With their recent signing of star libero Jen Nierva, the Creamline Cool Smashers joined the busy PVL offseason ahead of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.
With a tried-and-tested championship lineup, the Creamline Cool Smashers don't typically engage in the very busy PVL offseason.
But with 2026 bringing the unprecedented exit of two former title teams, the Cool Smashers got their marquee addition after signing star libero Jen Nierva from the disbanded Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
[RELATED: Creamline makes PVL marquee signing with star libero Jen Nierva]
Still, Creamline's movements are largely in house, and veteran star Alyssa Valdez believes that there's still good movement within the team as the Cool Smashers focus on quiet development as opposed to chasing big-ticket transfers.
“I guess, [the] transitions may not be ‘grand’ in our team, but there are a lot of things that has been happening also in our team,” Valdez told select media during a recording of her podcast "The Transition Playbook."
“Even if we’re constant, intact, all the time, we’re the same core group, meron pa ring mga transitions na nangyayari,” she added.
As the most decorated team in the PVL, the Cool Smashers uncharacteristically took a step back last year, failing to win a title. After a Grand Slam in 2024, 2025 likewise marked the end of Creamline's 19-conference streak on the podium.
Nevertheless, Valdez believes there is still hope for a second wind in 2026.
“I'm very, very glad, very happy sa growth, maturity, and leadership na nag-evolve sa team namin. Most especially, not just sa samin na medyo seniors na rin, but to our younger mga teammates,” she said.
Brighter days ahead
After failing to add to their championship count in 2025, there is a lot of optimism for Valdez in the upcoming PVL season — especially with the competition being shaken up by the offseason moves.
[RELATED: PVL TRACKER | Offseason movements ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference]
As opposing teams shuffle their players, Valdez is hopeful and still subscribed to the Cool Smashers’ overall program.
“I'm very excited for what's next for our team, and really, really looking forward na mas magandang season na paparating para sa Creamline Cool Smashers,” she said.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.