Amid cheers, jeers, and questions of identity, Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips rose above the noise — not just to prove they belonged, but to make history.
Labeled “imports” and doubted by some throughout the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the Petro Gazz duo became the heart of a championship run that silenced critics and etched their names in the league’s lore.
Van Sickle and Phillips have been at the receiving end of criticism since the tournament began — scrutinized not for their skills, but for their heritage, with fans questioning whether they deserved a place in the All-Filipino Conference.
As the conference wore on, the whispers turned into waves. Online comments, sideline chatter, and social media debates grew louder, with some fans even going so far as to label the two as “imports” and challenge their right to wear the Petro Gazz jersey under the Filipino banner.
And come the Finals, the storm of scrutiny raged louder than ever.
But through it all, Van Sickle and Phillips stood firm — tuning out the noise and responding the only way they knew how: by playing their hearts out and pouring every ounce of passion and pride onto the court.
Van Sickle, named Tournament MVP, and Phillips, the Finals MVP, emerged as the undeniable heroes of the Angels. Together, they led Petro Gazz to its historic first-ever All-Filipino Conference championship, toppling five-time defending champions Creamline in a dramatic three-game series.
Van Sickle, an outside hitter from Hilo, Hawaii, delivered a stellar 21-point performance in Game 3, built on 17 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, along with 18 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Meanwhile, Phillips, a middle blocker from Carson, California, contributed 15 crucial points, including four kill blocks, in their four-set win that sealed the title.
Following their championship-clinching victory over the Cool Smashers on Saturday night, and in the face of months of relentless scrutiny, both Fil-Ams took a moment to reflect on the deeper purpose that fueled their perseverance.
“I just try to ignore the comments. I mean, everything is honestly for my mom and my lola that passed away. Every time I look at the flag of the Philippines — it’s for my lola. May she rest in peace,” shared Phillips, whose mother Rowena hails from Iba, Zambales.
“I did have, you know, years back in the States where I missed out on this and I’m really grateful to be here now and experience it now. I think it’s just a part of the journey that God have for me, for us, so just hopefully one day, all of [us] will be okay,” added Van Sickle, whose mother Lisa traces her roots to San Emilio, Ilocos Sur.
Despite their triumph, whispers of doubt about their nationality continue to linger in certain circles. But what can no longer be denied is the immense talent and unwavering heart that both Van Sickle and Phillips bring to the court.
Both players returned to the Philippines after spending most of their lives in the U.S., driven by a desire to reconnect with their heritage and give back to the country that shaped part of who they are — all while playing the sport they love.
Van Sickle, for her part, said she holds no ill will toward those who question her roots. Instead, she hopes that, in time, their sincerity and dedication will be seen and accepted.
“I don’t really read comments so often. The only time I hear about it is if people mention it to me, but I don’t take anything personally. It is what it is. I’m here and I’m representing the Philippines,” she said.
“I am a Filipino. To all those [doubting], I do have a passport and I got it on my own. But you know, it’s okay. I don’t expect people to be open arms with us. I understand how they feel,” she continued.
“I just hope that one day, they’ll embrace us and, you know, just accept us. I don’t feel any hatred towards them — I wish the best for them. I just wanna be able to play volleyball — the sport I love — and continue to immerse myself in this culture, you know, our culture.”
#WATCH: PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Finals MVP MJ Phillips address fans questioning their Filipino roots and calling them “imports” 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/GaH0WPm768
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 12, 2025
