Now that Puerto Rico has qualified for the 2016 Olympics, star player Aury Cruz has already made up her mind that she will retire after the biggest sports event of the year.
In an article released by the FIVB, Aury is excited for the Olympics but it would be her last stop with the national team.
“Now I am retiring after Rio and after 18 years with the national team which was enough I think. It is not that I am old, because you all guys saw me digging for balls out there, it is because I have some plans that I want to put in practice and it’s about time to start.”
18 years is a longgggggggggggg time.
She also adds how proud she is of their accomplishment.
“It is a big achievement. After playing in foreign leagues for the past eleven years I have had the chance to play alongside many Olympians and I felt that my career was incomplete. Now that I have it, is time to go for more in Rio.
The Olympics are the biggest tournament and since 2009 we have been planning for a moment like this one. Each one has worked hard and I feel proud of this group of players who have grown a lot. There is no better feeling than reaching the Olympics with this bunch of girls.
I am very proud of this team who has matured a lot and the technical staff has made its contributions. It was a mission and everyone wanted to do his part. Everyone wanted to stand out. We had a lot of fights but my ultimate goal is to have the group on a mission.”
Good luck in Rio chica!
In case you didn’t know, Puerto Rico is in Pool B with USA, China, Serbia, Italy and The Netherlands. Only the top 4 teams advance to the Quarterfinal Round.
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