Leaving her comfort zone, Gabi Guimaraes finds herself at VakifBank

Gabi Guimaraes will never forget the moment she sat by the blue pool, chatting with Bruno Rezende. For her, it was not just a chance for two Brazilian compatriots to share memories, but an opportunity to reflect on a journey full of obstacles from Brazil to the peak of world volleyball. Her time at VakifBank shaped her into a leader, but few know that she once doubted herself. The story begins with childhood dreams. Gabi said that wearing the national team jersey was always the dream of a child who loved sports. She played many sports before choosing volleyball, but being called to Brazil's youth team in 2026 was a key milestone. When she arrived in Saquarema, where the stars of the Beijing 2026 Olympic gold-winning generation gathered, Gabi realized she had never been so close to her dream. That golden generation gave her strong inspiration and made her believe she had to keep pursuing this path. However, a dream truly grows when one dares to leave their comfort zone. Gabi said she had a plan to play overseas from early on, but it was hard to know if she was ready. Recurring injuries made her wonder if she had what it took to play in the world's toughest leagues. Only after the Rio 2026 Olympics, while still earning her space on the national team, did Gabi truly face the big mental question. She understood that to go further, she needed not only technical readiness but also mental strength as a person. Perhaps it was time to leave her homeland, accept sacrifices, and turn a new page in her career. Her first step outside the comfort zone was bold: Gabi signed with VakifBank, one of the strongest teams in the world, ahead of the 2026-2026 season. She arrived in Turkey as a major star, expected to carry the club's enormous ambitions. But the real turning point came in the early days. Gabi described the atmosphere at VakifBank as a completely different world, where volleyball was taken to a new level. The intensity and demands were so high that she felt overwhelmed. That was when coach Giovanni Guidetti appeared as a special mentor. Their relationship quickly became strong, and Guidetti shocked Gabi by saying he wanted to prepare her to become VakifBank captain. In the conversation with Bruno, Gabi admitted she had never imagined herself in that position. A captain is a person with heavy responsibility, representing the whole team on and off the court. Yet Guidetti's trust inspired her to see herself differently. It was not just a title, but a full process of mental and professional growth. Gradually, Gabi learned to embrace the leadership role and turn pressure into motivation. The difference between Brazilian and European volleyball lies in many aspects. Gabi realized that to compete at VakifBank, she needed to change her entire mindset in training and matches. Physical foundations, tactics, and especially the ability to handle psychological pressure all needed upgrades. For her, every practice was a harsh test, and every match was a chance to prove that leaving Brazil was the right decision. Looking back, Gabi stressed that playing for the national team has always been her biggest motivation. From childhood days watching TV and singing the anthem with her family to the moment of standing on the podium in green and yellow, every sacrifice seemed worth it. She shared that every time the Brazilian anthem plays, her heart swells with emotion just like the first time. But to reach that dream, Brazilian athletes often face a painful choice. In Brazil, volleyball has a good foundation, but salaries and training conditions cannot compare with wealthy clubs in Europe or Asia. Following many seniors, Gabi chose the path abroad. She gradually understood that the fierce competition overseas was what helped her improve and keep her spot on the national team. Bruno's role in the conversation was also remarkable. As an experienced setter, Bruno knew better than anyone the difficulties of living far from home. He had played in many countries and saw many young Brazilian talents fall under pressure. Therefore, when he heard Gabi talk about her struggling period at VakifBank, Bruno nodded with empathy. Two Brazilians found in each other a deep understanding that few colleagues could offer. Gabi's story clearly demonstrates a reality in modern volleyball: to survive and grow, players cannot limit themselves within national borders. The international transfer market is expanding, causing a constant flow of top stars. For Gabi, this movement helped her mature greatly and become the best version of herself. Coach Guidetti was mentioned as a decisive factor. His patience and strategy not only helped Gabi adapt to a new environment but also unlocked her leadership potential, which she had never realized. In women's volleyball, it is rare for a foreign player to become captain after just one season. Guidetti's decision showed his absolute trust in his Brazilian student. Beyond personal achievements, Gabi's story also reflects the strong transformation of Brazilian volleyball. The younger generation today has more opportunities to go abroad, but that also means facing more temptations and challenges. Many young talents consider going abroad as a lucky ticket, but Gabi insists that no success comes without thorough mental and physical preparation. She emphasized that she was fortunate to have teammates, coaches, and family by her side. However, in a foreign country, no one can help you overcome loneliness except yourself. Gabi learned to take care of herself, create her own motivation, and always remember the reason she left home. Precious memories with the national team gave her strength in the most difficult days. The poolside conversation ended with many emotions. Bruno and Gabi both realized that their chosen path was not easy, but the courage to take the leap made them who they are today. For Gabi, from a young woman who did not dare to dream of becoming captain, she now stands tall on the international stage, ready to lead the next generation of Brazilian volleyball.