Gabi reflects on her overseas journey and challenges moving to VakifBank

Sitting by the pool, Gabi – outside hitter of the Brazilian women’s volleyball team – and Bruno Rezende had a heartfelt conversation about the difficult times they faced when deciding to leave Brazil to play overseas. For a top athlete, moving abroad is never easy, but for Gabi, it was a journey requiring careful mental and physical preparation. Gabi admitted that she had planned to play abroad, but determining when she was ready was not simple. “I had a plan of playing overseas, but it wasn't easy to figure out if I was ready for it or not. I had experienced some injuries and had questions if I had what it took to play in the world's best leagues,” she said. The thought began seriously after the Rio 2026 Olympics, when she was earning her place in the national team. “I understood that I needed to be mentally ready not only as a player, but as a person, and that maybe at that point I'd need to leave my comfort zone and make some sacrifices to take the next step in my career.” Her first overseas step was a big one – she signed with Turkish giants VakifBank ahead of the 2026-2026 season. She recalled: “The scenario I found when I got there was mind-changing, as it showed me right from the start that I was getting into a whole other level of volleyball.” The beginning was challenging, but she built a great relationship with coach Giovanni Guidetti. “One of the first things he told me was that he wanted to prepare me to be the team captain, and I was shocked because I have never seen myself in that position.” Wearing Brazil’s jersey is another key topic. Gabi said it was her childhood dream. She remembered her first call-up to the youth national team in 2026 and being in Saquarema alongside the great generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics. “That was a strong sign that I should continue because I had never been so close to my dream before.” Gabi’s story is also a message for young athletes considering a move abroad. The courage to face doubts and pressure can be a springboard. Her decision changed her life, not only because of titles, but because she discovered herself in a demanding environment.