Brooke Van Sickle: “I Am Filipino.”
Petro Gazz has found its moment in the sun—and its players are letting the light in with grace and gratitude.
Fresh off a monumental win against the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in the All-Filipino PVL Conference, the Angels are basking in the glory of a hard-fought championship.
As for Brooke Van Sickle, the triumph was more than just a championship—it was a personal journey of resilience, growth, and finding peace in the chaos.
“We persevered through a lot,” Van Sickle said. “We had a lot of ups and downs. I’m just so proud. Everyone had that fighting spirit, and they’re just great people on and off the court.”
For Van Sickle, who’s become a beacon of inspiration not only for her skill but for her sincerity, this victory is deeply personal. “I’m just really grateful to be on this team, surrounded by wonderful women, and be able to call them friends and family.”
And for standout Jonah Sabete, the victory is nothing short of divine timing.
“Binigay din talaga ni Lord sa amin ito siguro,” Sabete said, her voice steady but glowing with emotion. “Sobrang proud sa teammates din. Sabi din namin na ilaban na namin ito na parang walang bukas na.”
Sabete played like there was no tomorrow, and Petro Gazz delivered like it was destiny.
Brooke Van Sickle: “I am Filipino.”
“Being able to play the sport that we love every single day and being injury-free—I’m just at peace,” Brooke told reporters at the PhilSports Arena. But peace didn’t come easy. Van Sickle, a Filipino-American athlete, has faced criticism and questions about her identity and representation. And yet, she meets it all with humility.
“The only time I hear about it is when people mention it to me, but I don’t take anything personally,” she said. “It is what it is, and now I’m here, I represent the Philippines and I am Filipino.”
She doesn’t shy away from the complexities. “I don’t expect people to be open arms with us. I understand how they feel, and I just hope that one day, they will just accept us.”
With every serve, dig, and dive, Van Sickle is slowly bridging that gap—not just by playing, but by showing heart.
“I just want to be able to play more of the sport that I love and be able to immerse myself with this culture,” she added. “I’m really grateful that I’m here now and experiencing this.”
As the confetti settles and the crowd’s cheers fade, Petro Gazz isn’t just about a championship—it’s about faith, fight, and finding family in a team that dared to believe.
