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Tag: Brooke Van Sickle

  • “He knows what we struggle at”: Brooke Van Sickle on facing former coach Koji Tsuzurabara in Nxled’s win

    “He knows what we struggle at”: Brooke Van Sickle on facing former coach Koji Tsuzurabara in Nxled’s win

    The Nxled Chameleons leaned on poise, experience, and late-game execution from their star players to survive a gritty five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, pulling off a 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12 victory in their opening match of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan.

     

    In a match marked by momentum swings and extended rallies, Nxled showed composure when it mattered most—particularly in the deciding fifth set—snapping Farm Fresh’s resistance and securing a confidence-boosting win to open their campaign.

     

    Reigning PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle led the way in her highly anticipated debut for the Chameleons, delivering an all-around performance with 20 points. Fellow debutant Myla Pablo provided timely scoring and defensive stability, finishing with 19 points and six digs to earn Player of the Game honors, while MJ Phillips chipped in 13 points.

     

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    The trio of former Petro Gazz Angels standouts immediately justified their superstar billing, showcasing chemistry and composure despite limited time together. Their collective experience proved crucial, especially after Nxled dropped the second and third sets and found themselves on the brink of an opening-day loss.

     

    However, the Foxies—under the guidance of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara—were anything but pushovers.

     

    Tsuzurabara, who previously steered Petro Gazz to the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference title, is well-acquainted with Van Sickle, Pablo, and Phillips, having coached them during their championship run. That familiarity showed, as Farm Fresh employed disciplined defense and tactical adjustments that frustrated Nxled for long stretches of the match.

    “I didn’t get to talk to them much, but they looked good. As always coach Koji Tsuzurabara knows us, so he knows what we struggle at and what we are good at, so I already knew it was gonna definitely be hard offensive to score, just because he knows the players and he’s been around the game for a long time,” Van Sickle said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “I feel like he did a really good job developing Farm Fresh and their defense. I thought they had a lot of good plays, soaked up the ball and playing a lot, making good decisions,” he added.

     

    Farm Fresh’s defensive tenacity forced Nxled into longer rallies and tougher shot selections, particularly during the middle sets where the Foxies seized control and threatened to pull away. Still, Nxled responded with renewed urgency in the fourth set, dominating at the net and rediscovering their offensive rhythm to force a decider.

     

    Van Sickle emphasized the importance of patience and mental toughness in grinding out the win.

     

    “I definitely think that it was a long-rally game. We had to be patient and stay calm on the other side of the court. I’m glad we were able to pull this off and get underway,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    The victory gives Nxled an early boost as they integrate new pieces and establish identity heading into the long conference. For Farm Fresh, despite the loss, the performance offered encouraging signs under Tsuzurabara’s system, particularly on the defensive end.

     

    With the Chameleons off to a winning start, Van Sickle and company will look to build momentum when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers next on Saturday, February 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, as Nxled continues its push to establish itself as an early contender in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “Heartbreaking but understandable”: Brooke Van Sickle opens up on Petro Gazz’s PVL absence

    “Heartbreaking but understandable”: Brooke Van Sickle opens up on Petro Gazz’s PVL absence

    Filipino-American outside hitter Brooke Van Sickle has firmly established herself as one of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) most dominant forces in recent years. Her explosive scoring, elite all-around skillset, and consistency with the Petro Gazz Angels have elevated her to the status of arguably the best player in the country today.

     

    Van Sickle played a pivotal role in Petro Gazz’s recent championship run, helping the Angels capture both the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference title and the 2025 Reinforced Conference crown. Over the past two seasons, her performances earned her a long list of accolades: two Best Outside Hitter awards, three Conference MVP trophies, and the league’s first-ever PVL Most Valuable Player award in 2025.

     

    Despite this run of success, Petro Gazz management made the shocking decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL—a development that left players free to join other clubs. The news stunned the volleyball community and deeply affected the athletes who had built the Angels into a perennial contender, including Van Sickle herself.

     

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    “It was very sad to hear the news, actually. Coming off a championship last conference to having a leave of absence, it was heartbreaking but understandable. We are definitely keeping our spirits up and we’re just really grateful that the core decided to stick together and by no means were forced,” Van Sickle said.

    “I know there were a lot of allegations being said but we kind of all, as players, like have a common goal that we make sure that the core sticks together and you know, continue to build something special, especially with the Nxled group like we think we can do that. It was all part of the plan, I guess. Things happen, it’s uncomfortable and you just gotta be optimistic and still hungry,” she added.

     

    With Petro Gazz stepping away from competition, the league suddenly found itself with several sought-after free agents—and Nxled Chameleons acted swiftly. Van Sickle headlined the list of big-name signings, but she wasn’t alone. Nxled also brought in two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, former PVL MVP Myla Pablo, and rising setter Jules Tolentino, last year’s 11th overall draft pick.

     

    The result? Nxled effectively absorbed the backbone of the once-dominant Petro Gazz core, instantly transforming the team from a lower-table squad into a legitimate contender.

     

    “So far the practices have been super awesome, they’re very awesome. It’s just really awesome to be able to have an Italian coach and he has so much experience from around the world and to be able to bring that to the gym is awesome.

     

    “I feel like this is probably the most prepared I’m gonna be for a conference, personally, just because the amount of touches and just like the quality of practice is really good, especially all the girls are absolutely pushing each other in the gym so it’s really highly competitive so with that being said — yeah, our goal is to win,” Van Sickle concluded.

     

    With Van Sickle leading the charge and surrounded by a lineup filled with MVPs, Finals stars, and championship-tested veterans, Nxled’s dramatic roster overhaul feels less like a rebuild and more like a declaration of intent. As the PVL enters the 2026 season, the Chameleons are no longer just aiming to improve—they are positioning themselves firmly in the championship conversation.

