TEAM PLAYER
Carlos tips hat to Cool Smashers teammates
Tots Carlos credited her teammates for pushing her to play her best during Creamline’s successful run in the Premier Volleyball League last year.
Standing out in a squad stacked with stars was an impressive feat that made the Cool Smashers winger a cut above the rest as she was feted Miss Volleyball during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards held Monday at the Diamond Hotel.
Carlos’ stellar performance in the year that passed earned her the right to join the elite club of volleyball greats that have received the honor from the country’s oldest media organization.
The 25-year-old opposite spiker, however, deflected all the credit of her career milestone to her teammates.
“Just like I always say, I’m grateful for all the recognition the team has received, that each one of us has received, recognition that I have received,” Carlos said.
“I’m happy that I get to play with them. Champion players, champion team. I’m now where I am right now if not for my teammates and everyone in the team. I’m thankful to Creamline, everyone in the volleyball community, the fans, (Creamline) management for their never-ending support.”
Carlos was joined by teammates skipper Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, setter Kyle Negrito and team manager Alan Acero during the awards rites attended by the Philippines sports’ cream of the crop.
Creamline also received a citation for volleyball excellence after winning two of the three conferences in the 2023 PVL season.
The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player Carlos saw her name listed in the PSA Miss
Volleyball circle along with Valdez, who was feted thrice, Aby Marano, Dawn Macandili, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago and Sisi Rondina.
“I’m very happy that we get recognized for all the hard work of the team, each one of us,” she said.
“I’m also very grateful because who would have known that I’ll get to win this kind of award.”
Carlos displayed versatility and willingness to take the leadership role when Valdez had to skip the 1st All-Filipino Conference due to a knee injury.
She took over her spot at the wing and proved that she could flourish even in an outside hitter role as Carlos led the Cool Smashers to the title. She won the conference MVP and 1st Best Outside Spikers awards as bonuses.
Although Creamline fell short in annexing the mid-season Invitational Conference, Carlos led the Rebisco club to a runner-up finish behind Japanese team Kurashiki Ablaze while bagging the Best Opposite Hitter honor.
Carlos again was instrumental in Creamline’s tournament sweep of the 2nd All-Filipino Conference and was named Finals MVP.
Valdez, who was PSA’s Miss Volleyball from 2014 to 2016, was elated seeing her dyed-haired teammate accept the prestigious accolade.
“Well, I’m very proud of her. I mean like, it’s always such an honor to be alongside amazing women like Tots, who is representing the country very well,” Valdez said.
“I can’t really wait to see her grow more and improve her skills more and to be Miss Volleyball for the longest time.”
Carlos and the rest of Creamline are set to defend their AFC crown when hostilities in the 2024 PVL season begin on 20 February.
‘Just like I always say, I’m grateful for all the recognition the team has received, that each one of us has received, recognition that I have received.’