Creamline, the defending All-Filipino Conference champions, has undergone a series of transformations. Yet, amidst the roster shifts and unforeseen departures, one constant pillar stands tall – the unyielding trust of head coach Sherwin Meneses in every player, from the seasoned starters to the talents on the far end of the bench.
As they ventured into the Second All-Filipino Conference, Creamline faced a formidable challenge with the departure of key players Jia De Guzman and Ced Domingo, who set sail for international opportunities with the Denso Airybees and Nakhon Ratchasima, respectively. Both had left an indelible mark, earning Finals MVP awards in their recent title conquests.
The team, however, found solace in the assurance of their coach, Sherwin Meneses. Prepared for the season without the duo, the Cool Smashers displayed their resilience and determination in a pivotal Game 1 clash against Choco Mucho, securing a hard-fought victory of 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tots Carlos, the ace of the Cool Smashers, shared insights into the team's mindset: "Before Ate Jia left, we were already in that mindset. Coach made it clear that Kyle [Negrito] would be playing this season. We appreciated Coach's preparation."
Meneses' meticulous preparation and ability to instill confidence in his players became evident on the court, with Negrito stepping up to the challenge. The three-time PVL MVP, Carlos, acknowledged Meneses' unwavering belief in the team, stating, "Coach's trust is crucial. When you make a good play, he acknowledges it. His composed demeanor is remarkable. You won't see him angry. His gestures are normal, and it's quite amusing."
Meneses' steady faith in the Cool Smashers and his calm composure under pressure emerged as the driving force behind Creamline's strength, particularly in a finals series where they navigate uncharted territory without their star players. Carlos emphasized, "We truly appreciate him. Regardless of the momentum, he never questions us. He is the source of our composure, and that's what we are most grateful for."
As Creamline forges ahead in its title-defense journey, the unwavering trust and composed leadership of Coach Meneses continue to illuminate their path, proving that resilience and unity can prevail even in the face of significant challenges.
