With a quiet but commanding presence on and off the court, Lyann de Guzman knows exactly what separates her from the rest of the pack heading into the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft: leadership forged through fire.
The former Ateneo de Manila University team captain believes her four-year journey of steering the Blue Eagles — through victories, rebuilding seasons, and injuries — has prepared her for this next leap.
“Siguro yung sinasabi ko sa ibang interviews niyo, yung leadership ko talaga kasi ‘yon yung pinakastrong suit ko talaga to help yung team,” said De Guzman during the PVL Draft Combine on Friday, May 30 at Paco Arena.
Coming off her breakout campaign in UAAP Season 87, De Guzman not only finished ninth among the league’s Best Scorers with 174 points, but also anchored a rebuilding Ateneo squad composed largely of rookies.
She guided promising talents such as Bacolod Tay Tung’s Alex Montoro and Jihan Chuatico, former NUNS standout Robi Silla, and FEU-Diliman alumna Fiona Arroyo to a 5-9 finish.
The 2025 draft class is stacked with high-caliber wing spikers — Adamson’s May Ann Nuique and Ayesha Juegos, La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan and Baby Jyne Soreno, FEU’s Chenie Tagaod, UST’s Renee Penafiel, and the presumed top pick, Bella Belen of NU — but De Guzman is confident her leadership experience will give her an edge.
Still, turning professional wasn’t an easy decision.
(C) PVL Images
De Guzman admitted she wrestled with the thought of staying for one final season, especially with her close teammates like setter Taks Fujimoto and middle blocker Yvanna Sulit opting to return.
The Blue Eagles were haunted by a string of “what ifs” following a season riddled with injuries to key players such as Jlo delos Santos (torn left ACL), Zel Tsunashima (fractured tibia and fibula), and Sobe Buena (torn right ACL) — all of whom were expected to provide veteran leadership alongside De Guzman and fellow senior AC Miner.
“Actually, siyempre for me, gusto ko pa rin mag-one more year. But it’s time na rin naman na you know, to take on the next level ng journey ko,” said the 23-year-old outside spiker. “I’m very happy kasi supportive pa rin sila — yung mga coaches ko sa Ateneo — na magtuloy ako sa draft.”
As she steps into a new environment in the professional ranks, De Guzman is excited for what lies ahead.
“Sa mapupuntahan ko na team if ever, different environment ‘yon. I’m very excited din kasi new learning opportunities din naman yung dadating sa akin,” she added.
Though she’s closing a chapter with Ateneo, De Guzman remains confident in the team she leaves behind. With a core group led by Sulit, Fujimoto, Silla, Montoro, Chuatico, and Arroyo returning, she believes the Blue Eagles are on the brink of a breakthrough.
“Very confident ako na kaya nila ‘yon kasi ako kasi, siyempre hindi ko naman sila basta-basta na iiwan naman ‘eh,” she said. “I know naman na sa mga rookies namin — sila Alex [Montoro], si Rob [Silla], si Fiona [Arroyo] — very confident ako sa kanila na kaya nila ‘yan. Nakita naman natin this season na nag-step up talaga sila sa team.”
#WATCH: Ateneo’s Lyann de Guzman says it’s time to take her journey to the next level — that’s why she’s joining the #PVLDraft 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/krlZw3oWud
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 30, 2025
