Valdez on Coco: She’s a Cool Smasher
Creamline isn’t just thrilled to have Courtney Schwan on the roster—it’s grateful to call her one of its own.
Schwan powered the Cool Smashers to a four-set win over Petro Gazz, exacting revenge on their All-Filipino Finals tormentor with a 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20 triumph on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. She scored 27 points, sealing Creamline’s first victory in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
Captain Alyssa Valdez, who tallied 14 points, 14 digs and 13 excellent receptions, praised the composure and leadership Schwan brought—especially after a tough five-set opening loss to Akari.
“Coco is very mature and experienced,” Valdez said in Filipino. “You could see how composed she was in that crucial stretch of the fourth set. It’s great to have a teammate who can lift the team and bring out the best in all of us.”
Valdez said Schwan’s no-nonsense style helps anchor the team’s veteran core.
“She gives so much helpful advice—little things that matter. She’s very straightforward. That’s why open communication works well for us. She really owned that moment,” Valdez added.
Though new to the team, the 6-foot-2 American outside spiker—formerly of the Orlando Valkyries in Major League Volleyball—has embraced Creamline’s winning culture.
“She’s not a reinforcement. She’s a Creamline Cool Smasher,” said Valdez.
Schwan scored 26 points in her PVL debut against Akari and kept pace against Petro Gazz with 24 kills, three blocks, and 16 excellent receptions, helping Creamline even its Pool B record at 1-1.
“I’m feeling better every day,” Schwan said. “We’re adding new things—more backrow plays, better connections with the setters. I feel great with the team right now.”
Coach Sherwin Meneses noted Schwan’s impact even at practice.
“She’s super competitive, not just during games but in training,” Meneses said. “She pushes everyone to be better. Her experience is a big asset. She’s a complete player, and we’re just beginning to see what she can do.”
Creamline heads to Ilagan City next to face winless Galeries Tower, with Schwan at the forefront of their bounce-back campaign.
