DLSU Sports Feature Athlete: Diego Lozano

Written by Jennifer Gwen Serrano

The reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Baseball champions had a remarkable Season 81 ending with a championship that brought back to De La Salle University (DLSU) the title it last won on Season 78. Amongst the Green Batters is Juan Diego Lozano who won the Best Slugger, Most Homeruns, and Season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.

“It was a memorable way for our seniors to end their season,” Lozano mentioned.

Both fans and players cannot forget the heated battle between the rival school showdown of DLSU and Ateneo de Manila University. Months and years of sacrifice from both teams were evident coming into the last inning neck and neck with equal chances of winning the title. The game-winning shot came from former senior Francis Gesmundo who was awarded Finals MVP.

How It All Began

Prior to baseball, Diego started playing sports as a football player at the age of six with remarks that he has always been sports-minded. He looked up to his father, a former athlete himself who played for La Salle Green Hills until his collegiate years in baseball. It was not until when Lozano watched his father play with his friends that he realized that he might follow in his footsteps.

“He asked if I wanted to try it out and the rest was history. I owe a lot to him.”

Day In The Life

Currently, Lozano is part of the national team which helps him stay fit during the pandemic. His routine revolves around work, calisthenics workouts, and making time for both himself and his family. Despite the busy schedule, what keeps him maintaining his positive attitude and focus on life are his philosophies and mindset.

“Everybody has time; it’s just up to us on what we do with our time. If you have the right time management and mindset to balance everything, the rest will follow.”

Adjusting to the new normal has been a challenge for student-athletes halting from their normal routines of training and participating in team workouts through their screens instead of playing in actual tournaments.

National Team

According to Diego, the highest level you can attain in playing baseball is when you make it to the national team. It is not like professional leagues that have a regular season; they compete once or twice a year in different countries. There are numerous factors to weigh in transitioning from online workouts to being able to go back to the field and play. Athletic capabilities such as trying to be the same athlete as you were before, the time you would be sacrificing, and much more are some aspects to consider before playing once again.

What’s Next?

A major decision has yet to be made by Diego which is if he would forgo his final season in DLSU with a year of eligibility in play. The thought of pursuing a master’s degree is related to his love for the sport as the original plan was to pursue it abroad.

“If ever I decide to take master’s and pursue my last playing year, I’ll make sure it’s the last time I will ever play the sport. Playing that sport would sacrifice a year of your life for working or earning money to represent and make the school proud, and which any Lasallian would take. You would just have to be wise with your decision, so I would make the most out of it.”

Despite the major option Lozano must make, he has further appreciated the time that was given to him during the pandemic to spend with his loved ones. One of his key takeaways was that time should not be taken for granted as it should be cherished and spent well.

“Cherish every moment and keep a positive mindset with everything. Try to see the silver lining or the light at the end of the tunnel not just for you, but for the people surrounding you.”

With burnout evident amongst individuals this time of the pandemic, it is important to unplug from the social world and take time for yourself. Society may be extremely caught up in the hustle mentality and technology that a few deep breaths or moments to relax may be all it takes to keep you grounded and sane.

“Mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. This is what one of my teammates used to say and it stuck to me.”

With Diego Lozano’s key takeaways and learnings throughout his career, there is no doubt that whatever he decides to do next would make an impact on his life. His grit and determination are some of the few things that are remarkable in how athletes assess the choices they would have to make. He has made history as a son, Green Batter, and team player that would be etched in DLSU Baseball history forever.