PLDT High Speed Hitters former setter and Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw alumna Wendy Anne Semana declared retirement from her 26-year volleyball career on a Facebook page last December 29.

The crafty setter decided to hang up her jersey and call it a career from the volleyball scene to forge ahead in life.

“I started playing volleyball 26 years ago. My path has not been an easy one; it has involved many sacrifices, hard effort, ups and downs,” Semana wrote in her Facebook post.

Semana first took the UAAP Season 70 by storm, being named as the MVP. Where she also earned the distinction of Finals MVP after delivering FEU women’s volleyball team its championship title.

After her collegiate stint, the setter hit the trail to play for several teams like Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns, RC Cola Army Troopers, Pocari Sweat–Air Force Lady Warriors, and Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers. Teams from both PSL and PVL tourney. 

The former Lady Tam was also awarded Best Setter in 2015 PVL Open Conference.

"In fact, I learned more from other accolades and commendations from other teams I played on than just how to be a team player. I'm proud of everything I've done, experienced, and contributed to the volleyball community,” she remarked.

Semana’s last competitive stint was with PLDT High Speed Hitters during PVL’s first All-Filipino Conference in 2023 before she decided to forego her volleyball career. 

The alumna also expressed her appreciation to all of the coaches who helped her along the way, the players she played with on the court, as well as those people on the sidelines off the court who cheered for her throughout the journey as she goes.

“I want to express my gratitude to every player I had the pleasure of playing with for the memories and experiences we created together. To my family and relatives who helped me along the way, to my friends and supporters who cheered for me and the team, and to the coaches who taught me everything I needed to know to be a good player,” Semana added.

The former green-and-gold volleybelle wrapped up the post with acknowledgement of her departure. 

“Wendy Anne Semana, wearing jersey number seven, is currently signing off,” the icon concluded. 

-Nathalia Coleen Favila

(Photo courtesy of Sierra Wap Facebook Page)