De Leon is no stranger to the Lady Realtors, having been a member of the team since 2018 and last saw action in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

“The team is adjusting kasi. We are going to try a new strategy kasama ang new coaching staff. With this, I think mas makaka-contribute ako sa team by guiding them lalo na ang setters,” said the former national team player in a statement posted by Sta. Lucia on Facebook.

She also revealed that she is nursing a minor injury that bar her from doing heavy training with the team.

“May minor injury rin kasi ako. Won’t share na lang what it is pero minor lang. Hindi ako makaka-training ng mabigat kaya kailangan na mag adjust.”

Despite her injury and transition to the sidelines, De Leon clarified that the move does not signal her to hang her jersey just yet. 

“I wouldn’t say it’s retirement. More on recalibration. Rest and observe while at the same time helping Sta. Lucia as one of the coaches. I am not yet ready for retirement,” she said.

“Ang gusto ko lang is kung magreretire man ako, I want to do it on my own terms,” she added.

“Sa oras na para sa akin is tama. Dumadating sa lahat ng atleta ‘yun. Dadating din sakin ‘yun. Pero I will take my time. I decide kung kailan,” she added.

The Lady Realtors finished fifth in PVL’s inaugural professional conference in Ilocos Norte, with a 5-4 win-loss record.