Michele Gumabao and Pocari Sweat have split ways after three years
After multiple contract extension offers during the off-season, the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors are set to lose team captain Michele Gumabao, according to a source closely monitoring the situation.
Fresh off back-to-back V-League titles, the Lady Warriors have retooled their lineup with Fille Cainglet-Cayetano and Jessey De Leon while re-signing team stalwarts Myla Pablo, Melissa Gohing, Elaine Kasilag, and Desiree Dadang.
According to the source, the Reinforced Conference Finals MVP is looking for a new start and harbors no ill will towards her former team.
“Wala naman daw samaan ng loob sa kanya at sa [Pocari]. Gusto lang talaga mag-explore ng opportunities ni Michele,” the source told Tiebreaker Times.
For her part, the 24-year-old has publicly stated that if she were to transfer to a team, she would not look at going to a different PVL team.
Gumabao, who stands at 5-foot-10, has been with the franchise since 2015. She was part of the Philips Gold Lady Slammers in the PSL before jumping to the V-League with Pocari Sweat.
The source quickly added that the two-time PVL Best Opposite Spiker will most likely land back in the PSL in a time where several squads are looking for a revamp, which includes the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers — a team that is coached by Gumabao’s college mentor Ramil De Jesus.
“Maraming teams sa PSL na pwede niya lipatan. Siyempre nandiyan ‘yung F2 kasi nandoon ‘yung dati niyang coaches,” the source added.
“Pero maraming team ang gusto mag-improve from last year so di na ako magugulat kung saan mang team siya mapunta.”
Pocari Sweat management could not be reached for comment as of publishing.
