Salak steps away from volleyball in ‘long overdue retirement’

Philippine Army’s Tina Salak. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A legend of Philippine volleyball is stepping out of the court.

Tina Salak, arguably the greatest setter of numerous generations, played her final game of volleyball Thursday at San Juan Arena in the bronze medal match between F2 Logistics and RC Cola Army in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix.

This marks the culmination of Salak’s 23-year playing career that saw her win three medals in three Southeast Asian Games and numerous trophies across different leagues.

Salak has mentioned her retirement for several years now but her duties with Philippine Army had stood in her way of stepping away from the sport.

“This is long overdue, since I’m tied with the Philippine Army,” said the 40-year-old setter. “You all know that we’re not only athletes, we’re also soldiers so once the higher-ups tell us to play we will play.”

Salak, however, has one request from her officers.

“I just hope that they understand since this retirement is long overdue. I hope they understand I’m tired; physically I can’t do this anymore and there are times when I just don’t want to wake up for our training.”