BY ABBY TORALBA
VOLLEYBALL star Diana Mae “Tots” Carlos was filled with gratitude after her hard work, along with the Creamline Cool Smashers, was recognized last Monday night.
Carlos was named Ms. Volleyball during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association awards night at the Diamond Hotel.
The power-hitting spiker followed in the footsteps of teammate Alyssa Valdez as Ms. Volleyball handed out by the country’s oldest media organization.
“Natuwa ako kasi iyon nga nare-recognize lahat ng hard work ng team, ng bawat isa samin and sobrang grateful ako kasi sino ba naman mag-aakala na makakakuha ako ng ganitong award,” Carlos said.
Carlos, 25, had a stellar stint last year, winning the MVP and Best Opposite Spiker awards in the PVL first All-Filipino Conference, Best Opposite Spiker in the Invitational Conference and was hailed as the finals MVP in the second All-Filipino Conference.
“Just like I always say na grateful ako palagi sa lahat ng mga recognition na natatanggap ng team, natatanggap ng bawat isa sa amin, natatanggap ko so masaya lang din ako na kasama ko sila naglalaro. Champion players, champion team,” she said. “Ako lagi kong sinasabi na hindi ako nandito kung nasan ako kung hindi dahil sa mga teammates ko and iyong mga taong bumubuo sa team.
“So, sobrang thankful ako sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Creamline, lahat ng buong volleyball community, mga fans, iyong management namin na talagang sumusuporta sa amin.”
Carlos led the Cool Smashers to two All-Filipino crowns last year and a bridesmaid finish in the Invitational meet.
Creamline is working doubly hard for the new season kicking off Feb. 20.
“We’re still working on the system and the team so, iyon din iyong lagi namin sinasabi na we’re just always ready to give our best every game,” she said. “We’re always ready to play our hearts out for the people, for the fans, lahat ng sumusuporta sa team.”
