Veteran middle blocker Maika Ortiz announces retirement

FORMER Philippine women’s national volleyball team middle blocker Maika Ortiz has called time on her playing career.

Ortiz announced her retirement in a heartfelt message on Thursday night, looking back on her journey from collegiate volleyball to the national team and professional ranks.

The former UST Golden Tigresses standout most recently played for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the Premier Volleyball League.

Reflecting on her decision, Ortiz said volleyball had been a major part of her life, with years of training, competition, injuries, sacrifices and memorable experiences shaping her career.

“And now, I think it’s time to say goodbye to this chapter. . No regrets. Not even for the difficult days. I would do it all again. ,” Ortiz said.

She also credited the sport for teaching her discipline, patience, courage, humility, and the importance of hard work.

Volleyball, she added, brought her lifelong friendships, opportunities to travel, and lessons that helped shape her both as an athlete and as a person.

“I may be leaving the game, but I’m taking everything it taught me wherever I go,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz closed her message by thanking volleyball for the journey and describing her retirement as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

“A beautiful chapter comes to an end, but I’m excited for the next one. Forever grateful. Forever a volleyball player at heart. ,” Ortiz said. (Adrian Co)

The post Veteran middle blocker Maika Ortiz announces retirement first appeared on Fastbreak.

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