Creamline continued to strengthen its roster by adding veteran playmaker Rhea Villarete ahead of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, the team announced on Sunday.
Villarete last played for PLDT during the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference before taking a leave of absence in subsequent conferences to focus on her personal life.
The 34-year-old setter brings a wealth of experience to an already-loaded Cool Smashers squad, which will face Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC and Jordan’s Al-Naser in Pool A of the AVC Champions League.
“Mga ka-vibes, let’s all welcome Rhea Villarete sa Creamline Cool Smashers!” the team said in a Facebook post. “A multi-awarded setter na magbibigay sa atin ng good vibes! We are so happy to have you here Rhea, and we’re looking forward na mapanood kang maglaro with the team.”
Villarete was already spotted training with Creamline in an Instagram story shared by Michele Gumabao.
Her arrival comes just days after American import Erica Staunton returned to the Philippines to bolster the team for the upcoming international tournament, which will take place at the Philsports Arena from April 20 to 27.
Villarete joins a setter rotation that includes Kyle Negrito, Mafe Galanza, and Bea Bonafe.
