For years, Kyle Negrito honed her craft in the shadows of one of the country’s finest playmakers. But when her moment came, she seized it with poise and precision.
Since taking the reins as Creamline’s starting setter, Negrito has been nothing short of exceptional, orchestrating the Cool Smashers' offense to perfection. In just four conferences, she has already led the team to an astonishing four straight championships, including a historic Premier Volleyball League Grand Slam.
The Far Eastern University product stepped into the role when longtime Creamline setter Jia De Guzman took her talents to Japan’s V.League in 2023, joining the Denso Airybees. The void left by De Guzman was immense, but Negrito embraced the challenge head-on, proving that the system and culture built within the team remained as formidable as ever.
Negrito’s journey to becoming one of the PVL’s top setters has been one of patience and perseverance. From being an understudy to De Guzman to becoming the team’s primary playmaker, she credits her rise to the unwavering support of her teammates and coaches.
“First of all, congratulations Ate Jia, you’re my idol, my inspiration. Siyempre, malaking tulong ito ni Coach Sherwin,” Negrito said, acknowledging the guidance of head coach Sherwin Meneses. Currently, she leads all setters in the conference with 4.50 excellent sets per game.
More than statistics, her leadership and steady presence on the court have been crucial in maintaining Creamline’s dominance. With a stacked roster of hitters, Negrito ensures everyone gets involved in the offense, keeping opposing teams on their toes.
“Yung mga teammates ko rin, grabe yung tulong nila sa morale ko. Sa court, talagang pinaparamdam nila yung tiwala nila. Buong-buo kumbaga — gawin ko yung role ko, and gagawin nila yung role nila.”
Her time spent playing behind De Guzman also played a key role in her development. Negrito absorbed the nuances of the game, sharpening her skills until the opportunity finally came for her to shine.
“Si Coach She, grabe yung patience from the very beginning hanggang ngayon,” she said. “Nakatulong na rin kasi sa tagal ko sa Creamline. Lagi na akong nandyan sa likod, nakasuporta kay Ate Jia. Sa training, sa tagal ng pinagsamahan namin, kumbaga nanood lang din ako. Nung nagkaroon ng pagkakataon, ganun din.”
Despite stepping into the spotlight, Negrito remains grounded, staying true to the system that has brought Creamline success for years.
“Wala naman akong binago — yung system namin sinunod ko. Parehas pa rin naman, volleyball pa rin naman.”
With Negrito at the helm, Creamline remains the team to beat in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, boasting a perfect 6-0 record. The Cool Smashers have extended their winning streak to 16 matches, their last defeat coming in the second round of the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
While De Guzman continues to make waves internationally, having helped Alas Pilipinas secure back-to-back bronze medals in the Southeast Asia V.League before returning to Denso, Negrito has firmly cemented herself as one of the PVL’s premier playmakers.
And as Creamline’s streak continues, so does Negrito’s evolution—from an apprentice in the shadows to a leader guiding the league’s most dominant team.
