Risa Sato has parted ways with Creamline, marking the end of a fruitful six-year partnership.
On Friday morning, the Cool Smashers announced they had granted Sato’s request to be released from her contract, just a day before the start of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
“Creamline would like to inform our fans that Risa Sato has requested to be released from her contract, which is set to expire at the end of December 2024. This request for early termination, however, will still be subject to the conditions outlined in her existing contract,” Creamline’s statement began.
The PVL’s winningest team acknowledged Sato’s contributions over the years and shared that they had “granted her certain accommodations” to support her new endeavors.
“Creamline Management does acknowledge Risa’s significant contributions to the team’s success,” said the team.
“In recognition of her many years of dedicated service to the team, we have extended our understanding and utmost consideration regarding her request, granting her certain accommodations to support her as an athlete while respecting the terms of the contract.”
Coming off a championship with BaliPure in the 2017 Open Conference, the 5-foot-9 middle blocker joined Creamline for the 2018 Reinforced Conference, embarking on a long and successful stint with the Cool Smashers.
Throughout her six-year tenure with Creamline, spanning 13 conferences, Risa Sato played a vital role in helping the Rebisco-backed team secure 10 championships, seven of which came in the PVL’s professional era.
The crowning achievement of her time with Creamline was the historic Grand Slam the team clinched last season.
“On behalf of management and the entire team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Risa for her dedication and service. Her efforts and good vibes have been instrumental in our growth and success, and we hope she has gained valuable experiences during her time with us. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” the team’s statement concluded.
