ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- Taylor Gugliuzza never set out to be a star. But five years, three head coaches, and more than 1,700 points later, the fifth-year senior from nearby New Lenox has left a mark on Lewis University women's basketball — and she did it with quiet confidence, loyalty, and a competitive drive.

The 5-foot-8 combo guard started over 120 games in her career, averaging more than 30 minutes a game over five seasons and never starting fewer than 10 games in a single season. She wrapped up her final season, averaging 16 points and nearly five rebounds per game, earning All-American Honorable Mention honors and ranking among the top 100 players in the nation in scoring and other offensive categories.

But if you ask her about it, she'll start by talking about her teammates.

"Even when things were hard, I was committed to my team and to Lewis—always," Gugliuzza said. "I loved being part of something bigger than myself. That's what kept me going."

Before Lewis, Gugliuzza was already turning heads. A dominant high school career at Lincoln-Way West saw her earn three Herald-News Player of the Year awards and the 2019-20 Daily Southtown Girls Basketball Player of the Year title. She left as the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,276 points and helped guide her team to a Class 4A state runner-up finish.

Still, the transition to college wasn't just about accolades—it was about finding the right fit.

"Coach Smith recruited me pretty hard during high school," she said. "From the beginning, it felt like home. Lewis was close enough to family but far enough for me to grow. I knew it was where I wanted to be."

That family connection played a big role. Her father, Tony, coached her and her younger sister Tara — who would eventually become her teammate at Lewis.

"I've always been playing with Tara. It was special to play three years together in high school and four years at Lewis," Gugliuzza said. "Sure, we're sisters, so there were ups and downs. But she always had my back. I was really lucky."

Gugliuzza's career at Lewis wasn't without its challenges. The program underwent three coaching changes during her time, but Taylor never considered walking away.

"It was difficult, but I think it made us stronger," she said. "Coach Smith leaving after my first year was tough. But Jenna (Badali), Lily (Courier), Kathryn (Schmidt) and I — we decided to stay and compete together. We wanted to be there for each other and for Lewis. It was a great decision."

Even during the second coaching transition, her resolve didn't waver.

"There were small doubts at times," she admitted. "But for the most part, I stayed committed because this was home."

It all culminated in her senior year, where that same group that committed to each other went 23-9 en route to a Great Lakes Valley Conference championship. Which Taylor said was one of the highlights, if not the highlight of her career.

"It was so much fun," said Gugliuzza. "We worked so hard and to get those rings with my teammates was worth it."

While her offensive game was well-known, her evolution on the defensive end may best reflect her growth as a player.

"In high school and even early in college, I wasn't known for my defense," she said. "But in my junior year, we played Drury, and I got assigned to guard their top scorer. That game changed my mindset. I realized I could lock in and shut people down."

She laughs a little when recalling the grind it took to get there.

"Defense isn't fun—those drills are awful. But I started to enjoy the challenge. It became part of my identity."

Off the court, Gugliuzza found her passion in the classroom. She began as a pre-med major, but quickly shifted gears toward criminal justice — a decision rooted in purpose.

"I've always been interested in law enforcement, even as a kid," she said. "Now, I want to be a criminal defense attorney, specifically for juveniles. I know some people hear 'criminal defense' and think it's a negative, but I see it as a chance to give kids a voice and help them during critical moments."

The reigning 2025 GLVC player of the year has already taken the LSATs and is weighing her next steps carefully.

"I want to help people who need a second chance. I want to be the person in their corner. I am excited for what's to come next."

As her time at Lewis comes to a close, Gugliuzza reflects on her journey with no regrets—only gratitude.

"I'm so glad I came back for my fifth year," she said. "Lewis gave me everything I needed—lifelong friendships, a degree, a platform to grow. If I had to go back and do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. I wish I could hit reset and be a freshman again."

From local standout to program mainstay, Taylor Gugliuzza's story isn't just about stats. It's about her teammates, her love of loyalty—and, without even realizing it, becoming a star at the place she calls home.