It was September 20, 2019, when a young Mika De Guzman first stepped onto the courts of the Centro Atletico Badminton Center, proudly wearing the Blue and White of Ateneo de Manila University for UAAP Season 82.
Fresh from her high school graduation at St. Paul College Pasig, many were eager to witness the debut of this promising phenom in the collegiate scene. That same excitement — and a bit of pressure — filled De Guzman’s mind as she faced Ateneo’s longtime rival and Season 80 champion, De La Salle University.
“I was so nervous before because I knew Ateneo is such a dream school to many. I was so nervous din because it was such a big school for most people and, of course, for me as well,” she recalled.
Despite the jitters, De Guzman quickly found her rhythm, overwhelming La Salle’s Mia Manguilimotan, 21-9, 21-9, in her very first UAAP match. From there, she went on to dominate two more opponents, helping Ateneo remain spotless — not just through three ties, but in all 15 matches.
However, her winning run met a roadblock in the form of a familiar face: University of the Philippines rookie Aldreen Concepcion. Their 78-minute marathon was a thriller that ended in heartbreak for De Guzman, who fell in a grueling 24-26, 21-18, 24-26 encounter.
Admittedly, the young shuttler was emotional after that loss. But it was the comforting words of her then-team captain, Samantha Ramos, that reignited her fire.
“I knew that I had good seniors before, and they really comforted me. And I’m also happy that Ate Sam brought back that spark in me to be able to come back stronger in each game that I play,” she shared.
“Sabi niya, ‘It’s just one game and hindi naman natalo ‘yung team. So, as long as panalo ‘yung team, OK tayo do’n,’” De Guzman added.
Those words became her anchor — not just for that season, but for the rest of her collegiate career. They shaped her mindset and later her own style of leadership when she eventually took Ramos’s place as team captain in her final three years with the Blue Eagles.
Looking back, De Guzman takes pride in her remarkable consistency, having never lost another singles match after that lone setback. Her reliability at the top of the lineup became the foundation of Ateneo’s dominance, leading to four UAAP titles during her tenure.
“It was not really a sure ‘one’ every time, but throughout my years, I was able to get that one point for Ateneo. So I’m just really proud and honored to represent Ateneo for the past five years,” the now 24-year-old legend shared.
Fast forward to October 22, 2025 — six years and 28 days after her debut — De Guzman finally hung up her Ateneo jersey. And she did so in the best way possible: with another UAAP championship, ending her career on her own terms.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“It was super sentimental because playing my last point kanina against (National University). Oh my God, parang nag-flashback lahat ng games na nilaro ko throughout my UAAP collegiate career. It was super dramatic and super memorable for me,” the Interdisciplinary Studies graduate said.
Now turning the page to the next chapter of her journey, De Guzman sets her sights on bringing glory to the country — while carrying with her all the lessons and values instilled by her alma mater.
“Ang nangingibabaw lang sa‘kin na emotion is I’m very happy, I’m very grateful, for everything that Ateneo has taught me and has given me throughout the years,” she expressed.
“I think the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is to enjoy the game, to give my all, to give my 100-percent best, and to give my heart out inside the court. Because if I do, it will just flow nang maayos kung ayun ang nasa isip mo, and walang pressure,” added the 2025 MAXX North Harbor International women’s singles runner-up.
They say the UAAP is where legends begin — and Mika De Guzman has certainly proven that true.
From a wide-eyed rookie to a four-time champion and an icon of Ateneo badminton, she now spreads her wings once more, ready to soar higher for the Three Stars and the Sun.
