JAJA Maraguinot has checked off the first item on her comeback list after finding a new home with Capital1.
But landing with the Solar Spikers was just the first step, as if anything, it actually marked the beginning of a far tougher challenge for the former Ateneo playmaker.
After spending around three years between sister teams Akari and Nxled, Maraguinot found herself on the sidelines for the past six months, unable to secure a new team in time for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Now onto a fresh start alongside newly-acquired MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, the 26-year-old setter is tasked with rebuilding momentum and proving she can still carve out a meaningful role in the league.
READ: Capital1 has 'good problem' with three spikers to carry scoring load
“It was not easy, but I'm really thankful for everyone at Capital1. They gave me this opportunity, pero it's a process naman,” she said.
“Hindi naman siya agad-agad, kasi matagal nga akong nawala. Hindi naman din ako agad makakabalik, so we're in the process of making it happen na makabalik pa rin ako.”
Maraguinot revealed that Capital1 never placed immediate expectations on her shoulders upon arrival, as instead of demanding instant impact, the team chose a more patient approach, understanding that rediscovering rhythm after a lengthy absence isn't an overnight process.
“Binibigay nila sa akin ‘yung kailangan kong time para magawa ‘yun. It's not gonna be easy, but I'm ready naman to face the challenges na binibigay sa akin kasi para rin naman sa akin yan and para rin naman sa team,” she said.
Key to unlocking Capital1's potential
Once Maraguinot does return to form, she will have no shortage of options around her.
Joining fellow ex-Blue Eagles (nee, Lady Eagles) Gandler, Pauline Gaston, and Roma Doromal, Maraguinot walks into a roster loaded with familiarity and firepower.
As a setter, though, she knows the assignment remains simple: find the hot hand and feed it.
"Yung iisipin ko na lang siguro is sino yung, sa terms namin, mainit ‘yung kamay. For sure naman, all the players, all of my teammates, magiging mainit yung kamay and sana magsabay-sabay lang talaga kami,” she said.
"Yan lang talaga yung magiging problem. But it's not really a problem kasi I know all of the players will contribute naman, and that's really a good thing."
After six months away, Maraguinot will finally suit up again. But now comes the harder part of reminding everyone what she can still bring to the table.
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