Garay’s timely return helps Brazil

Part of the Brazilian national squad since 2009, 35-year-old outside hitter Fernanda Garay decided to take the 2019 season off after a decade of dedication to her country's team. With international play suspended in 2020, however, her time away from the team was extended to two years, postponing Garay’s return to the beginning of the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Tuesday.

A London 2012 Olympic champion, veteran Garay rejoined her teammates ahead of the competition at Brazil’s training facility in Saquarema. And after two years away, she has made sure she enjoys every minute of her return to the team in the secure 'bubble' in Rimini, Italy.

“I’m very happy to be back,” she said after Brazil’s 3-0 win against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. “It feels great to be here fighting for my country again and I’m appreciating every moment with my teammates and the coaching staff. We’re working towards a big goal which is the Tokyo Olympics, and we know we still have a lot to do to prepare well for it.”

Garay’s return certainly took place at a good time for Brazil as the team started their VNL campaign in Rimini without star outside hitter and team captain Natalia Pereira, who injured a finger in her left hand during the team’s preparation in Saquarema. Natalia will miss Brazil's first matches in Rimini.

A two-time FIVB Volleyball World Championship medallist (silver in 2010 and bronze in 2014), Garay stepped up and replaced Natalia as the team captain. More than that, she filled in for her teammate’s production at the net too, registering 14 points in Brazil’s victories against Canada and the Dominican Republic.

“Unfortunately, Natalia had this injury but she’s here with us and is training already,” Garay added. “We see her improving every day and she’ll be back soon. We can’t wait to have her back on the court with us.”

Garay’s return to the international scene, however, will only be short-lived. She announced ahead of the VNL that she would soon take some time off the sport to start a family. She hasn’t decided yet if the break will be temporary or permanent.