Star libero Jen Nierva described her move to the Creamline Cool Smashers as a dream opportunity to learn from some of the PVL's best.
Joining Creamline proved to be a dream come true for star libero Jen Nierva, as she embraces the challenge of growing alongside the league’s most decorated stars.
Nierva, who was the lone signing of the Cool Smashers during the offseason, shared her excitement to join the 10-time PVL champions come the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
“Really, really excited kasi I have an opportunity to play amongst the best talaga in our country,” Nierva told reporters at the sidelines of the All-Filipino press conference.
“Minsan nga sa training, ma-realize ko parang who would’ve thought na magiging teammate ko sila—sila Ate Jia, Ate Alyssa, Ate MG, Ate Denden na pinapanood ko lang before sa TV, and now I’m playing with them.”
Learning from the best
For Nierva, the excitement goes beyond name recognition. Training daily with Creamline’s core has given her a firsthand look at the work habits that sustained the team’s long run of success.
“Nakikita ko sila araw-araw kung paano sila nagtatrabaho and kung paano dun nila ako nangyi-inspire,” she said.
“Kasi iba yung work ethic nila every single day kahit na magaling na sila and veterans na sila. Parang they’re always open to learning pa rin.”
Why Creamline?
After the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ disbandment, Nierva said she resisted rushing into a decision, choosing instead to prioritize fit and environment over familiarity.
“Nung nag-disband yung Chery, 'yung first thing talaga na mindset ko was to really take my time,” she explained. “Na-realize ko na importante yung environment, importante na nasa iisang page yung team na pupuntahan ko.”
Jen Nierva and the Creamline Cool Smashers during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference press conference. | Photo: PVL
Culture, intensity, and shared goals ultimately led her to Creamline.
“Tinignan ko talaga yung culture ng team—the intensity, yung commitment,” Nierva said. “Pinakinggan ko naman lahat ng teams, and I think Creamline, we are on the same page.
Now part of a training environment stacked with elite attackers, Nierva knows exactly where she must raise her game.
“Siguro yung consistency,” she admitted. “Antaas ng level ng practices namin. Siyempre like Tots, Jema, Pons—everyday ‘yun ‘yung mga palo, ‘yun ‘yung mga serves na nakuha ko.”
Nierva and the rest of the Cool Smashers will open their All-Filipino campaign next Thursday against the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
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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.