Aby Maraño has retired from professional volleyball after a 22-year career.
The 33-year-old former Philippine women’s national team captain announced her retirement Wednesday night. She last played for the Nxled Chameleons in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
In a lengthy social media post, Maraño reflected on her two-decade journey in the sport and the difficulty of bringing her playing career to an end.
“Some goodbyes hurt more than others. And this one… hurts more than I ever imagined. For 22 years, dito ako umuwi. Dito ako natutong mangarap. Dito ako natutong matalo. Dito ako natutong bumangon. Dito ako natutong lumaban,” Maraño said.
“With a heart that is both incredibly heavy and incredibly grateful, I am announcing my retirement from professional volleyball,” she added.
Maraño said leaving volleyball was painful, but she also found peace in the decision.
“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 said.
She added that she was “ready“ to move on, not because she no longer loved volleyball or could no longer play, but because she felt she had already given everything she had to the sport.
“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,’” Maraño said.
Maraño began making her mark at De La Salle University, where she became a key player in the Lady Spikers’ successful UAAP campaign.
She helped La Salle win three consecutive UAAP women’s volleyball titles from Seasons 73 to 75 and earned back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in Seasons 74 and 75.
A three-time UAAP champion and two-time MVP, Maraño later went on to represent the Philippines in international competitions and eventually became captain of the national women’s volleyball team.
She also played for professional clubs including the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and Cignal HD Spikers before joining Nxled.
Throughout her career, Maraño became known for her aggressive blocking, competitive spirit, grit, and vocal leadership.
As she closes her career as a player, Maraño expressed gratitude for the years she spent in the sport and excitement for what comes next.
“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.
