The Creamline Cool Smashers parted ways with veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan-Villarete after a short but steady stint that saw her provide experience and depth during the 2025 PVL season.
The Creamline Cool Smashers have parted ways with veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan-Villarete, closing a brief but steady stint that spanned multiple competitions in the 2025 PVL season.
The Cool Smashers made the announcement on Wednesday, January 7, thanking Villarete for her contributions to the team.
“After a legendary collegiate career and years of pro experience, you gave Creamline a sense of calm in moments of pressure, leadership in every huddle, and heart in every play,” the team wrote in its social media post. “Your wisdom and good vibes will always remain part of the Creamline family.”
Villarete was brought in during the AVC Women’s Champions League, providing Creamline with much-needed experience and depth at the setter position during a packed international and domestic calendar.
The 34-year-old playmaker signed a contract that ran until the end of the year, allowing her to suit up for the Cool Smashers in both the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences.
During her time with Creamline, Villarete proved to be a reliable stabilizer off the bench, serving as a crucial backup to primary setter Kyle Negrito.
Whenever called upon, she displayed the same veteran poise and game management that defined her long career in the PVL, keeping Creamline’s offense organized and efficient in key stretches.
Though her stint was short, Villarete’s presence added leadership and tactical calm to a roster built for sustained success.
Her departure marks another offseason adjustment for Creamline as the 10-time PVL champions continue fine-tuning their lineup ahead of the All-Filipino Conference.
So far in the offseason, the Cool Smashers have let go of Villarete, Michelle Morente, Pau Soriano, Rizza Mandapat, and Mafe Galanza.
[ALSO READ: PVL TRACKER | Offseason movements ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference]
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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.