“No expectations”: Nica Celis keeping her feet on the ground after breakout performance for Creamline

The second Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft took place on Sunday, June 8, at Novotel Manila in Quezon City, drawing excitement and anticipation from fans eager to see the league’s next wave of stars.

While University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Bella Belen was the expected first overall pick by the Capital1 Solar Spikers, one of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers selected University of the Philippines captain Nica Celis as the 23rd overall pick.

Celis has yet to receive extended court time this season, but she made the most of her opportunity during Creamline’s 23–25, 25–23, 25–23, 25–17 win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the ongoing PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, October 28, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.

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In just two sets, the rookie tallied five points and impressed with her composure. Speaking after the match, Celis said she is keeping herself grounded and focused on learning from the veterans around her.

“Honestly, mindset ko is never expect anything. I always have to be ready; I just have to keep working. If I expect too much and I don’t get what I want, masakit. So at the end of the day, no expectations, trabaho lang,” she said.

Nica Celis earns kind words from import Courtney Schwan.

“Everyday in practice she’s very focused on getting better and she’s very diligent, and you can tell that she’s focused on the things she needs to do better,” she said regarding the Creamline rookie. #PVL2025 @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/isB1fk6Z6s

— Kennedy Caacbay (@kennedyzcaacbay) October 28, 2025

Star American import Courtney Schwan commended Celis for her diligence and work ethic in practice, expressing joy that the young player’s effort translated into strong in-game performance.

“Every day in practice, Nica is very focused on getting better. She’s very diligent, and you can tell that she’s focused on the things she needs to do better. I’m very happy for her that she had a really good game after all the hard work she’s put in,” Schwan shared.

Celis admitted that Schwan’s kind words moved her to tears, calling it one of the most rewarding moments of her budding PVL career.

“I was surprised, actually. Nung sinabi niya ‘yun, medyo nag-build up na ‘yung tears sa eyes. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na ma-appreciate ‘yung work na nilalagay ko sa court,” Celis said.

The rookie knows this is only the beginning of her PVL journey and remains determined to keep improving.

“I still have to keep working. Parang ‘yun lang ‘yung motivation ko — na naglaro ako ganito, I know mas tataas pa ‘yung expectations sa akin. But either way, I have to focus and not think about what they want from me, but how I can strive to do more to help my team,” she concluded.

With the win, Creamline improved to 3–2 in Pool B, climbing to second place as they look to sustain their form deep into the conference.

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