Aby Marano, renowned for her leadership on the now-defunct F2 Logistics team, emerged as a pivotal signing for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers during the offseason.
Despite being a newcomer to the squad, Maraño found herself entrusted with the captaincy for the 2024 Premier Volleyball League season under the guidance of head coach Kungfu Reyes and his coaching staff.
Stepping into this leadership role was nothing new for Maraño, having previously captained the national team.
At 31, she spoke confidently about adapting to various player personalities and characters, stating, "At this age, I don't find it difficult anymore." She expressed her embrace of the responsibility, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities.
Having previously captained the Cargo Movers and the Philippine women's national volleyball team, Maraño's transition to a different team color marked a first in her professional career.
However, she shared that the camaraderie with Galang and the entire Chery Tiggo squad made the adjustment seamless.
The Crossovers kicked off their All-Filipino Conference campaign with a commanding victory against Capital1, securing a 25-6, 25-15, 25-15 win at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Maraño, fueled by excitement and passion, reflected on her debut in the red uniform, stating, "Today, before entering the dugout, there was a slight thought in my mind.
"I said, 'It's the first time I'm entering here wearing red.'"
Navigating her familiar role in an unfamiliar setting, Maraño found leading the team to be a natural extension of herself, considering it her "calling and purpose" in life.
In her debut with the Crossovers, she contributed six points in just two sets of action, reinforcing her commitment to her new team.
