PVL Rookie Draft aspirant Lyann De Guzman. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER>net
MANILA, Philippines–Lyann De Guzman believes it was the best time to take the next step as the Ateneo captain sets her sights on the pros in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday at Novotel.
FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants
“Honestly, I still wanted to play one more year, but I feel like it’s time to take the next step in my journey,” De Guzman told reporters in Filipino during last week’s combine at Paco Arena. “I’m really happy because my coaches at Ateneo are still very supportive of my decision to enter the draft.”
The 23-year-old De Guzman, who played as Ateneo’s outside spiker for the past four years, offers her leadership to the 12 PVL teams looking to boost their rosters with young talent.
“I think my strongest asset is my leadership. That’s really what I want to bring to help the team,” she said.
De Guzman, who finished with 174 points and ranked among the UAAP Season 87’s top nine scorers, said she would be grateful to play for any team that helps her realize her PVL dream.
“Wherever I end up, it’s going to be a new environment, and I’m excited about that. It’ll bring new learning opportunities for me,” she added.
READ: UAAP: Lyann De Guzman ‘still happy’ about Ateneo’s season
Despite Ateneo’s 5-9 finish last season — marred by injuries to JLo de los Santos (torn left ACL), Zel Tsunashima (fractured tibia and fibula), and Sobe Buena (torn right ACL) — De Guzman remained proud of the Blue Eagles.
“This season was really tough, but I’m so proud of our team. Even though we didn’t reach our goal, I still think it was a successful journey because I saw how hard everyone fought,” she said.
As she begins a new chapter alongside batchmate AC Miner, De Guzman expressed confidence that Ateneo remains in good hands with its promising young core under coach Sergio Veloso.
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“I’m confident they’ll be just fine. I wouldn’t leave them if I didn’t believe in them. I really trust our rookies — Jihan [Chuatico], Alex [Montoro], Rob [Silla], and Fiona [Arroyo]. You could see this season how much they stepped up,” she said.
