Akari shocker: Chargers captain Michelle Cobb retires from competitive volleyball at 26

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At just 26 years old, Akari captain Michelle Cobb retires from competitive volleyball and transitions to a PVL executive role as the Chargers' assistant team manager and setting coach

MANILA, Philippines – In a stunning move, current Akari Chargers captain Michelle Cobb announced her retirement from competitive volleyball at just age 26 on Wednesday, June 4.

In an emotional Instagram post, the two-time UAAP champion, three-time Philippine Superliga (PSL) titlist, and one-time PVL silver medalist thanked the sport for being “a huge part of her life” and for “lifelong friendships” she made in her career.

“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,” Cobb wrote.

“To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you for being family. Love you all [so much].”

Cobb now transitions into a coaching and executive role, as Akari’s new setting coach and assistant team manager.

Proven winner

Prior to her rise as captain in the pro ranks, Cobb served as an on-court extension of legendary coach Ramil de Jesus in the latter two UAAP title wins of La Salle’s three-peat from 2016 to 2018.

The Lady Spikers then settled for bronze in Season 81 in 2019 before the pandemic essentially forced Cobb out of the college scene and into Akari in 2022 as part of its inaugural franchise roster.

The Chargers, however, were not Cobb’s first foray into club play as she was also part of the mighty F2 Cargo Movers of the PSL — both team and league now defunct from competition.

As Akari captain, Cobb made the most of her larger role and was instrumental in lifting the Chargers to their first franchise finals and eventual silver medal in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, where they fell in a knockout gold medal match against the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty.

In what turned out to be her final season as an active competitor, Cobb also won a bronze medal in the five-month-long 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference, as Akari made a late surge from seventh place all the way to their first-ever All-Filipino podium.

“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,” Cobb concluded. – Rappler.com