Aby Maraño announces she is retiring from professional volleyball
Aby Maraño, former Philippine women’s volleyball team captain, is saying goodbye to professional volleyball after 22 years.
The 33-year-old veteran middle blocker took to her Facebook account to post a lengthy message reflecting on her long career, highlighting that the decision "hurts more than she ever imagined."
"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.
Reflecting on her career, Maraño noted that the sport granted her a life she never thought possible. It gave her the pride of wearing the national colors, a home within her teams, coaches who shaped her character, and rivals who brought out her best.
She continued, "Today, with a heart that is both incredibly heavy and incredibly grateful, I am announcing my retirement from professional volleyball."
According to her, this was not an overnight decision, given that she has done this sport for more than two decades.
"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 lamented.
"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. 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,'" she added.
While Maraño knows in her heart she is leaving nothing behind, her retirement is still painful as she is saying goodbye to her lifestyle.
"Ngunit kahit papaano, may excitement. Because there is a whole life waiting for me beyond the four corners of the court. And for the first time, I’m ready to discover what that life looks like," she highlighted.
"Natutunan ko na may mga kabanatang kailangang matapos not because they weren’t beautiful, but because they have already given you everything they were meant to give," she added.
Despite her retirement, Maraño assured that she will not completely close the door on volleyball as she will still support and advocate for the sport.
"Tyang Aby will still be there. For how many years, I served through volleyball. Ngayon, ready na akong mag-serve in a different way," she said.
She ended her message by expressing her gratitude towards her family, coaches, teammates, opponents, supporters, and everyone who became part of her incredible journey.
"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.
Maraño was former team captain of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers from 2012 to 2014. Her skills in the court led her to become a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, having won the award in the UAAP Season 74 and Season 75.
She served as the Philippine Women's Volleyball National Team's team captain and middle blocker for eight years until she moved on to become the team captain and middle blocker/hitter for the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
She later joined the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in 2024 and Nxled Chameleons in 2026.