The 28-year-old spiker shared via her social media accounts her open letter regarding her leave in the sport and narrated some highlights of her journey in her career.

“I’ve spent nearly half of my life growing in this sport. From a young kid to being a teenager, to entering awkward years, pro-level, and to who I’ve become now,” she shared.

Villanueva recalled her first encounter with her sport as “love at first dig.” According to her, volleyball had become her ticket to endless possibilities. She learned how to value hard work and sacrifice through the guidance of her high school mentor, Coach Sheila Lauchengco.

She was first recruited to be part of the De La Salle Lady Spikers but eventually transferred to Adamson University. 

The high scoring spiker led the Marcelino-based squad in their Final Four Appearance in Season 75 and 76. 

During her collegiate feat, Villanueva’s tandem with Shiela Marie Pineda led the Lady Falcons to be hailed as the queens of the sand in UAAP season 76 Beach Volleyball tournament.

As Villanueva advanced to the pro league, she started playing for PLDT Home Ultera Ultra-Fast Hitters in the first Shakey’s V-League Open Conference in 2015 were the team reigned supreme against Philippine Army. 

She then joined Banko Perlas Spikers where they scored a pair of third podium finishes in the PVL. After two years, she transferred to Sta. Lucia Realtors in the Philippine Superliga last year.

“Now that I am moving on to the next chapter of my life, I don’t know what the future holds but it sure is bright as I envision it,” Villanueva expressed.