     

     

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  • Brooke Van Sickle Turns the Page: Embraces new beginning with Nxled 

    Brooke Van Sickle Turns the Page: Embraces new beginning with Nxled 

    For Brooke Van Sickle, the moment was equal parts gratitude and grief — a pause between what was lost and what now lies ahead.

     

    The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player recently stood at that emotional crossroads as Petro Gazz, the team that introduced her to Philippine volleyball and helped define her rise in the league, officially stepped away from competition. The news marked the end of a chapter that brought titles, growth, and a sense of belonging for the Fil-Hawaiian star.

     

    “It was very sad to hear the news, actually. Coming off a championship last conference to having a leave of absence, it was heartbreaking but understandable,” Van Sickle shared on Thursday.

     

    Her journey in the Philippines began in 2024 with a leap of faith. Recruited by the Angels, Van Sickle arrived as a talented import — and quickly became much more. Her relentless two-way play, leadership, and competitive fire transformed her into one of the league’s defining figures, a fan favorite who helped power Petro Gazz to two championships in a short but unforgettable span.

    Those memories made the goodbye heavier.

     

    “Again, super grateful for the Petro Gazz family, the Villavicencios, for having me come to the Philippines. It was really a great two years with them, and obviously it’s sad to see the team leaving, but I’m still super excited for this next journey with Nxled,” said the 27-year-old.

     

    The Angels’ decision to take a leave of absence sent shockwaves through the local volleyball community, especially given Petro Gazz’s status as the PVL’s second-winningest franchise since joining the league in 2018. Yet even amid uncertainty, Van Sickle’s focus never lingered on what ended — it shifted quickly to what could still be built.

     

    That outlook made the transition to Nxled feel less like starting over and more like carrying something forward.

     

    With much of Petro Gazz’s championship core moving alongside her — including MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, Jules Tolentino, Ranya Musa, Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Jellie Tempiatura, and AA Adolfo — continuity replaced disruption. The bond forged through wins and adversity remains intact, now redirected toward a new franchise and a new mission.

     

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    “Like, I am very stoked to be able to have all my former teammates coming along for the ride, too. So it’s just exciting. It’s new — new coach, new teammates, a lot of things. It’s, like, mentally stimulating in a sense. But I’m excited,” Van Sickle said.

     

    She was also quick to address speculation surrounding the group’s move, emphasizing that the decision to join Nxled was made freely — a collective choice rooted in belief and shared ambition.

    “We’re just really grateful that the core decided to stick together. And by no means were we forced,” she explained.

     

    “I know there were a lot of allegations being said, but we kind of all, as players, like, have a common goal that we make sure that the core sticks together and, you know, continue to build something special, especially with the Nxled group.”

     

    Now wearing green instead of red, Van Sickle finds renewed energy in a fresh environment — one highlighted by the presence of Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti. The chance to work under a globally experienced tactician has already raised the bar in training.

     

    “So far, the practices have been super awesome. They’re very awesome. It’s just really awesome to be able to have an Italian coach, and he has so much experience from around the world. To be able to bring that to the gym is awesome,” she said.

     

    “I feel like this is probably the most prepared I’m gonna be for a conference, personally, just because of the amount of touches and just, like, the quality of practice is really good. Especially, all the girls are absolutely pushing each other in the gym, so it’s really highly competitive.”

     

    For Van Sickle, the jersey may have changed, but the standard has not. As she begins this new chapter with Nxled, she carries the same commitment that defined her time with Petro Gazz — leadership, effort, and an all-in approach to the game and the people around her.

     

    “At the end of the day, no matter what jersey or color, I’m still gonna give it my hundred percent, no matter what, and still try to be a team leader and try to still make long-term connections and friendships,” she said.

     

    “So I’m just excited for these next couple of years.”

     

    What ended in heartbreak now opens into possibility — and for Brooke Van Sickle, that balance of gratitude and hunger may be exactly what fuels her next run.

     

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  • Nxled lands 3-Time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle to complete Petro Gazz core rebuild 

    Nxled lands 3-Time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle to complete Petro Gazz core rebuild 

    What began as a careful rebuild has now evolved into a full-blown statement.

     

    Nxled capped off its aggressive offseason by securing the biggest prize on the market — three-time PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle — instantly altering the trajectory of the two-year-old franchise and rewriting expectations for the 2026 season.

     

    The move was executed with urgency. League sources indicate Nxled acted swiftly to lock up Van Sickle, leaving rival teams without a window to even present competing offers. For a club once focused on long-term development, the decisiveness signaled a shift from patience to ambition.

     

    Van Sickle’s arrival does more than add star power. Since debuting in 2024, she has established herself as one of the most complete players the PVL has seen — a dominant scorer, elite defender, and emotional leader capable of changing games on both ends. With her in place, Nxled no longer looks like a project; it looks like a contender.

     

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    But Van Sickle isn’t coming alone.

     

    Flanking her are proven winners who bring championship pedigree and familiarity. Two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino — last year’s 11th overall pick — also make the jump, effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

     

    That influx of talent has created a ripple effect across the roster. The Chameleons now boast a lineup heavy with former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry to match its newfound firepower.

     

    In many ways, Nxled found an alternate path to contention after the much-discussed but unrealized merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from competition, the Chameleons emerged as the unexpected beneficiary — absorbing not just talent, but experience, identity, and a winning culture.

     

    What once looked like a rebuilding franchise has suddenly transformed into a lineup stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

     

    Completing the overhaul is a carefully chosen blend of youth and leadership, bannered by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who brings depth and upside at the setter position.

     

    With Brooke Van Sickle now front and center, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a declaration. The Chameleons aren’t just aiming to improve — they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

     

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