MJ Phillips is embracing a new challenge with Nxled, aiming to help lift the Chameleons from a winless campaign and into contention in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Phillips, along with the core of the Petro Gazz side that captured both the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference crowns last season, is expected to help pull Nxled out of the cellar by injecting championship pedigree and leadership into the young lineup.
“Yeah, Nxled, they came from the bottom, or one of the bottom teams. So it’s gonna be a challenge, but we’re all up for it,” said the two-time Finals MVP.
“Like she [Brooke] said. I mean, also, who doesn’t like an underdog story? Honestly, I think it’d be great. So, we’re up for the challenge.”
Beyond the challenge itself, Phillips said her early impressions of the Chameleons in practice have only reinforced their decision to choose the squad as their new home.
The 30-year-old middle blocker added that the buy-in from both veterans and younger players has been evident from the start, giving her confidence that Nxled’s rebuild is headed in the right direction — even if the road ahead won’t be easy.
“I just want Nxled to… I’m excited for us to challenge the other teams a little bit more. Like she [Brooke] said that, like, we’ve been having a couple of practices with the full Nxled team right now, and it’s been really competitive in the gym,” Phillips said.
‘The girls are really easygoing. So I think the jelling process is gonna be pretty easy and quick. So, I’m excited.”
That belief is further strengthened by the presence of Italian head coach Ettore Guidetti, whom Phillips said she is eager to play for and learn from, citing his international experience as a key factor in her excitement about the move.
“And I’m excited for an Italian coach. I’ve never been under an Italian coach before. And he has a strong background with coaching. So I feel like I have a lot to learn from him,” said the former league Best Middle Blocker.
Phillips also welcomed the familiarity within the roster, noting that having several former Petro Gazz teammates alongside her has helped ease the transition and build early chemistry as Nxled embarks on this new chapter.
“And yeah, I’m just glad that a lot of the Petro Gazz girls are with me still. And to be able to be with new players, it’s just like a fresh start. And I’m like really excited for what we have to showcase next.”
#WATCH: TOGETHER 🏐
Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, and MJ Phillips share why they chose to be together at Nxled rather than go their separate ways#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/rdVAZW1vGJ
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/ZTlSyBGx4j
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) January 15, 2026
