Lyann De Guzman is enjoying a supportive fan base to start her PVL career with the Nxled Chameleons, banking on the bonds she built while with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Lyann de Guzman has always played with energy, but it’s the connection she’s built off the court that makes her stand out just as much as her game.
From her Ateneo days to now suiting up for Nxled in the PVL, De Guzman has carried a loyal group of supporters who never stopped showing up—bringing giant bubble heads and chants that echo through the arena.
For One Sports’ Off the Record, De Guzman shares how her friendship with fans shaped her career, and how their unwavering support now fuels her drive with the Chameleons.
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One Sports: Lyann, it’s become evident that you are one of the crowd favorites since the UAAP and even joining the PVL. Why do you think that’s the case?
Lyann: Actually, yung mga supporters na nakikita natin sa labas, ‘yung mga parang bubble head na malaki… galing pa talaga sila, like senior Sebo Nation sa Ateneo.
‘Yung last year namin ni AC [Miner], very committed talaga sila na kahit mag-pro na kami, nandiyan pa rin sila para manood, support natin ‘yung bago naming team.
Sobrang happy ako, sobrang na-appreciate ko sila kasi for me, nakaka-help din sa team kasi parang nab-boost din kami. And ‘yung support nila, it really meant for us na matulungan din kami inside the court na pag medyo nag-struggle, nandiyan sila para to shout na parang, let's go, ganyan, and nakaka-help talaga.
One Sports: Talk about how you were able to build this relationship with your fans.
Lyann: Feel ko kasi nung college days din namin nila AC, nila Taks, ano kami, in-approach talaga namin sila kasi syempre sobrang nag-effort sila eh and wala, halos lahat din ng mga Sebos naging close na namin.
As in nakapag-chit-chat kami and parang wala, ano lang namin sila, as in friends, friends na kami. Hindi ‘yung parang ay fans sila, but friends. Part na sila ng Ateneo community talaga.
One Sports: It’s not every day you see that relationship between a player and her fans. But for you, why go the extra mile?
Lyann: Actually sa akin, pag ‘yung mga supporters talaga na lumalapit, ako kasi yung sige go lang, as long as may time ako. And wala, friendly lang din kasi ako na parang, hindi tingin ko sa'yo na parang isang fan lang. But friends, yeah, as in friend na pag lumapit ka mag-hi, hello, chika, like, okay lang yan sakin.
One Sports: With more support now being seen for Nxled, what are you hoping to achieve with the team?
Lyann: Siguro kada game, like, bigay lang talaga namin lahat na ipakita namin na ito yung next stage talaga na aangat hanggang mag-champion. And of course, ibabalik lang din namin yung binibigay na support sa amin.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.