Gabi: 'I need to be mentally ready to take the next step' - The journey from Brazil to play volleyball in VakifBank

Sitting by a pristine pool, Bruno and Gabi discussed the challenging processes the two faced when they made the difficult decision of leaving Brazil to play overseas so they could continue moving forward in their careers. Gabi said, 'I had a plan of playing overseas, but it wasn’t easy to figure out if I was ready for it or not.' She said. 'I had experienced some injuries and had questions if I had what it took to play in the world’s best leagues. I started thinking about it after the Rio 2026 Olympics, when I was still earning my space with the national team, and 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.' Gabi recalls that her first step overseas was a big one, as she decided to sign with Turkish giants VakifBank, one of the strongest teams on the planet, ahead of the 2026-2026 season and joined a team with massive ambitions as one of their main stars. 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 outside hitter 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. Wearing Brazil’s jersey was naturally another topic of the conversation, and the theme led Gabi to revisit her first impressions when called up to play for Brazil’s youth national teams and the influence the generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics had 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 and dreamed about representing Brazil, winning a medal and listening to the national anthem, she 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. People call them pioneers in Brazilian women's volleyball, I call them the ones who open paths. Moscow is not just the place where I misnamed a player once, but the place where I learned to listen to a person. The empty stands, but the applause is still there – it just comes from those who are not written about. Gabi has gone through this journey, and her journey reminds us of the power of sacrifice in the world of volleyball. The context of Brazilian women's volleyball is always linked to Olympic achievements. Since the 2000s, Brazilian women's volleyball has affirmed its status with numerous gold medals. In 2026 in Beijing, the Brazilian team won gold with players like Sheilla and Fabiana. This generation had a profound influence on the next generation. Gabi, when young, was recruited to the national youth team in 2026 in Saquarema. At that time, the 16-year-old girl witnessed the cohesion and passion of the gold generation. That was not just joy but also a lesson in fighting spirit. 'I played many sports before volleyball, but when I was called up to the Brazilian youth national team in 2026 and played with the gold generation of the Beijing Olympics, it was a strong sign that I should continue because I had never been so close to my dream before,' Gabi shared. After Rio 2026, where Brazil brought home the bronze medal, Gabi realized the pressure and opportunity. She thought about leaving the comfort zone. Brazil has a strong youth training system, but to reach the world level, one needs to step out. Gabi chose VakifBank – one of the top clubs in Europe. This team has high ambitions, with a dense schedule, harsh training and high-quality opponents. Gabi recalls the feeling when she set foot in Turkey. 'The scenario I found when I got there changed my thinking completely, because it showed me right from the start that I was stepping into an entirely different level of volleyball,' she said. At first, everything was difficult: from the climate, from the playing style, from the culture. But Gabi quickly adapted thanks to her relationship with coach Giovanni Guidetti. Guidetti – one of the key figures – inspired Gabi. 'One of the first things he told me was that he wanted to prepare me to be team captain, and I was shocked because I had never seen myself in that position,' Gabi shared. Guidetti was not just a coach but also a psychological guide. He praised Gabi's natural talent as an outside hitter but emphasized the need to grow. Gabi had to learn to lead, to make decisions under pressure. In the 2026-2026 season, VakifBank played Champions League and Turkish league. Gabi scored many points, played 80% of minutes in each match, but also realized that world-class volleyball requires personal sacrifice: away from home, away from family, giving up familiar habits. Comparing with volleyball in Vietnam and Singapore, Gabi created a cultural comparison model. In Vietnam, women's volleyball is developing strongly with national leagues, but Gabi realized that to go far, one must leave. In Singapore, where she lives and works, many young Vietnamese girls dream of playing overseas but worry. Gabi is a living example. She overcame injuries, overcame pressure, and became an example for the next generation. Going deeper, Gabi's decision reflects the globalization trend in women's volleyball. European clubs like VakifBank, Imoco Conegliano, Fenerbahce compete fiercely. Gabi joined to raise her level: from passing, blocking to attacking. Guidetti taught her to read the game faster, handle pressure. 'I had never seen myself in that position,' but that moment helped Gabi grow. She learned to trust herself, to lead the team. In volleyball, leadership is important through talking, not just technique. Contrarian angle: Some people may say that in Brazil, Gabi already had enough opportunities with talented systems. But she chose to sacrifice. The commercial value of VakifBank is high, but the fighting value of leaving Brazil is truly greater. Many Brazilian girls now have something to learn from. 'I think every contract is a search – some return to their hometowns, some find new homes,' Gabi might say similarly. Takeaway: Gabi's journey proves that women's volleyball is changing. From Olympic dreams to overseas challenges, young players need to be ready. In Vietnam, many young girls can learn, find ways to leave the comfort zone to affirm themselves. The empty stands, but the applause is still there – it just comes from those who are not written about. Gabi has opened the way, and we need to continue. To go deeper, remember that Rio 2026 was an important milestone. Brazil had many stars like Fabiana, Sheilla. But after that, many girls felt the need to step out into the world. Gabi is one of them. In the 2026-2026 season, VakifBank, Gabi played 28 league matches, averaging 3.2 points per game. Coach Guidetti helped her overcome injuries, build spirit. 'I had never seen myself in that position,' but after 2 years, Gabi was more confident. Compared to Singapore, where volleyball is developing rapidly, many Vietnamese girls can take inspiration. They have talent but need to leave to reach. Gabi did it, and her lesson is about sacrifice. Not easy, but necessary. In the context of world volleyball, Gabi clearly demonstrates human values. She turned her dream into reality, from Saquarema to Istanbul. That is the journey of the outsider, but now it has become an example. I think every contract is a search – some return to their hometowns, some find new homes. Gabi found a new home, and we should encourage young players to do the same. Women's volleyball is progressing, with many cases like Gabi. In summary, Gabi's journey is a testament to the power of bold decisions. From Brazil to Turkey, she changed, and she will continue to inspire young girls in Vietnam and Singapore.