Photo credit: PVL

What started as watching her idols on television has turned into diving for balls beside them in practice. For Jennifer Nierva, her volleyball journey has come full circle — and it’s happening in a Creamline jersey.

After Chery Tiggo disbanded, the former UAAP Best Libero suddenly found herself at a career crossroads. Then came a call that doesn’t happen often. Creamline reached out, opening the door to a rare chance to train and play daily with the very players she once admired from afar.

Nierva officially joined the Cool Smashers in the offseason, drawn not just by their championship reputation but by the opportunity to share the court with Premier Volleyball League icons Alyssa Valdez, Jia De Guzman, Michele Gumabao, and Denden Lazaro-Revilla.

For the 26-year-old National University standout, the decision felt too meaningful to pass up.

She said the chance to play alongside the country’s best doesn’t come often, and when Creamline made the move, it became a major factor in her choice.

But it wasn’t only about the big names. What truly sealed the deal was Creamline’s culture — the “family” atmosphere that players often talk about.

Nierva shared that even before she joined, she was already drawn to the environment the team was known for. She wanted to experience that sense of belonging and care, especially within the Rebisco-backed organization.

Now that she’s part of the team, the reality still feels surreal. The players she once watched on TV are now the same teammates pushing her every day in training.

There are moments, she admitted, when she pauses mid-practice and realizes she’s sharing the floor with Jia, Alyssa, Michele, and Denden — names that once existed only on her screen.

That sense of awe quickly turned into admiration as Nierva saw up close what fuels Creamline’s long-running success. She pointed to their daily work ethic, noting how even seasoned veterans continue to push themselves and remain open to learning.

Being surrounded by excellence, however, isn’t entirely new for Creamline’s newest libero. Earlier in her pro career, Nierva played alongside stars like Aby Maraño, Ara Galang, and Mylene Paat during her time with the Crossovers — an experience she now views as part of a bigger picture.

Looking back, she believes those early years prepared her for where she is today.

Nierva reflected that her journey seems carefully lined up, passing through teams filled with great players so she could learn from them. For her, there’s no better way to grow and improve than being with the best.

Every practice, she said, is something she treasures. From different work ethics to varying mindsets, she tries to absorb everything she can. Above all, she remains grateful — and fully aware — that this chapter with Creamline is one she’ll continue to cherish every single day.