Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips reflected on their time with the Petro Gazz Angels with gratitude as they begin a new PVL chapter with the Nxled Chameleons.
The abrupt decision of the Petro Gazz Angels to take a leave of absence from the PVL closed the book on one of the league’s most successful runs—and forced its core players to confront an unexpected turning point.
For stars Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, the move was emotional but ultimately became the catalyst for a shared reset with the Nxled Chameleons.
Fresh off two PVL title runs last year, Van Sickle admitted the news of Petro Gazz’s exit was difficult to process.
“It was very sad to hear the news, actually. Coming off a championship last conference to having a leave of absence, it was heartbreaking but understandable,” Van Sickle told reporters.
[ALSO READ: Flying high: 7 memorable moments from the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL]
Keeping the championship core together
The three-time PVL MVP emphasized that the decision to move forward together was organic, pushing back against speculation surrounding the Angels’ breakup.
“By no means were we forced. I know there were a lot of allegations being said, but we kind of all, as players, had a common goal—to make sure that the core sticks together and continue to build something special,” Van Sickle emphasized.
Brooke Van Sickle and other members of the Petro Gazz Angels decided to sign with the Nxled Chameleons. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Now entering a new phase of her PVL career, the Fil-Hawaiian spiker feels both a sense of familiarity and renewal as she reunites with former teammates while embracing a fresh environment with the Chameleons.
“At the end of the day, no matter what jersey or color, I’m still gonna give it my hundred percent, no matter what, and still try to be a team leader and try to still make long-term connections and friendships,” she added.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Van Sickle, Pablo, Phillips embrace fresh start in major Nxled rebuild]
@onesportsphl ALL IN TO WIN 🦎🏆 Reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle says her goal is to win, highlighting the Nxled Chameleons' mix of young and veteran players and sharing her excitement about building something special with familiar faces from Petro Gazz in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | via Mei-Lin Lozada/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball
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Ready for the new chapter
The same sentiment was shared by Phillips, who carried even deeper roots during the transition.
A long-time Angel who spent nearly half a decade with Petro Gazz, she described the exit as bittersweet, yet opening the door to a fresh challenge.
“I am really bummed about Petro Gazz. I’ve been there with them for like five years now or six years or something,” the two-time PVL Finals MVP admitted. “So I really appreciate them, but I also appreciate Nxled for giving us another home.”
Now wearing neon green—a color she joked fits her perfectly—Phillips is focused on what Nxled can become rather than what Petro Gazz left behind.
“I just want Nxled to challenge the other teams a little bit more,” she said. “I’m excited with all the new players, the competition in the gym, and just what we can bring to the table at this upcoming conference.”
@onesportsphl CHEMISTRY LOADING 🤝🦎 MJ Phillips shared her excitement about challenging other teams after joining the Nxled Chameleons, noting that practices have been competitive and that the team’s easygoing chemistry could lead to quick jelling in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. | via Mei-Lin Lozada/One Sports #OSOnTheSpot #PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball
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(With reports from Mei-lin Lozada/One Sports Digital)
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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.