Gabi Guimarães: Leaving her comfort zone to become a leader

In a conversation conducted by Volleyball World by the pool, Bruno Rezende and Gabi Guimarães spoke candidly about their decision to leave Brazil to play internationally. For Gabi, the story does not begin with an attractive offer, but with a feeling of uncertainty after the Rio 2026 Olympics: she had just earned her place on the national team while wondering if she was good enough to play in the world's best leagues. Past injuries made her even more hesitant. In the end, Gabi realized that to move forward, she had to accept sacrifices and leave her comfort zone. According to Gabi, the first step was a big leap when she decided to join VakifBank, one of the strongest teams on the planet, ahead of the 2026-2026 season. It was not a trial contract, but a key role within a squad always aiming for titles. Gabi admitted that the new environment immediately showed her a different level of volleyball. The intensity came not only from opponents, but also from the club's daily operations, from tactical demands to a winning culture. At VakifBank, Gabi met coach Giovanni Guidetti. The Italian tactician not only helped her adapt but also believed in her more than she expected. He said he wanted to prepare me to become team captain. I was shocked, because I had never seen myself in that position. That statement reveals an important detail: to develop, an athlete does not only need skill, but also someone who sees the leadership potential within them. Guidetti did exactly that. Instead of seeing Gabi only as a good outside hitter, he wanted her to become a leader and take responsibility. Gabi also spoke about her love for Brazil's jersey. Playing for the national team was a childhood dream. She recalled her first call-up to Brazil's youth national team in 2026, when she went to Saquarema alongside the generation that won the Beijing Olympics. That moment was a strong sign for her to keep pursuing volleyball. I always loved watching sports and dreamed of competing, winning a medal and listening to the national anthem, Gabi said. The interesting part of Gabi's journey is a lesson many young athletes misunderstand: leaving Brazil is not the destination, but a way to grow. Many think going abroad equals success, but Gabi shows that it is only the beginning of greater challenges. She does not speak about trophies as milestones, but about being mentally ready, about being a person before being a player. For her, success comes from daring to leave a familiar place. For Vietnamese volleyball, Gabi's story is worth reflecting on. Many Vietnamese athletes have talent but hesitate to play abroad because they fear failure or unfamiliarity. Gabi once stood at that crossroads and overcame it by turning fear into motivation. More importantly, she did not rush. She waited until she felt mentally ready, after securing her place on the national team and understanding what she truly wanted. Bruno's role in the conversation is also notable. As a veteran setter, Bruno has spent many seasons in Europe. He was the one who asked questions, listened and helped Gabi examine her decision-making process. His presence reminds us that the journey to the world is never lonely: behind every athlete are family, teammates and those who walked the path before. Gabi stressed that every big decision comes with sacrifice. She left her family, friends and the place where she grew up for a country with a different language, culture and training style. But she does not see it as a loss. She sees it as a necessary part of growing up. If she had never left Brazil, she might still be a good hitter, but she probably would not have become the leader Guidetti wanted her to be. Gabi's story also proves that the national team and an international career are not contradictory. Returning to Brazil to wear the national jersey remains a dream, but playing abroad does not fade that dream. On the contrary, playing at the highest level helps her bring valuable experience to the national team. This is a sustainable cycle that modern sport is heading toward. From a tactical perspective, Gabi's development at VakifBank is not only about scoring statistics. Becoming captain changed the way she handled the ball, read the game and talked to her teammates. At a top club, a leader who can control emotions is more valuable than a player who simply scores points. Gabi learned that through every training session, every tense match and every difficult situation Guidetti placed her in. The final lesson is preparation. Before leaving Brazil, Gabi had doubted herself. She did not deny her past injuries or pretend everything was easy. She chose to face the truth and prepare mentally. That explains why she could stand firm under huge pressure at VakifBank. Opportunity only comes to those who are ready, and Gabi is a perfect example. In the end, what matters is not whether leaving Brazil was right or wrong, but the growth that comes from facing one's own choice. Gabi was once a young girl at a major crossroads. She chose to step out of her comfort zone, and by doing so, she not only found a better version of herself but also inspired those who hesitate. Her journey proves that dreams never stay where we are standing. Sometimes, we need to leave home to understand just how much home means to us.