Just when American University lacrosse alumna Lizzie de Guzman thought her playing days were over, an unexpected opportunity knocked on the door – one that allowed her to honor her Philippine heritage through the sport she loves. And when that door opened, she stepped through it without hesitation.
In December 2023, de Guzman wore the Philippines jersey for the first time, stepping onto the field in Hong Kong. Neither the long travel, the demands of school and life nor the exhaustion could stop her from making history.
This past January, de Guzman—now the captain of the Philippine National Team—led an extraordinary group of women to a bronze medal at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Women’s Lacrosse Championships. A team that started as strangers quickly became a sisterhood, united by a common goal: to put their country’s name on the map. And de Guzman was at the heart of it all.
After enduring rain delays and even breaking into dance parties while waiting for the bronze medal game to resume, de Guzman helped rally the team to victory on their final day of competition.
"We didn't want to end with another loss," de Guzman said of the bronze medal match. "We wanted to prove that, yes, we qualified—but we can also win a medal."
Lacrosse has been a part of de Guzman’s life since childhood, influenced by her sister and a family deeply rooted in sports. Growing up near Baltimore, an area known for its highly competitive lacrosse culture, she faced immense pressure and a difficult environment that demanded resilience and high social expectations.
But de Guzman never shied away from a challenge. From the moment she picked up a lacrosse stick, she knew she wanted to play at the highest level.
"My freshman year of high school, when they put in the rule that college coaches couldn’t talk to you until junior year—I already knew I wanted to play [Division l]," she recalled.
Her years at American University (2021-2024), where she earned a Bachelor's in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology and is now pursuing a Master's in Strategic Communication, shaped her into a leader. That experience introduced her to something bigger than herself.
Introduced to the Philippines National Team by her college coach, Jo Torres, de Guzman didn’t just join the squad—she became an irreplaceable force.
“Lizzie is one of the most mature and put-together people I’ve ever met,” said Mallory Ngitngit, a junior on Lafayette’s women’s lacrosse team and a fellow member of the Philippines National Team. “I look up to her and admire her as a leader.”
But this wasn’t just any team. This was the first-ever women’s lacrosse team to represent the Philippines in this tournament. And in their debut, they didn’t just compete—they won.
"We all have so much pride in being Filipino, and it’s an incredible honor to represent the Philippines," de Guzman said. "That celebration was amazing."
de Guzman’s Filipino heritage had always been a part of her, incorporated into family gatherings and traditions. But this experience deepened her connection to her roots in a way she never imagined.
"I’ve always felt connected during family events and holidays on my dad’s side," she said, "But it wasn’t as present in my day-to-day life. Being part of this team and expanding my family in this way has reconnected me with my heritage."
De Guzman is now a part of the legacy of American University alumni who have gone on to do remarkable things. Her collegiate career may have ended, but her journey is far from over. A new chapter has begun—one filled with purpose, pride, and the promise of even greater accomplishments ahead.
This article was edited by Jack Stashower, Penelope Jennings, and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Hannah Langenfeld and Nicole Kariuki.
