Akari assistant manager Michelle Cobb. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Former professional volleyball player Michelle Cobb opened up on why she decided to retire from the sport and start a new chapter in her life.
Last June, Cobb officially announced her retirement from competitive volleyball.
During her time with the Akari Chargers, the team clinched bronze in the 2024-2025 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference and bagged silver in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Cobb said she was already thinking about retirement even before her last conference in the PVL.
"I think it just hit me one day that it's more of the sense of fulfillment. And I've come to terms that I'm not like the other players. I mean, I'm 26 [years old]. That's usually the prime of other players na in the PVL right now. So I think parang ako, I'm going in another direction," she said.
"I kind of felt that sense of fulfillment very early on in my career as a professional athlete. I think it wasn't really an impulsive decision. Because I was able to think it through," Cobb added.
READ: PVL: Mich Cobb announces exit from playing pro volleyball
The 26-year-old, who was team captain of Akari, said the thought of retirement was at the back of her mind while playing in her final conference.
"Itong last conference ko, which was October to May, I already started that conference with that notion na this might be my last. So parang very well thought of. Not really out of the events in my life. Not really out of injuries. It's more of a self-actualization na I wanna move on din," Cobb said.
Among the life events she was referring to was her engagement to longtime boyfriend Vito Sotto Generoso, which happened in December 2024.
Generoso also said in a separate interview that their upcoming marriage had nothing to do with her decision.
Cobb likewise acknowledged the numerous opportunities professional volleyball has given her, as well as lifelong lessons and experiences.
Before joining the PVL, Cobb was vital to the women's volleyball championships of the DLSU Lady Spikers in UAAP Seasons 79 and 80.
LIFE OFF THE TARAFLEX
Cobb has not exactly stepped away from the volleyball scene following her retirement.
Fans may still get to see Cobb in the PVL Reinforced Conference, but this time on the sidelines, as assistant manager for Akari.
"I'm still there. It's really hard to completely detach yourself from something that put me to college. Also something that gave me a lot of opportunities and a lot of people that I learned to love. I considered family, I considered sisters," she said.
"It wasn't my plan to fully detach. I'm grateful na parang meron pa ring sort of next chapter but in the same industry. Now I help manage the team. And then I was also doing sportscasting for a while. I hope that also continues in the next tournaments," Cobb added.
The 26-year-old feels blessed to have other opportunities open up, even after she stopped playing pro volleyball.
"Yung ganitong opportunity hindi naman palaging available sa ibang tao. So I'm very grateful that I was able to connect lang. When I decided to stop playing, another opportunity was given to me. But with another role naman outside the court," she said.
Cobb admits she misses her teammates and the daily grind of being an athlete.
READ: 'Teamwork and timing': Michelle Cobb and Vito Sotto Generoso count down days to wedding
"Oo siyempre. Everyday, kunyari tatabihan nila ako. Sasabihin nila, Di mo namimiss? Sabi ko, oo na-mimiss ko. Hello, I've done 5-6 times mag-eensayo tapos may games, tapos biglang pause. I'm still adjusting now, siyempre. Hindi ko naman mapagkakait sa sarili ko na it's a big adjustment. Because it's been my whole life. I've been playing volleyball for more than 15 years. It's new, but I've decided on it. And I'm embracing it as much as possible," she said.
Aside from her new role in Akari, Cobb said she is still present in volleyball through sportscasting.
"It's sports, but it's like a whole new world. What an experience talaga. Iba kasi when you're playing and when you're watching. You're not just watching. You're actually explaining to the audience what's going on. It's more of analyzing. It's a very nice perspective to have. It was a good transition from being an athlete and playing to being on the court pa rin, but on the sidelines and looking in," she explained.
READ: La Salle's Michelle Cobb signs off from UAAP volleyball
Cobb said helping out in their family business in San Mateo, Rizal is among the things that keep her busy nowadays.
"We have a [family] business. We are part of the death care industry. So my mom and dad handle that. I think me and my sister ultimately wanted to be more involved," Cobb added.
When asked if she jois the team in training, Cobb said she only helps with ball handling. She explained that she's being "more gentle" with her body, since she no longer has to train like an athlete.
"I think I'm focusing on healing my body pa rin. Kasi grabe talaga. I mean, from the physical stress of an athlete, iba din talaga. So ngayon, I'm more parang gentle with my body. Yes, low-impact sports [like pilates]. But maybe in the future, I can join," she said.
Cobb and Generoso are set to tie the knot on October 17 in Laguna.