2024 PSA Awards Miss Volleyball awardee Tots Carlos with the PVL Press Corps. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos is grateful to share the honor with her teammates at Creamline Cool Smashers after she was crowned as the newest Miss Volleyball in the Philippines Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards night on Tuesday at Diamond Hotel.
After a successful 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season with two championships out of three conferences, Carlos was feted alongside fellow Cool Smashers Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Kyle Negrito, who graced the awards night and received Creamline’s citation.
“Just like I always, I am always grateful for all the recognition that our team receives. I’m so happy to be part of this team. Champion players and champion team,” Carlos told reporters in Filipino. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for my teammates and the people behind this team. I am so thankful to Creamline and the whole volleyball community.”
READ: Tots Carlos and Creamline Cool Smashers ready to extend dynastic PVL reign
Valdez, a three-time PSA Miss Volleyball awardee, passed the torch to Carlos, who not only shone for Creamline but also played for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year.
The Creamline captain believes this is is just the first of many recognitions for the 25-year-old wing spiker.
“I’m very proud of her. It’s always an honor to be alongside amazing women like Tots, who is representing the country very well also,” Valdez said. “I can’t really wait to see her grow more and improve her skills more and to be Miss Volleyball for the longest time.”
READ: PVL: Creamline stars excited to see newcomers shine
Tots Carlos joined Valdez as the only three-time PVL MVP in the first All-Filipino Conference last year when she was converted from opposite hitter to open spiker and still won the title despite the latter’s knee injury. Creamline settled for runner-up after losing to Japanese club Kurashiki Ablaze in the Invitational Conference final.
The Cool Smashers came out with a vengeance in the second All-Filipino Conference, completing a 15-game sweep for its seventh PVL title as Carlos emerged as the Finals MVP after beating sister team Choco Mucho in the championship series.
After a banner year, Carlos vows to continue helping Creamline achieve more this 2024 season, where they will have new teammates in Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla.
“We’re still working on the system and the team. We’re just always ready to give our best every game and we’re always ready to play our hearts out for the people,” she said.