Azusa Pacific sophomore Milena Guzmán Ortiz will represent her home country of Puerto Rico in the 2019 Pan American Games, as she was selected for the Puerto Rican women's water polo national team. Guzmán Ortiz was born and raised in Puerto Rico, as she spent her entire life in the country until she moved to the United States in high school. Guzmán Ortiz has represented Puerto Rico since 2015, as she was on the junior national team for three years. In 2018, she made the senior team for the first time, as she was a member of both the junior and senior teams.
 
This past season as a freshman at Azusa Pacific, Guzmán Ortiz was named a Division II All-American. She helped lead the Cougars to a record-setting 19 wins, as she scored a team-high 48 goals. She scored two or more goals in 14 of Azusa Pacific's games. In mid-March, she was named the Golden Coast Conference Player of the Week, as Azusa Pacific claimed a pair of victories over top-25 opponents, with Guzmán Ortiz scoring three goals against #22 San Diego State, and two goals against #24 Bucknell. She was also selected to the GCC All-Freshmen Team. Azusa Pacific head coach Julie Snodgrass is excited for the opportunity ahead for Guzmán Ortiz this summer, "It is so fun to see the lifetime of Milena's hardwork pay off and to see her reach this goal and dream. She has such a dedicated and passionate spirit, and it is an honor to get to coach her here at APU."

For Guzmán Ortiz, she also recognizes the unique privilege that this summer brings. "I am really excited about this opportunity, as it is a huge tournament with amazing athletes all competing for their countries. I am excited to represent Puerto Rico and give it my all for my country, alongside my amazing teammates, as we try to bring back home a medal. Playing in a tournament like this will help my growth as a player, as I will get experience playing at a very high level," Guzmán Ortiz said. Coach Snodgrass echoed the point that this summer will be great for individual development, "I'm excited to hear about her trip and see what she has gained over the summer with the national team. She contributed a great deal last year so I'm eager to see how she will keep growing in her sophomore year."
 
Guzmán Ortiz and Puerto Rico will travel to Lima, Perú for the Games. The Pan American Games will begin on July 26 and go until August 11, however, the water polo portion of the Games will begin on August 4 and end on August 10.