Filipina volleyball player Aby Maraño hangs up her jersey. PVL Images/file
MANILA — Aby Maraño has retired from volleyball, she announced Wednesday in a lengthy post on social media.
Maraño last played for the Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), bringing the curtain down on a decorated 22-year career.
"Some goodbyes hurt more than others. And this one… hurts more than I ever imagined," said the former national team captain.
"For 22 years, I woke up knowing exactly what I had to do. I gave volleyball my youth — I surrendered myself. Dito ko natutunan ang disiplina, lakas ng loob, kumpiyansa, teamwork, leadership, at kung paano lumaban kahit gaano kahirap," she said.
Maraño shared how painful it was to part ways with the sport she dearly loved, describing it as even more difficult than breaking up with a partner.
"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," the veteran middle blocker said.
READ: Pro volleyball player Aby Maraño urges breaking of stereotypes surrounding esports
Despite the pain of stepping away, Maraño said she was ready for the next chapter of her life, knowing she had given everything to the sport.
"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.'"
READ: Volleyball: Aby Marano retires from national team duty
Maraño was a three-time UAAP champion and a two-time MVP during her collegiate career with De La Salle University. She went on to represent the Philippine women's national volleyball team, eventually taking on the role of team captain.
She also played for multiple clubs throughout her professional career, with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, Chery Tiggo Crossovers, and Nxled Chameleons among her final teams.
"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," she said.
Relive some of Maraño's highlights with ABS-CBN Sports.