Lyann de Guzman doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
With a calm yet unmistakably commanding presence, the former Ateneo de Manila University captain enters the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft as one of the most battle-tested leaders of her class — a trait she believes sets her apart in a pool teeming with raw talent and athleticism.
After four emotionally charged seasons with the Blue Eagles, De Guzman is finally ready to turn the page.
“Siguro yung sinasabi ko sa ibang interviews niyo, yung leadership ko talaga kasi ‘yon yung pinakastrong suit ko talaga to help yung team,” she said during the PVL Draft Combine held last May 30 at the Paco Arena.
Indeed, De Guzman’s leadership wasn’t born out of ease — it was shaped in the crucible of adversity.
This past UAAP Season 87, the 23-year-old outside hitter capped off a breakout campaign, finishing ninth in the league in scoring with 174 total points. But more importantly, she served as the emotional anchor for a rebuilding Ateneo squad riddled with injuries and inexperience.
De Guzman helped nurture the growth of promising rookies like Alex Montoro of Bacolod Tay Tung, Jihan Chuatico, former NUNS standout Robi Silla, and FEU-Diliman alumna Fiona Arroyo. Despite being viewed as underdogs for much of the season, the Blue Eagles pulled off a respectable 5-9 finish, a feat made possible by De Guzman’s steady leadership on and off the court.
But her decision to go pro wasn’t automatic.
De Guzman admitted to seriously considering a final run with the Blue Eagles, especially with key players like setter Taks Fujimoto and middle blocker Yvanna Sulit electing to stay for one more year. The team endured a brutal stretch of injuries throughout Season 87 — including Jlo delos Santos (torn left ACL), Zel Tsunashima (fractured tibia and fibula), and Sobe Buena (torn right ACL) — all of whom were expected to play pivotal roles 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,” she said. “I’m very happy kasi supportive pa rin sila — yung mga coaches ko sa Ateneo — na magtuloy ako sa draft.”
Now standing at the edge of a new journey, De Guzman is embracing the challenge of professional volleyball with the same quiet conviction that carried her through the highs and lows of the UAAP.
“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 said.
While this year’s PVL Draft class boasts a wealth of attacking options — including 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 presumptive top pick, NU’s Bella Belen — De Guzman isn’t fazed. She knows what she brings to the table, and she knows the value of having weathered adversity.
“Ibang level kasi ‘pag ikaw ‘yung laging inaasahan — hindi lang sa opensa, kundi sa mentality ng buong team,” one PVL scout noted. “Lyann isn’t just a scorer, she’s a stabilizer.”
As she looks ahead to the next chapter, De Guzman leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of resilience at Ateneo. She’s confident that the next wave of Blue Eagles — particularly Sulit, Fujimoto, Silla, Montoro, Chuatico, and Arroyo — are ready to continue the journey she helped build.
“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.”
