MANILA, Philippines – Sheena Toring and Nica Celis were selected by the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, adding a promising boost of youth and depth to their already strong lineup. Creamline’s frontline, which has already been among the most formidable in the league, is anticipated to be strengthened by both sportsmen, who are renowned for their leadership and on-court acumen.

In the draft, Toring, a talented middle blocker from National University, was chosen 12th overall. Sherwin Meneses, who coached her collegiate squad in the UAAP, is her new head coach once she joined the Creamline system. She brings to Creamline a player who is already familiar with the demands of elite volleyball. She has demonstrated her abilities in a variety of high-pressure situations, having played a significant role in NU’s three championship runs. Her presence near the net, at six feet tall, gives the Cool Smashers an additional layer of defense and scoring potential as an attacker and blocker.

Toring received multiple honors during her time in college, including “Second Best Middle Blocker” in UAAP Seasons 84 and 87. Her performances were distinguished by timing, tactical execution, and consistency—qualities that Creamline places a high importance on in its method. She led her side to the finals with six blocks on her birthday in a semifinal match, one of her most memorable performances. Coaches and commentators alike have praised her mental tenacity and capacity to rise when things get tough.

Getting a young, seasoned athlete like Toring helps Creamline meet its needs now and in the future. She helps ensure the team’s long-term competitiveness by providing defensive presence and rotation flexibility in addition to acting as a link to a new generation of players. Being a member of a squad that includes seasoned players like Pangs Panaga, Bea De Leon, Michele Gumabao, and Alyssa Valdez, Toring is expected to contribute immediately and assimilate the team ethos.

Nica Celis, who was chosen 23rd overall, was the captain of the University of the Philippines’ team. Despite receiving less awards on her own than some of her peers, Celis was respected for her perseverance, focus on the team, and outspoken leadership. Perseverance and leading UP to its most competitive seasons in previous years characterized her undergraduate career. Creamline appreciates her energy, communication, and accountability in addition to her court prowess.

Celis is renowned for her versatility and strong work ethic. She often filled several responsibilities at UP in response to the demands of her team. Her presence was essential to preserving team cohesiveness even though she didn’t always lead in statistics. She now joins a winning culture at Creamline, where she might advance her growth through coach Meneses’ championship system and veteran mentorship. She is regarded as a versatile player that can fill in when necessary, whether it be to strengthen rotations, spell starters, or provide energy.

Creamline’s continuous goal of creating enduring depth while upholding quality is followed by the inclusion of both rookies. Ten-time PVL champions the Cool Smashers have dominated the competition thanks to a blend of solid teamwork, adaptability in their positions, and reliable play. Adding Toring and Celis guarantees that the team can manage player workloads, sustain intensity throughout the season, and cultivate future leaders from within, especially because several veteran players are still playing at the highest levels.

The franchise’s longtime spokesperson, Alyssa Valdez, has publicly endorsed the addition of fresh talent. On the inside, the team appreciates the vitality and new outlook that younger players provide. According to Creamline’s management, preserving a championship culture requires striking a balance between seasoned leadership and fresh excitement. Being in a system that supports its players’ skill and mental preparation benefits both Toring and Celis.

College volleyball can be a difficult transition to the professional ranks, but Creamline provides one of the most secure settings for young athletes to succeed. It is anticipated that Toring and Celis will mesh well under the direction of Coach Meneses, a coach renowned for his focus on the fundamentals and player-centered coaching. The learning curve is lowered by their knowledge with structured systems, particularly Toring’s earlier work under Meneses.