From preparing for life after volleyball, setter Jaja Maraguinot is now gearing up for her PVL comeback with the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Twenty-twenty-six was supposed to be the year Jaja Maraguinot walked away from volleyball.
After four years with the Akari group, Maraguinot was one of several talents released by the Nxled Chameleons as they began rebuilding for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League season. Just like that, it seemed like she was on her way out of the sport she’s long called home.
“Honestly I was looking for work nung time na ‘yun. Honestly, I actually thought na wala na ‘yung volleyball sa akin. Kasi nga after noon, wala naman paramdam ‘yung volleyball,” Maraguinot told The GAME.
“But ayun, suddenly, nagparamdam sa akin, and tinake ko lang ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun.”
That “suddenly” became the lifeline for Maraguinot’s volleyball career, coming in the form of Capital1 Solar Spikers head coach Jorge de Brito. De Brito previously handled Maraguinot with the Akari Chargers, and he was now looking for pieces to fit the rejigged Solar Spikers core.
Grabbing that opportunity was a no-brainer for Maraguinot, even as she slowly transitioned to a life without volleyball.
“Actually, it was Coach Jorge that messaged me. He asked lang if I’m training with teams, or sa tabi-tabi, mga ganyan or if I am working out,” she recalled. “So I said the truth naman na I opted to rest first.”
“So ayun, sabi niya lang na start working out, and after a few weeks, he told me to come and train with them. But binigyan na rin niya ako ng time to get back, and hindi niya agad ako pinuwersa.”
Last May, Capital1 announced Maraguinot as one of its three new additions along with Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler, boosting a team led by reigning PVL Rookie of the Year Bella Belen.
For Maraguinot, it’s a chance to rediscover her place in the league, while being part of a young core looking to take their next step.
“Siguro, being a more matured player inside the court and in volleyball, like kung paano ko madadala ‘yung team,” said Maraguinot, who will reunite with former Ateneo teammates including Gandler, Roma Mae Doromal, and Pauline Gaston in Capital1.
And in this new chapter, Jaja Maraguinot enters with a renewed appreciation toward volleyball, especially after dealing with a brief period of uncertainty.
“Siguro there’s more to it, like volleyball itself is not just a sport. Since ang tagal kong naglalaro from elementary to college, to pro. And doon sa four months (away) na ‘yun, I wanna take this time to redeem myself and to be more into volleyball.”
Banner images courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maraguinot was released by the Nxled Chameleons after four years with the Akari group as the team rebuilt for the 2026 PVL season, leaving her without a team and considering stepping away from volleyball to look for other work.
Capital1 head coach Jorge de Brito, who previously coached Maraguinot with the Akari Chargers, reached out to check on her training status. He gave her time to ease back in before inviting her to train with the team.
Capital1 announced Maraguinot as one of three new additions last May, alongside Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler, joining a Solar Spikers roster led by reigning PVL Rookie of the Year Bella Belen.
Maraguinot will reunite with former Ateneo teammates Vanie Gandler, Roma Mae Doromal, and Pauline Gaston as part of the Capital1 Solar Spikers roster for the 2026 PVL season.
Jaja Maraguinot is a setter who has played volleyball from elementary school through college and into the professional ranks, now returning to the PVL with the Capital1 Solar Spikers after a brief period away from the sport.
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