Nine years ago, Ateneo made history by completing a rare sweep of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament in Season 77, winning all 16 games with remarkable consistency, power, and determination. This achievement not only marked the beginning of Ateneo’s three-year domination but also heralded the rise of volleyball stars Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Bea de Leon, and Ella de Jesus.
The quartet, often referred to as the “fabulous four,” played pivotal roles in Ateneo’s dynasty, capturing hearts and headlines with their stellar performances. Their collective talent and charisma not only led Ateneo to unprecedented success but also contributed to the growing popularity of women’s volleyball in the Philippines.
Fast forward nearly a decade later, and the unexpected reunion of the fabulous four has sparked excitement and nostalgia among fans. This time, they find themselves together again, not in the familiar blue and white of Ateneo, but in the colors of another powerhouse squad – the Creamline Cool Smashers, seven-time champions of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, who recently made the leap from sister club and reigning runner-up Choco Mucho to Creamline for the 2024 season, expressed their disbelief at the opportunity to reunite with their Ateneo seniors on the same team after all these years. The prospect of once again sharing the court with their former teammates has reignited memories of their time together at Ateneo and stirred anticipation for the upcoming PVL season.
As the Creamline Cool Smashers gear up for another campaign, the reunion of the fabulous four serves as a reminder of the lasting bonds forged through sport and the enduring legacy of Ateneo’s volleyball dynasty.