Some athletes retire quietly. Aby Marano's goodbye hit different, and volleyball fans all over the Philippines felt it.
.jpg "Aby Marano posing in her Philippine national volleyball team jersey")
Photo: Instagram / abymaranoWhy did Aby Marano retire from volleyball?
Marano's contract with the Nxled Chameleons in the Premier Volleyball League had ended, and instead of feeling excited to look for a new team, she realized she was more excited about life outside the sport. That was her sign.
But because after 22 years, alam ko na naibigay ko na ang lahat
Translation, after 22 years, she knows she gave it everything.
What did Aby Marano accomplish in her career?
A lot. During her college years at De La Salle University, she won three straight UAAP championships from Season 73 to 75, plus back to back MVP awards in Seasons 74 and 75. On the club side, she played for Meralco, Generika, Petron and F2 Logistics in the old Philippine Super Liga, then Chery Tiggo and Nxled in the PVL. She also represented the Philippine national team from 2015 to 2023, at one point serving as team captain.
How did Aby Marano describe saying goodbye?
Some goodbyes hurt more than others. And this one... hurts more than I ever imagined.
She admitted the pain feels different from anything she's felt before, even saying "Hindi ko alam kung saan ilalagay yung sakit," or that she doesn't know where to put the hurt. But she also found peace in it.
Ready na ako... after 22 years, alam kong naibigay ko na ang lahat
She looked back at everything she wanted as a young athlete, wearing the Philippine jersey, becoming a captain, inspiring others, and said she has already checked every box.
Why her message hit home for so many
Marano wrote a message to her younger self that a lot of us needed to hear too, that she can rest, that she did enough, that she was enough. Whether you're retiring from a sport, leaving a job you gave your all to, or just closing a chapter, that kind of permission to stop is rare and honestly beautiful.
Have you ever had to walk away from something you loved, even when it still hurt? Tell us how you knew it was time in the comments.
Quick answers
When did Aby Marano retire from volleyball?
Aby Marano announced her retirement from professional volleyball on September 16, 2026, after 22 years in the sport.
What are Aby Marano's biggest achievements?
She won three straight UAAP championships with De La Salle from Season 73 to 75, earned back to back MVP awards, and represented the Philippine national team from 2015 to 2023.
Why did Aby Marano decide to retire?
She said that when her contract with the Nxled Chameleons ended, she felt more excited about life outside volleyball than about finding a new team, which told her it was time.
Updated September 17, 2026. Sources and photo credits: Fashion Pulis | KAMI.COM.PH | ALL-STAR Magazine. All photos belong to their respective owners.