Brooke Van Sickle is one step closer to achieving her dream as the Petro Gazz Angels make their way to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals.
Arriving in the Philippines in January 2024, Brooke Van Sickle has always set the goal of achieving big things with the Petro Gazz Angels.
Two conferences and an MVP award later, Van Sickle is one step closer to her dream with the Angels.
After helping Petro Gazz complete a dominant semifinal sweep, the Fil-Hawaiian spiker is set to make her first-ever Finals appearance in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
"It's an amazing feeling. Reaching the Finals is a huge achievement, and I'm really proud of my team," Van Sickle shared during the post-game press conference. "We've picked each other up through the toughest moments, and staying consistent throughout this long conference has been key. Getting our missing pieces back at the right time also made a big difference."
As dominant Van Sickle has been in the PVL, the 27-year-old outside hitter has yet to achieve much in her volleyball career. Even in her collegiate days, Van Sickle came up short with the Oregon Ducks in their NCAA championship bid.
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But with the PVL championship now within reach, Van Sickle is focused on fine-tuning her game while ensuring she’s in peak condition for the grueling battle ahead.
"Right now, it’s all about recovery and making sure my body is ready," she said. "This conference has felt like a marathon, especially with the back-to-back semis games. I want to be at 200 percent for the Finals.”
“I'm prioritizing rest while sharpening all my skills, especially passing and defense. That way, I can help create more opportunities for my teammates and keep our middles involved."
[ALSO READ: Brooke Van Sickle prioritizes team success over individual accolades with Petro Gazz in PVL]
As for nerves heading into the Finals? Van Sickle admits they’re there—but she welcomes them.
"I won’t lie—I was nervous and stressed even for the semis, but I think that’s normal. You're supposed to feel something, right? It makes the game more exciting," she admitted. "Every night, I’ve been dreaming about volleyball, playing out different scenarios in my head, both good and bad. The pressure is there, but I welcome it because that’s what makes this journey so special."
With Petro Gazz back in the Finals and Van Sickle eager to make the most of her first championship series, the Angels are ready to battle for the PVL crown.