Jema Galanza confirmed she is fully recovered from a left foot injury and is ready to return as the Creamline Cool Smashers finally field a complete lineup for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After months of uncertainty, Jema Galanza confirmed that she is fully recovered and ready to return for the cCreamline Cool Smashers come the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Galanza is closing the chapter on a complicated left foot injury that sidelined her for the entire Reinforced Conference.
“Makakabalik 100% naman na. Fully recovered na,” Galanza told One Sports.
“Nung sinabi naman ng doctor, nagpa-MRI naman kami after, and nung nakita namin na 100% cleared na, doon ako napahinga ng mabuti kasi alam ko na safe na ulit ako makalaro.”
Physically and mentally ready
Galanza detailed the four-month rehabilitation process, which included extensive therapy and medical monitoring to ensure there would be no lingering risks.
“Nung buong four months na nag-rehab, binigay naman lahat ng needs ko—therapy, vitamin D, calcium—lahat para lang ma-double check na okay yung bones,” she said.
“Kaya nung cleared na, alam ko na 100% na ulit akong makakapalik.”
[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza opens up on foot injury, recovery process amid Creamline PVL campaign]
Beyond the physical recovery, Galanza said the time away also helped her mentally reset.
“Okay naman ako mentally,” she said. “Hindi lang naman siya rest ng katawan ko, pati yung mind ko. Talagang na-reset yung mind ko na pag bumalik ako sa team namin, ibibigay ko talaga yung lahat.”
A complete Creamline roster
Creamline opted to sit out the former league MVP for the entire Reinforced Conference to prioritize her long-term health.
She last saw action in the 2025 Invitationals, where she helped the Cool Smashers extend their podium streak to 19 straight conferences.
Now back in uniform, Galanza is particularly excited about something the Cool Smashers have rarely experienced in recent years—being complete.
“Super happy kasi parang for two years never na kaming naging kumpleto,” she said.
“If hindi si Toti, si Ate Ly ang wala, tapos ako nawala pa. Ngayon pati si Ate Jia, three years din nawala.”
With the core intact for the first time in years, Galanza is eager to see how the pieces come together.
“Ngayon talaga kumpleto kami. First time din na makakapaglaro kami ng kumpleto,” she said. “Hindi rin namin alam kung ano magiging resulta, pero base sa pinapakita namin sa training, I think maganda ‘yung magiging resulta.”
[ALSO READ: PVL preview: Can Creamline return to the top of the All-Filipino Conference?]
Creamline opens its All-Filipino title hunt against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday, February 6, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena 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.