Kim Gequillana retires from volleyball at 23

FILE – Kim Gequillana.

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo alum Kim Gequillana is calling it a career at 23 years old.

The versatile spiker, who last played for Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, said in the Globally Ballin podcast that she will be pursuing a post-graduate degree, prompting her to leave the sport.

“Volleyball has been a big part of my life. With that said, I want to tell everyone that I am retiring,” said Gequillana. “I’ve also thought of exploring what I want besides volleyball and I was planning to go back to school, to apply. I don’t want to jinx it yet so wait, hold your horses.”

Gequillana was part of the Lady Eagles team who won the championships in Seasons 76 and 77 with Alyssa Valdez.

She then added another in Season 81 helping Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, and Bea De Leon.

Although she was part of Ateneo’s first title run, Gequillana skipped playing in Season 81 and was instead inserted as part of the team’s staff.

“I’ve given it enough time to think about it and I really can’t do both since I would wanna do my best in both. I don’t wanna play halfheartedly if I still play and then juggling with my studies,” said Gequillana.

“When I commit, I give my 100-percent and I don’t think I can risk one thing over the other. And I feel that I’m content with my volleyball career in a way because it has brought me to the place that I have to be. My next chapter awaits and I’m really grateful.”