Despite Petro Gazz's five-set loss to Chery Tiggo, Fil-American standout and Premier Volleyball League's (PVL) leading scorer Brooke Van Sickle delivered a sparkling performance that she will remember forever.
Not only did she achieve the highest scoring output of the season-opening conference to date with 27 points, it also marked a significant milestone as her parents watched her play live in the Philippines for the first time, a day before her 26th birthday.
Parents excited to see Brooke play
Lisa and Gary Van Sickle, both with backgrounds in college volleyball as former players and coaches in the United States, shared an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement as they sat courtside at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, witnessing their daughter excel in the game she has grown to love and excel in.
"Brooke has been amazing, actually. It's been a long time since they've been back to the Philippines, and from Day 1 since Brooke got here, she loves it here, absolutely loves it here," Lisa remarked.
"From all the things we hear from Brooke, as friendly as everyone is, everyone's welcoming, and we're just excited to see her play," Gary added.
As former volleyball coaches for Brooke during her upbringing, they understand the dedication and sacrifice she has put into carving her path in the sport—a journey that has now brought her back to Lisa's homeland.
Lisa traces her roots to Ilocos Sur. And it was a full-circle moment that any parent would cherish, witnessing firsthand the culmination of years of hard work and determination that have shaped Brooke into the top-caliber player she is today.
Brooke's fearlessness cited
"It's been so much fun watching her blossom into the player that she is today. I think what impresses me the most about her is her fearlessness. She doesn't get very rattled, and she knows how to get the job done. I call her 'the closer' because she knows how to close the game, I feel. She's always been that way," shared Lisa.
Gary added, "She's come a long way. We coached her, she started at 8 years old, and she was a little girl. Seeing her now, it's been a good journey for her, and I think she's ready for, you know, this moment, playing here. [We're] happy to be here."
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