October 16th, 2015: Ocasio Speaks Up.
Karina finally airs her side via voleybolunsesi.com on why she left Turkey:
“I have always enjoyed playing in Turkey.
I had a wonderful time when I was in Galatasaray and it was the same this summer when I joined Salihli. People have always been so nice to me there
However, after the attack took place I had to think about my family and that is why I decided to go back to Puerto Rico.
I was in Turkey with my daughter and my mother. I did not want to risk anything. My maternal instinct made me go home with my family.
I want to thank Salihli for giving me this opportunity. They treated me well and I can’t blame them for what happened. I just made a decision for the safety of my family.”
Family Comes First.
October 13th, 2015: Ocasio Leaves Turkey Due To Safety Concerns
We understand and respect her decision.
Puerto Rican volleyball player Karina Ocasio has left her club team Salihli Bld in Turkey because she no longer feels safe after a terrorist attack which shocked the world a few days ago.
The club President released this statement:
“She said that she was not feeling comfortable in Turkey anymore and had fear for her children.
She said that her family was very upset.
On Monday, she left the hotel without telling us. We will try to fill this gap with a new player.
The club continues to look for a replacement while there’s no update yet on where Karina will play this season.
(images: FIVB)