ILAGAN, ISABELA – Surrounded by a sea of fans inside the Capital Arena, Courtney Schwan wasn’t just feeling the love — she was at the center of it.
Fresh off her post-match TV interview following Creamline’s dominant win over Galeries Tower, Schwan scanned the roaring crowd and asked for a little more time to meet fans waiting courtside for photos and autographs.
In an instant, however, the scene turned chaotic as fans broke through security, swarming the court and forcing her to retreat.
Yet before slipping through the press room doors, Schwan paused for one last moment, kneeling to smile for a photo with two children who had waited the longest — a simple gesture that brought smiles to everyone who witnessed it.
(C) PVL Images
“It was so loud in there,” said the American reinforcement, who played in all three sets and finished with a game-high 14 points.
“Even after the game, we were trying to do the interview, and I couldn’t hear anything because the fans are so supportive and just excited to be here.”
It was Schwan’s first out-of-town game, and it turned out to be one she would never forget — thanks to the overwhelming warmth and energy of the Ilagueños, who made sure the Cool Smashers’ star felt right at home.
The 29-year-old winger from the University of Washington said she couldn’t wait to return, promising to carry the same love and energy for the rest of the conference.
“I think this is the first time we’ve come here,” she said.
“It’s a very warm welcome, and I hope the league decides to come back because it’s been a phenomenal experience.”
