Gabi and the moment of leaving her comfort zone: From fear to the VakifBank captaincy

On a quiet afternoon by the pool, two Brazilian volleyball legends, Bruno and Gabi, sat down to talk. Their conversation was not only about beautiful plays or titles, but also about difficulties, sleepless nights, and life-changing decisions. In the serene space, Gabi opened up about her journey of leaving her homeland to conquer new heights—a decision that required the most courage in her career. This is a story few fans know: behind the image of one of the world's top hitters is a girl who once doubted herself. Gabi shared: "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." The moment she realized she needed to change came to Gabi after the Rio 2026 Olympics. At that time, she was still earning her space with the national team and understood that she needed to be mentally ready, not only as a player, but as a person. "Maybe at that point I'd need to leave my comfort zone and make some sacrifices to take the next step in my career," she recalled. Gabi's first step was a big jump: she decided to sign with Turkish giants VakifBank ahead of the 2026-2026 season. It was one of the strongest teams on the planet, with massive ambitions and demanding requirements. Gabi arrived as one of their main stars, but what she found there completely changed her mindset. "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," Gabi reflected. "It was really challenging and demanding at the start. I built a great relationship with Guidetti (Giovanni, head coach), and he was incredibly important for me. 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." That moment marked a turning point in Gabi's career. From a girl who always questioned herself, she was given the responsibility to lead a star-studded team. It was not only recognition of talent but also an affirmation from a mentor she respected. Under Guidetti's guidance, Gabi developed tremendously, not only technically but also in leadership skills. But the journey to VakifBank was not just a professional move. For Gabi, it was also a return to her childhood dreams. Wearing Brazil's jersey was another natural topic in the conversation with Bruno. Gabi revisited her first impressions when called up to Brazil's youth national teams and the influence of the golden generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics on her career. "To play for the national team is really a childhood dream and it brings me back to my youth because I always loved watching and playing sports," Gabi said. "I played many sports before volleyball, but when I was first called up to Brazil's youth national team in 2026 and got to be in Saquarema alongside that incredible generation that won the Beijing Olympics, that was a strong sign that I should continue because I had never been so close to my dream before." Gabi's story reflects a larger reality in modern professional sports: the movement of athletes between countries, clubs, and cultures has become inevitable. For Brazilian women's volleyball, the overseas migration of top stars is no longer unfamiliar. But for each individual, it is a unique story full of tears, worries, and pride. When Gabi shared her fears before leaving Brazil, she broke a stereotype that many fans hold: that top athletes are always confident and never doubt themselves. In fact, even the biggest stars have had moments of uncertainty at crossroads. It is that vulnerability that made them stronger. Looking back at what Gabi achieved after more than three years wearing VakifBank colors, it is clear that the bold decision took her to a new level. She became one of the world's best outside hitters, contributing to the Turkish club's conquest of many prestigious titles at the Club World Championship and the European Champions League. Under Guidetti, Gabi became not only an athlete but also a leader who inspires teammates through diligence and humility. But behind the titles, there is a bigger lesson Gabi wants to convey, especially to young athletes: the path to achieving dreams is never a straight line. It is full of curves, obstacles, and moments of self-doubt. However, without the courage to step out of the comfort zone, one will never know what can be achieved. Interestingly, Gabi also shared that becoming VakifBank captain was not only an honor but also a great challenge. "I have never seen myself in that position," she admitted. But it was Guidetti who saw potential in her that she herself did not recognize. He helped her discover a new version of herself, a stronger and more resolute one. This shows the role of a mentor in every athlete's career. Not only as a technical instructor, but also as someone who instills confidence and shapes character. Guidetti not only prepared Gabi to become a captain on the court but also a person capable of facing pressure, inspiring teammates, and making difficult decisions in crucial moments. The conversation between two friends, two colleagues Bruno and Gabi, though told by the pool, contains so much thought and reflection. It reminds us that behind every shiny medal are silent sacrifices, tears no one sees, and brave decisions made in the shadow of fear. Gabi has taught us that readiness does not come from waiting for everything to be perfect. It comes from courageously facing doubts and stepping into a new land when still trembling inside. It is in the most adventurous moments that we often find the strongest version of ourselves. When watching Gabi soar at the net, hitting balls with immense power, few would think she was once a young girl full of anxiety in Rio. But it was that anxiety that forged her into a warrior who constantly overcomes herself. And that is the deepest message from this conversation: behind every great success is a long series of small but brave decisions. Leaving Brazil, accepting a new environment, learning to adapt, and then shining requires a quiet courage stronger than any spike. Gabi has proven that the greatest limits often lie in our minds. When she said "I didn't know if I was ready," she was at a turning point that everyone experiences in life. What makes the difference is not the absence of fear, but daring to face that fear to move forward. For volleyball fans, Gabi's story is an endless source of inspiration. It shows the value of trusting the process, being grateful to teachers, and always keeping a heart hungry to go far. From personal fear to the captaincy of one of the world's best teams, Gabi's journey proves that greatness is built from humble yet persistent choices. Today, sitting by the pool with Bruno, Gabi can look back at everything with a satisfied smile. She not only left Brazil to become a star, but she also left behind the insecurity of a young girl to find a warrior with an iron will. That is the most beautiful journey, not only in sports but also in life.