporters. “Actually, hindi namin alam. One year na siyang masakit, so nitong Invitational, parang ‘yung pain niya kasi every day ko na siya nafi-feel.”
“Parang sinabihan ko na ‘yung PT ko na parang hindi na siya normal. So pina-MRI ko na, and then ‘yun nga may nakita nang something.”
No clear timeline yet
With her bone still in the healing process, Galanza admitted there is no definite timetable for her return. She last played during the Cool Smashers' bronze medal finish in the PVL Invitational.
“Wala pa eh. Mahirap kasi siyang isugal kasi hindi nga namin alam kung naghi-heal na ba siya or saang stage na ‘yung injury ko,” she explained. “Ang ano talaga namin ng coaches and ng PT na mag-focus talaga sa heal ng bone. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako naka-boot.”
While she is eager to play again, the 28-year-old spiker emphasized that risking further damage is not worth jeopardizing her long-term playing career.
Her doctors also warned that pushing through the injury could lead to worse consequences.
“Kailangan din naming isipin ‘yung longevity ng career namin. Mahirap na mas lumala pa siya, so mas matagal pa ‘yung recovery. Hindi natin alam kung ‘yung balik ko ba one hundred percent o mas okay ba,” she added.
“Sabi sa’kin ng doctor na delikado rin if tinuloy ko kasi mas malaking chance na mag-end ‘yung career kapag lumala siya.”.
Creamline’s full support
Despite her absence, Galanza expressed gratitude to the Creamline management, coaching staff, and her teammates for their unwavering support.
“Super. Ang Creamline naman, ‘yung team, lagi namang nandyan siya to support,” she said. “Well, sad sila na hindi ako makakalaro pero nandun sila sa mas importante na maka-recover talaga and makabalik ako ng 100 percent. Mahaba pa ‘yung magiging career namin and ng season namin, so ang daming taon na pwedeng makabawi.”
For now, Galanza is focused solely on recovery, with the hope that when she returns, she’ll be better, stronger, and ready to help Creamline in their future championship runs.
“Ngayon, sabi nga nila may reason kung bakit nangyayari ‘to,” she concluded. “Mas mabuti nang magpagaling ngayon kaysa masayang ‘yung mga taon pa sa career ko.”
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.