After a tumultuous season, Petro Gazz Angels star Brooke Van Sickle is ready to make a bold statement in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League. Determined to leave last season’s setbacks behind, the former NCAA standout aims to steer her team back to prominence and remind fans of the powerhouse potential the Angels possess.
Expectations ran high for Petro Gazz after their impressive acquisition of Van Sickle, a 5-foot-9 dynamo from Hilo, Hawaii, known for her versatile, high-flying attacks and defensive tenacity honed at the University of Oregon. The Angels initially met the hype by claiming bronze in the All-Filipino Conference, sparking optimism for a dominant season. But things took a downturn in the Reinforced Conference, with the team finishing sixth and missing out on a chance at the Invitationals.
Reflecting on last season’s challenges, Van Sickle kept her perspective positive and resilient. “I don’t know. Things happen,” she said, candidly addressing the hurdles. “No one wants to lose, but it just happens. We can’t expect to come in thinking, ‘Oh yeah, we’re gonna get number one without people pushing back.’ It is what it is.”
That humility and resilience are what set Van Sickle apart and fuel her drive. Entering this season with a renewed focus, she urged her teammates to take every experience as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Acknowledging Creamline’s remarkable Grand Slam, she added, “Hats off to everyone. It’s good competition, really. All we have to do is learn from what happened and move on.”
And move on she did. In Petro Gazz’s season opener against Choco Mucho, Van Sickle was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 34 points from 28 kills, four aces, and two blocks. Complementing her attacking prowess were 14 digs, underscoring her commitment to an all-around game. Her standout performance helped the Angels prevail in a four-set battle, setting an early tone for Petro Gazz’s redemption arc.
Despite her exhaustion, Van Sickle’s passion and tenacity were evident. “I am really tired right now, I am exhausted,” she admitted, catching her breath after the match. “But we’re all stepping onto the court with that grit, and even if we’re tired, you just have to keep on going.” For Van Sickle, the stats are secondary to giving her full effort, supporting her teammates, and bringing high energy to every match.
“Point by point, you have to be mentally tough,” she added, her focus unwavering. “I just want to be there for my teammates, to have a good time, and to put out high energy for everyone. For me, it’s not so much about the numbers—I just try to give my 100 percent every time.”
