One of the toughest moments of Gel Cayuna’s volleyball career came at a time when everything seemed to be falling into place.
Fresh off a runner-up finish with Cignal in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Cayuna was expected to simply savor a breakthrough campaign. Instead, the five-time Conference Best Setter was confronted with an uncertain future after the Super Spikers disbanded shortly following their Finals run.
Rather than dwell on the setback, Cayuna chose to embrace the challenge and focus on finding the right next step in her career.
“Honestly, isa siya sa pinaka-challenging na moments sa career ko so far,” said the 27-year-old playmaker.
“Coming from a Finals run, siyempre ini-expect mo na celebration muna, pero biglang may malaking change dahil sa disbandment. Kailangan ko agad maging practical at isipin kung ano yung best next step for me and for my career.”
That search eventually led her to Nxled, a team she believes can help her continue growing both on and off the court.
“Sa lahat ng naging options, naniwala ako na Nxled yung environment na makakatulong sa growth ko bilang player and as a person. Ramdam ko rin yung tiwala nila sa akin, kaya gusto ko rin suklian yun by working hard and helping the team achieve its goals.”
(C) PVL Images
The Chameleons also allow Cayuna to play alongside some of the league’s most accomplished veterans, including reigning three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle, two-time MVP Myla Pablo, and two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips.
For the only two-time Season Best Setter, sharing the floor with proven winners is another chance to elevate her game.
“Looking forward ako na makatrabaho sila kasi malaking opportunity siya for me to grow as a player. Ang dami kong pwedeng matutunan sa kanila, especially dahil veterans na sila at marami na silang experience sa laro,” said the ex-Far Eastern University standout.
“Siyempre gusto ko rin mahanap agad yung chemistry namin inside the court para mas makatulong ako sa team,” she added.
As she begins a fresh chapter, Cayuna is also grateful that she won’t be navigating the transition alone.
(C) PVL Images
Former Cignal teammate Jackie Acuña also made the move to Nxled, giving her a familiar presence as both adjust to their new surroundings.
“Malaking bagay talaga na kasama ko si Jackie sa bagong journey na ‘to. Aside sa may familiar face ako sa team, advantage din yung built-in chemistry namin inside the court kasi kilala na namin yung tendencies at galaw ng isa’t isa,” she said.
“Outside the court, malaking comfort din yung may taong sabay mong nag-a-adjust sa bagong environment.”
While the end of her stint with Cignal marked the close of one chapter, Cayuna sees her move to Nxled not as a setback, but as an opportunity to grow further with a team built around championship-caliber talent.
