Gabi reveals her VakifBank turning point: 'I never pictured myself as captain'

According to a conversation recently released by Volleyball World, Brazilian volleyball stars Gabi and Bruno Rezende sat down by a pristine pool to talk about the challenges of leaving Brazil to play overseas. For Gabi, that decision was not just a transfer. It was the moment she had to confront her own doubts, injuries, and the need to step outside her comfort zone. Gabi said she always planned to play abroad, but the hardest part was understanding whether she was truly ready. She had experienced injuries and questioned whether she could compete in the world's best leagues. After the Rio 2026 Olympics, while still earning her place on the national team, she realized she needed to be mentally ready, not only as a player but as a person. At that point, she understood she might have to make sacrifices and leave her comfort zone to take the next step. Her first move abroad was a big one. She signed with VakifBank, one of the strongest teams in the world, before the 2026-2026 season. The scenario she found there changed the way she thought about volleyball. It was demanding and challenging from the start. She built a strong relationship with head coach Giovanni Guidetti, who was incredibly important to her. One of the first things he told her was that he wanted to prepare her to be team captain. Gabi was shocked because she had never imagined herself in that role. Wearing Brazil's jersey was another important part of the conversation. Gabi said representing the national team was a childhood dream. In 2026, she was first called up to Brazil's youth national team and spent time in Saquarema alongside the generation that had just won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics. That moment showed her how close her dream truly was and encouraged her to keep pursuing volleyball. Gabi's journey shows that becoming a leader often starts with someone else believing in you before you believe in yourself. It also shows the importance of leaving familiar ground. For Vietnamese volleyball, her story serves as a reminder that international experience is not just about skill development. It is about learning to handle pressure, adapt to new cultures, and build a stronger mentality.