Argentine Olympic volleyball player Julieta Lazcano has broken her silence regarding her controversial 2025 departure from Peruvian champion club Alianza Lima, admitting that public criticism hurt her emotionally during the early months of her pregnancy.
Lazcano, 37, spoke candidly about her exit during an appearance on the Peruvian sports program Se Formaron Las Parejas. Her departure from Alianza Lima came shortly after leading the club to the 2024-25 Peruvian Volleyball League title, after which team director Cenaida Uribe publicly disclosed the reasons for terminating her contract.
The middle blocker explained that the wave of public commentary began during a particularly delicate period. She noted that she was in the first trimester of her pregnancy when the criticism erupted, a timeframe that medical professionals widely caution is high risk for expecting mothers.
Emotional impact of public exit
Reflecting on the fallout, Lazcano admitted she would not be a hypocrite by pretending the scrutiny did not bother her. She stated that while she attempted to avoid getting caught up in the online chatter, certain comments caused real emotional pain.
Lazcano added that her frustration stemmed directly from that sense of hurt. Having dedicated significant effort and love to Alianza Lima during their championship season, she felt the negative reactions came from people who acted as though they did not know her at all.
Lack of resentment and career record
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding her release, the former team captain emphasized that she harbors no resentment toward Alianza Lima or its management. She stated that she works hard to remain empathetic, understand different perspectives, and see situations from the view of others, concluding that she felt far more pain than anger at the time.
Alianza Lima is one of the most storied sporting institutions in Peru, based in the capital city of Lima. The club's volleyball division is overseen by Cenaida Uribe, a former star player who won an Olympic silver medal with Peru at the 1988 Seoul Games before transitioning into executive leadership.
Lazcano boasts an impressive international resume, having represented Argentina at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Over a career spanning nearly two decades in South American and European leagues, she established a reputation as one of Argentina's leading middle blockers.
Return to Peruvian league with Atenea
Following her departure from Alianza Lima and a full season away from competitive action, Lazcano is set to resume her professional career. She has officially signed with Club Atletico Atenea, marking her return to the Liga Peruana de Voley for her second campaign in the country's top division.
