Brooke Van Sickle celebrated Petro Gazz’s Reinforced Conference championship with her parents in the coaching staff, turning the Angels’ title run into a rare full-circle family moment.
Petro Gazz claimed a record-setting third 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference title Sunday night, Nov. 30 — and with it came a special milestone for Brooke Van Sickle and her family.
The Angels bested first-time finalist ZUS Coffee, 21-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
For the first time in nearly a decade, Brooke celebrated a championship with her parents, Gary and Lisa Van Sickle, both of whom are part of the Petro Gazz coaching staff this conference.
Brooke Van Sickle (middle) and parents Lisa (left) and Gary smile for a photo after Petro Gazz's PVL Reinforced title victory. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
It was the first time the trio had worked together since Brooke’s youth volleyball days in the United States.
“My parents haven't coached me [in a long while]. The last time they did was 10 years ago, almost. So it's just awesome to have them here,” Brooke said during the post-game press conference.
“It's just awesome to be able to have them here, not only as my coaches, because I'm familiar with them, but also to just have family around,” she added.
A reunion years in the making
Brooke’s parents had flown in and out of the Philippines over recent seasons just to watch her play, but this Reinforced Conference finally brought them together for good — on the same bench, in the same journey.
She admitted that being away from family had always been one of the toughest parts of her overseas career.
Van Sickles share another championship memory with Petro Gazz in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“I don't think a lot of people understand being an athlete, especially being away from your parents and your home. It's kind of hard,” the newly awarded Most Valuable Player shared.
“So it's really awesome to be with my parents here. I'm very happy and grateful.”
[RELATED STORY: Family ties: Gary, Lisa Van Sickle explain how PVL Petro Gazz coaching offer came about]
'Pretty special' for the Van Sickles
For Gary, the championship stirred up memories of simpler times.
“Someone showed me an old photo of Brooke when she was, maybe 16, after we won a tournament. Seeing that and then looking at where she is now — it’s pretty special,” he recalled.
“We watched all her Petro Gazz games back home, even at 2 or 3 a.m. When the opportunity came to join her here, we didn’t hesitate.”
And as the confetti fell at the Big Dome, the PVL Reinforced title felt bigger than a championship, as it marked a long-awaited moment for the Van Sickle family.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA and various international tournaments.