Lyann de Guzman’s volleyball journey has been a rich tapestry of learning under diverse coaching styles — from the meticulous guidance of Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso at Ateneo de Manila University to now preparing for a new challenge under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.
Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel Hotel, the 5-foot-10 all-around outside spiker is eager to take her game to the next level with Nxled Chameleons.
“Siyempre, very honored ako na maging coach ko sila Coach Ettore, sila Coach Sergio kasi very different talaga siya — yung mga systems nila, how they coach. For me, it’s another opportunity na mag-improve pa yung skills ko,” De Guzman said shortly after hearing her name called.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Though the Chameleons had the highest odds to secure the top draft pick, fate handed them the fourth spot. Still, Nxled managed to snag a promising talent in De Guzman, who is ready to help lift the team from its struggles.
Nxled finished at the bottom of the standings in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a 1-10 record, but De Guzman sees a team on the rise.
“Actually, I can see a lot of improvements din sa team na ito. Siyempre, bago rin yung team, mga ilang years pa lang sila. Definitely excited na matutunan yung bagong system and, of course, maibigay ko rin yung kung anong natutunan ko kay Coach Sergio,” she shared.
She added, “Siyempre, I’m very happy kasi hindi ko rin naman ine-expect na top four makakapasok ako. I’m really excited to play with the team since yun nga, mostly half of the team naging teammates ko na.”
De Guzman will reunite with former Ateneo teammates like Jaja Maraguinot and Jaycel Delos Reyes, bringing familiar chemistry to Nxled’s building effort.
Lyann de Guzman is fired up and ready to make an impact for Nxled!
📹 Jonash Dannug/Tiebreaker Times#PVLDraft pic.twitter.com/1yZ293NqQ4
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 8, 2025
