Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses has always believed in building a team with strength in depth — and in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft, he doubled down on that philosophy by reinforcing one of the most crucial positions on the court.
With the 12th overall pick, the Cool Smashers selected Sheena Toring, a decorated middle blocker from National University, followed by another promising prospect in University of the Philippines' Nica Celis at No. 23 — two young standouts poised to fortify Creamline’s already stacked middle unit.
“Siyempre, napaka-importante nung middle sa’min ngayon sa PVL On Tour kasi yung ibang middle namin, medyo hindi pa nakaka-ensayo,” Meneses said. “Mas maganda na yung marami kaysa konti. I think deserve naman ng mga middle na mapunta dito sa Creamline.”
Toring, who played under Meneses during the most recent UAAP season, brings not just size and quickness, but also familiarity with the Cool Smashers’ system. The timing couldn’t be more perfect — her availability at No. 12 was, in Meneses' words, a stroke of luck.
“Oo nga, medyo lucky kami kasi umabot si Sheena sa sa’min so maipagpapatuloy namin yung nasimulan namin sa NU kasi bago nga lang ako du’n,” he shared.
“Malaking bagay talaga si Sheena sa’min, especially yung leadership niya at experience niya sa paglalaro, medyo mataas na talaga,” he added.
Creamline’s current rotation of middle blockers includes seasoned names such as PVL Season Best Middle Blocker Bea De Leon, Jeanette Panaga, Lorie Bernardo, and Pau Soriano — all veterans who have contributed heavily to the franchise’s sustained success. But with some of them still easing back into full training, adding fresh legs and hungry talent like Toring and Celis offers both insurance and potential firepower.
“Medyo okay naman sila. Lahat nagte-therapy pero may mga restrictions yung ensayo nila,” Meneses revealed. “Mas maganda na mas maraming nag-eensayo sa team. I think mga nasa 60 to 70 percent na sila.”
While Toring’s pedigree speaks volumes — having anchored NU’s front line for multiple UAAP seasons — Celis brings a different yet equally valuable dynamic. Her athleticism stood out to the Creamline coaching staff, who see her as a flexible piece for their ever-evolving system.
“Very athletic kasi si Celis,” said Meneses. “I think napaka-importante sa Creamline na athletic ka, na pwede ka sa iba-ibang positions. Hindi ka man magamit sa position na 'yun, maybe sa ibang position pwede. Napaka-athletic talaga nu’n so bagay siya sa Creamline.”
Creamline’s emphasis on versatility has long been a trademark of its program. From Alyssa Valdez’s court leadership to the adaptability of players like Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, the Cool Smashers thrive on players who can step into different roles and still deliver elite performance.
The inclusion of both Toring and Celis, therefore, is not merely about increasing numbers — it's about sustaining the high level of execution Creamline is known for, especially with the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference just around the corner.
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