Kyle Negrito has been nothing short of stellar since stepping into the role of Creamline’s main setter, leading the Cool Smashers to four consecutive championships in as many conferences.
The Far Eastern University standout took on the challenge of becoming the team’s playmaker when Jia De Guzman — widely regarded as one of the country’s best setters — embarked on her professional career in Japan’s V.League in 2023.
Despite the initial pressure and distractions, Negrito has risen to the occasion, guiding Creamline to a remarkable four-conference championship streak. This included a historic Grand Slam, the first in the Premier Volleyball League.
While Negrito was excelling with Creamline, De Guzman also continued to shine internationally. She helped Alas Pilipinas secure back-to-back bronze medals in the Southeast Asia V.League series before returning to her club, Denso Airybees, in Japan.
Now firmly established as one of the league’s premier setters, Negrito remains humble about her journey, attributing her success to the support of her mentors and teammates.
(C) SAVA
“First of all, congratulations Ate Jia, you’re my idol, my inspiration. Siyempre, malaking tulong ito ni Coach Sherwin,” shared Negrito, who currently leads all setters with 4.50 excellent sets per game.
“Yung mga teammates ko rin, grabe yung tulong nila sa morale ko. Sa court, talagang pinaparamdam nila yung tiwala nila. Buong-buo kumbaga — gawin ko yung role ko, and gagawin nila yung role nila.”
Negrito also praised the patience and guidance of head coach Sherwin Meneses and acknowledged the invaluable experience of watching and playing behind De Guzman over the years.
“Si Coach She, grabe yung patience from the very beginning hanggang ngayon,” said Negrito. “Nakatulong na rin kasi sa tagal ko sa Creamline. Lagi na akong nandyan sa likod, nakasuporta kay Ate Jia. Sa training, sa tagal ng pinagsamahan namin, kumbaga nanood lang din ako. Nung nagkaroon ng pagkakataon, ganun din.
She admitted, “Wala naman akong binago — yung system namin sinunod ko. Parehas pa rin naman, volleyball pa rin naman.”
Negrito’s seamless transition into the role has been pivotal for Creamline, which remains undefeated in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a 6-0 record.
The Cool Smashers have won 16 straight matches, with their last loss dating back to the second round of the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Her growth as a setter not only solidifies her place among the league’s elite but also continues to fuel Creamline’s dominance in the PVL.
