The Nxled Chameleons have been dealt a significant setback in their preparations for the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preseason after star player Brooke Van Sickle was ruled out for the entire conference due to a shoulder injury.
The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player will miss the preseason tournament as she continues her recovery from a minor right shoulder tear, leaving Nxled without one of the league’s most impactful all-around players during their campaign.
Chameleon’s head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed Van Sickle’s absence during a media interaction, explaining that the team has decided to prioritize the long-term health of their franchise player rather than risk further aggravating the injury.
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According to Guidetti, Van Sickle is expected to make her return in the next conference, giving the team confidence that the setback will only be temporary.
“We have an almost complete team. Only Brooke Van Sickle is out. She is dealing with a minor tear on her shoulder but will return for the next conference,” Guidetti said.
While the injury is considered minor, Nxled’s decision reflects the importance of having Van Sickle fully healthy for the more competitive stages of the PVL season. The team is taking a cautious approach with one of the league’s most valuable performers, especially given her importance to both their offensive production and defensive stability.
Van Sickle’s absence is a considerable challenge for Nxled, as the 28-year-old has established herself as one of the most complete players in the PVL. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game—including attacking, receiving, serving, and defending—has made her one of the most reliable players in the league.
#WATCH: RETURN STILL UP IN THE AIR 🏐
Still recovering from a shoulder injury, Brooke Van Sickle remains patient as she works her way back to full strength, keeping her focus on returning at the right time despite missing the start of the #PVLonTour#ReadMore 👉… pic.twitter.com/z0l3ZZwefJ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 8, 2026
The American-Filipino standout entered the PVL in January 2024 after signing with the Petro Gazz Angels and immediately made an impact. Her performances helped the franchise achieve success, playing a key role in Petro Gazz’s championship campaigns in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
Beyond team success, Van Sickle has also built an impressive individual résumé. She has collected three PVL Most Valuable Player awards, earning recognition as the league’s Best Player during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, and the 2025 Reinforced Conference.
She has also been recognized among the league’s elite outside hitters, securing Best Outside Hitter honors in the 2024 and 2025 Reinforced Conferences. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made her a centerpiece of every team she has represented, making her absence a major storyline heading into Nxled’s preseason campaign.
Although losing Van Sickle is a difficult blow, her absence provides an opportunity for Nxled’s other players to step into bigger roles and showcase their abilities. The preseason tournament will allow the Chameleons’ coaching staff to evaluate their roster depth, assess new additions, and determine which players can provide valuable contributions once the regular season begins.
Without their star player on the floor, Nxled will be challenged to find new sources of offense and establish stronger team chemistry. The situation also gives younger players and emerging talents a chance to gain valuable experience against some of the league’s top teams.
Early test against Creamline
The impact of Van Sickle’s absence was immediately noticeable in Nxled’s opening match of the PVL On Tour preseason. The Chameleons struggled against the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, falling in straight sets after a competitive start. Nxled suffered a 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, 15-19 defeat on Wednesday, July 8, at Ilagan City in Isabela.
Despite the result, the preseason provides Nxled with an important opportunity to experiment with their lineup and build confidence ahead of future competitions.
The Chameleons will look to bounce back and secure their first victory of the tournament when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Saturday, July 25, in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
As Nxled continues its preseason journey without Van Sickle, the focus will be on how the team responds to adversity and whether its supporting cast can rise to the challenge until its star player returns.
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