Akari Chargers captain Michelle Cobb announces retirement from volleyball

The Akari Chargers have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2025 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as their captain and one of the franchise’s pioneering players, Michelle Cobb, has announced her retirement from volleyball.

Cobb announced her retirement in an emotional post on social media platform Instagram, stating, “Volleyball has been a huge part of my life. It’s where I found confidence, built lifelong friendships, and learned to push myself, win with pride, and lose with grace. After years of love and dedication to the game, I’ve decided to close this chapter. I’m retiring with a grateful heart, proud of everything this journey has given me. To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you for being family. Love you all. Maraming salamat po.

“As I step away from the game, I carry the strength, love, and determination it gave me. This isn’t the end – just a new chapter, written with the same heart that played every point.”

Akari team captain Michelle Cobb penned a heartfelt dedication that wraps up her playing career and the people who have crossed her path as she now embarks on a new chapter after stepping away from the taraflex.#OneSports #PVL2025 #TheHeartOfVolleyball

📸 IG | miichellecobb pic.twitter.com/lQ37mtQGhZ

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 4, 2025

Cobb established herself as one of the standouts of the La Salle women’s volleyball program under the legendary Ramil de Jesus, where she won two UAAP women’s volleyball titles in Seasons 79 and 80. The 26-year-old turned professional in 2022 by joining Akari, thereby becoming one of their first players when they entered the PVL.

The setter played a key role in Akari’s two podium finishes in the Reinforced Conference, reaching the finals, while also securing the bronze medal in the recently-concluded PVL All-Filipino Conference. However, Cobb missed large stretches of the conference due to a persistent neck injury.

Cobb is not saying farewell to the sport though, as she is set to join Akari’s coaching staff as the assistant team manager and will also serve as the setting coach under the Chargers’ new head coach, Tina Salak.

Her departure will be felt by Akari, as they currently only have Kamille Cal as the team’s lone playmaker, although there is still time to sign players. The Chargers also boast of the 10th pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, scheduled for Sunday, June 8.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.