Van Sickle proudly welcomes new role

Brooke Van Sickle has fully embraced the challenge of her new role as team captain of rejigged Nxled.

Aside from being the go-to guy of the Chameleons, the three-time Most Valuable Player has been tasked with cultivating a winning culture in a franchise looking to turn its fortunes around in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

“Being labeled as team captain, I know how much pressure that can bring,” Van Sickle said during her appearance in the DAILY TRIBUNE’s Off the Court on Thursday.

“But I feel like I’ve had really good leaders and teachers in the past.”

The 27-year-old winger is one of the prized acquisitions of Nxled from four-time champion Petro Gazz, which took a leave of absence after a seven-year run.

Van Sickle shared that she wants to emulate the kind of leadership qualities shown by former teammate and Angels skipper Remy Palma, who transferred to Farm Fresh.

“Back in PetroGazz, Remy Palma was our team captain and she did a fantastic job. I learned a lot from watching her and picked up key things I now try to implement with this team,” the 5-foot-8 power hitter said.

“People might see it as added pressure, but I don’t think it will affect me too much aside from figuring out how to help the girls calm down and build culture.”

Van Sickle gave a glimpse of her resolve as a leader when the Chameleon’s survived a marathon five-setter over Palma and the Foxies, 25-23, 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12, last Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

It was a statement win for an Nxled squad that went winless in the mid-season Reinforced Conference.