PVL: Brooke Van Sickle’s parents proud of their daughter’s growth, grit

Brooke Van Sickle’s parents, Lisa and Gary, watching a PVL game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Brooke Van Sickle’s parents, Lisa and Gary, are proud to see their daughter thrive with Petro Gazz in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Filipino-American spiker has been sensational so far in her first stint in the league, and her parents flew in to support their daughter and the Angels in person for the first time.

With her parents at the stands at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Van Sickle left everything on the floor with 27 points, 20 digs, and 12 excellent receptions but Petro Gazz fell short to birthday girl Eya Laure and Chery Tiggo in five sets, 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13.

READ: Brooke Van Sickle puts PVL on notice with impressive Petro Gazz debut

It may have been a tough break for Van Sickle and the Angels, but even before the game started Lisa and Gary expressed how proud they are of the do-it-all outside hitter. 

“Oh my gosh, she’s been amazing actually. It’s been a long time since they’ve been back to the Philippines and from Day 1 since Brooke got here, she absolutely loves it here,” said Lisa, who traces her Filipino roots in San Emilio, Ilocos Sur.

Petro Gazz Angels’ Brooke Van Sickle in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“From all the things we hear from Brooke, as friendly as everyone is, everyone’s welcoming and we’re just excited to see her play,” added Gary.

Brooke’s parents, also her first volleyball coaches, hoped their presence didn’t add pressure on their daughter but her dad was right in saying that the Petro Gazz rising star was going to display her stellar volleyball skills. 

READ: PVL: Sisi Rondina all praises for Brooke Van Sickle after their first duel

“She’s played in front of us a lot so I don’t think we’re gonna change her game. Frankly, she might be a little better,” Gary said.

“We were her coaches since she was eight until she went to college. I don’t think there’s any pressure per se, but I think she’s excited we’re here. I hope,” Lisa said. 

Van Sickle played for the University of Oregon in the US NCAA Division 1 before transferring to the University of Hawaii, where she captured a couple of individual awards both in indoor and beach volleyball.

Van Sickle may have just arrived in Manila two months ago but she already made a huge impact for Petro Gazz, which she led to a Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League title and kept in semis contention in the ongoing PVL with a 4-2 record.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

And her parents couldn’t be even prouder of the PNVF Champions League MVP.

“It’s been so much fun watching her blossom into the player that she is today. I think what impresses me the most about her is her fearlessness. Like, she doesn’t get very rattled and she knows how… I call her the closer because she knows how to close the game, I feel. She’s always been that way,” Lisa said. 

“She’s gone a long way. Seeing her now, it’s been a good journey for her and I think she’s ready for  this moment, playing here. [We’re] happy to be here,” said Brooke’s father.