As she celebrates her 27th birthday, Brooke Van Sickle met her biggest fan, Justine Grace Fronda, a 26-year-old teacher from Zamboanga, who found hope and inspiration in the Petro Gazz superstar.
ANTIPOLO—It’s not every day that one gets to meet their hero.
But on Saturday, March 22, Justine Grace Fronda got to meet her idol Brooke Van Sickle once more.
Fronda trooped to the Ynares Center Antipolo to celebrate the Petro Gazz superstar’s birthday as well as to support the Angels in their Game 2 victory against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
“First of all, you can call me Little Brooke. I am her biggest fan,” Fronda said. “I really invested so much time in this, and I just want to say that we support her with all our heart. She is the best volleyball player I have ever seen in my entire life.”
[ALSO READ: Brooke Van Sickle gets birthday wish as Petro Gazz nabs crucial Game 2 win PVL QF]
Fronda, a 26-year-old teacher from Zamboanga, fell in love with Van Sickle’s game in April 2024 after watching her play for the Angels.
What was supposed to be just another PVL match turned into a life-changing moment.
“That was iconic. It really stood out the most, so it’s very hard for her to be forgettable. Her presence alone on the court is very explosive, and she’s very talented. Her volleyball IQ is insane,” she recalled.
But for Fronda, the Fil-Hawaiian spiker’s impact went beyond the court.
At the time, Fronda was battling self-doubt, career struggles, and emotional challenges. She felt lost, questioning her future and her place in the world.
“April 24, 2024, was the turning point in my life. I had been struggling emotionally—with my face, with my body, and especially with my career status. Everything was going downhill, and I didn’t know how to pick myself up,” she admitted.
Then, she saw Van Sickle smile.
“When I saw her smiling on screen, when I saw her thriving, trying her best, I realized—I did not just want to survive. I wanted to truly live. And she gave me that kind of hope.”
Van Sickle’s relentless energy, unwavering positivity, and pure love for the game inspired Fronda to keep going, to fight, and to believe in herself again.
“Something changed that day. I was able to patch things up, resolve some conflicts in my life, and I was able to smile again—like, genuinely smile again—because of her.”
In the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Van Sickle and Petro Gazz swept the Galeries Tower Highrisers on April 20.
Seven days later, April 27, the Angels edged out the Nxled Chameleons in four sets to reach the semis.
At her lowest, Fronda even considered quitting her job and giving up on her thesis. But every time she saw Van Sickle’s determination, it felt like a silent message meant just for her.
“Every time she smiles on screen, it’s like she’s telling me: ‘Girl, you can do it. You can make a difference. Just try your best because I’m here also motivating you through my impressive gameplay.’”
Fronda didn’t just support Van Sickle—she fully embraced her spirit.
Switching her volleyball allegiance, she left behind her former favorite team and devoted herself entirely to Petro Gazz.
“Before, I was rooting for a different team. But that changed in 2024, the first time I saw her. It was very intriguing. Every time she scores a point, she flashes this big, beautiful smile, and that’s very rare for an athlete.”
[ALSO READ: Brooke Van Sickle is living her 'dream' of playing in the Philippines | Off the Record]
Unlike most players who exude swagger and intensity, Van Sickle’s approach was different. She brought joy, encouragement, and an infectious energy to the game—something that deeply resonated with Fronda.
“When I watched her interviews, I learned so much about her character. Even when they’re struggling inside the court, she musters the courage to smile, pat her teammates on the back, and motivate them. She brings this incredible energy, and that’s why Petro Gazz remains one of the most explosive and dominant teams in the PVL,” she said.
Fronda’s admiration for Van Sickle has grown into something far greater than just being a fan.
And when she finally got the chance to meet her idol, it wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a full-circle moment for the fan who once found herself in the dark, now smiling brightly alongside her biggest inspiration.