Brooke Van Sickle feels at home with Petro Gazz, shines in debut

Petro Gazz Angels’ Brooke Van Sickle in the PNVF Champions League.–PNVF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Brooke Van Sickle had heard a lot about the Philippine volleyball scene from her friends who happened to be former F2 Logistics player Kalei Mau and ex-Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide.

Van Sickle marveled at the high-level competition and popularity of the sport in the country and knew she had to experience it herself and fulfill her dream of playing in her mother’s home country.

“Kalei Mau, I met her probably three years ago and I have friends that played here in the PVL. And they only just said fantastic things and like it’s just a different experience like that experience they’ve never had in volleyball. That’s where the dream began,” Van Sickle told reporters after a winning debut in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Determined to play in Manila, the 24-year-old outside spiker talked to Vander Weide, who was also her teammate at University of Oregon, about the possibility of playing for Petro Gazz.

“Lindsey Vander Weide was my [former teammate] so I ended up hitting her up like, “Hey can I have a contact information for Petro Gazz?” She said, “Yeah ok and everything.” That’s how it started,” she said.

The Philippine volleyball experience didn’t disappoint Brooke as she was full of excitement after her first game in Manila, where she poured in 16 points in Petro Gazz’s 25-11, 25-19, 25-19 win over Army.

“It’s legit. This is super cool and super fun. I’m stoked to be able to be a part of this. Absolutely, grateful. I’m excited to see how the season goes,” she said.

Petro Gazz Angels’ Brooke Van Sickle.–PNVF PHOTO

Van Sickle, who finished her US NCAA Division 1 career with the University of Hawaii, emerging as Big West Conference MVP, Best Scorer, and Best Outside Spiker, said she’s been watching the PVL in the past and she is looking forward to facing Fil-Canadian Savannah Davison of PLDT, defending champion Creamline, runner-up Choco Mucho, and Chery Tiggo.

“I know there’s another dual citizen Savannah Davison. That’ll be cool to to be able to play against each other and everything and I already know the top teams Creamline and Choco Mucho. That will be really exciting and even Chery Tiggo,” she said.

The Filipino-American hitter credits her easy adjustment to the style of play in the Philippines to her welcoming teammates, led by Remy Palma, Djanel Cheng, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and Myla Pablo.

“It’s going really good. I got here like two weeks ago like the first day I was not even here for 48 hours but I already felt like I was at home. The girls are so welcoming and I couldn’t be more grateful, I’m super happy,” Van Sickle.

More than playing volleyball, Van Sickle seeks to learn more about her Filipino roots during her stay with the Angels, who will eye a rare All-Filipino Conference title starting on February 20.

“Obviously, the volleyball, the food, the culture, you know be able to immerse myself and be able to get to know my teammates and build relationships and make this my second home,” said Van Sickle.