After more than two decades on the volleyball court, former De La Salle University standout Aby Maraño has officially announced her retirement from the sport.
On her social media page, Aby, also known as Tyang Aby, looked back on her 22-year journey in volleyball and opened up about the difficult decision to end her professional career.
“Some goodbyes hurt more than others. And this one…hurts more than I ever imagined. 🥹🫂,” she wrote. “Today, with a heart that is both incredibly heavy and incredibly grateful, I am announcing my retirement from professional volleyball. Hindi ito isang overnight decision.”
Aby shared that ending her professional career was a painful choice, but one in which she ultimately found peace.
“For 22 years, ito ang mundo ko. At matagal ko nang alam na darating ang araw na kailangan kong isara ang kabanata bilang propesyunal na manlalaro ng balibol sa bansa. Mas masakit pa to sa pakikipagbreak sa tao, sobrang sakit,” she admitted.
“Hindi ko alam kung saan ilalagay yung sakit. But when that moment finally came, somewhere between the tears and the sadness, may isang bagay akong naramdaman na hindi ko rin ine-expect: KAPAYAPAAN.”
For the volleyball player,the decision came at the right time as she felt she had already given everything she could to the sport throughout her long career.
“Ready na ako. Hindi dahil hindi ko na mahal ang volleyball. Hindi dahil hindi ko na kayang maglaro. But because after 22 years, alam kong naibigay ko na ang lahat. Wala na akong hinahabol pa sa karera ko. Nasulit ko na. Naibuhos ko na. At higit sa lahat, wala akong ‘what ifs.’
BINUHOS KO LAHAT
LAHAT.
LAHAT,” she continued.
She then expressed her gratitude to the people who became part of her journey, from her family and coaches to her teammates, opponents, friends, and supporters.
“Everyone who became part of this incredible journey, maraming, maraming salamat. Salamat sa bawat cheer, sa bawat kritisismo, sa mahihigpit na yakap, sa lahat ng mga aral, sa bawat ‘Aby, kaya mo ’yan.’ At sa bawat pagkakataong naniwala kayo sa akin. Kayo ang kasama kong sumulat ng kuwentong ito.”
Aby also dedicated a message to her younger self, who dreamed of becoming a volleyball player 22 years ago.
“Look at you. You made it. Nakapaglaro ka para sa Pilipinas. Nasuot mo ang jersey na minsan pinapangarap mo lang. Naging team captain ka. Naging inspirasyon ka ng ibang tao. Nakipaglaban ka sa mga laban na hindi mo akalaing malalampasan mo. Nadapa ka. Umiyak ka. Bumangon ka. At higit sa lahat, ibinigay mo ang lahat.
Kaya ngayon, little girl…
you can rest.
You did enough.
You were enough.
And finally all is well now.
Thank you, volleyball. 🏐,” she said.
Aby expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sport that became a huge part of her life.
“Thank you for the most beautiful 22 years of my life as a player. And now, with a grateful heart, no regrets, and so much excitement for what lies ahead. It’s time to turn the page to the next chapter. Forever your Tyang Aby. 🤍🏐.”
Aby was a three-time UAAP champion and two-time MVP during her collegiate career with De La Salle University. She went on to represent the Philippine women’s national volleyball team, serving as team captain from 2018 until she signed off in 2023.
She also played for several teams throughout her professional career, including the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, and Nxled Chameleons among others.
In a previous post, Aby shared how volleyball has shaped who she is as a person.
“Volleyball has given me so much more than medals and memories — it has shaped my character, tested my resilience, and taught me to keep showing up even on the hardest days. This sport has been my greatest teacher and one of my deepest loves. 🏐,” she said.