Once called an ‘import,’ Brooke Van Sickle now wears Alas Pilipinas colors proudly

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Labeled by racist volleyball fans as an 'import' throughout her club stint with Petro Gazz, two-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle stands defiant and positive as she finally gets her first run with the Alas Pilipinas national team

ILAGAN CITY, Philippines – Two-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle was a mere sideline spectator at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela as her Petro Gazz squad took on PLDT in the first game of a back-to-back PVL on Tour set on Saturday, July 12.

Like other PVL stars, Van Sickle’s continued preseason absences are rooted in her long-awaited stint with the Alas Pilipinas national team, which encouraged players to not play with their club squads during the FIVB national team period that runs until October.

Despite the circumstances, Van Sickle beamed as the happiest camper in Ilagan City, as she soaked in the experience of finally playing for her mother’s home country last month at the 2025 VTV Cup in Vietnam.

“It was surreal. It was just an awesome experience and opportunity to be able to wear the flag on my chest and everything, represent our country,” said Van Sickle, who traces her maternal roots to San Emilio, Ilocos Sur.

“It’s phenomenal, a super cool experience to not only represent our country and give our best and fight really hard, but also develop connection and chemistry and all those friendships. I’m just really excited to see how the future goes. I’m just super happy. It’s just awesome.”

This is a player, who while playing in the recent PVL All-Filipino finals, went through a barrage of racist online attacks, with fans labeling Van Sickle and her teammate MJ Philipps as Petro Gazz imports despite having clear Filipino roots.

Amid the hate, Van Sickle and Phillips’ desire to play for their bloodline never wavered, and Van Sickle is simply ecstatic that the first step is finally over.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I mean, I’ve always wanted to be recognized, MJ too, as Filipinos. We are of Filipino blood and we want to represent our country as best as we can. To finally be able to have that opportunity is huge and awesome,” she continued.

“It’s heartwarming. That’s our dream and goal and it’s finally coming together, and we can’t be more happy. It’s awesome to be able to meet all the girls and coaching staff and everyone. It’s just an awesome experience.”

Though she has already played for Alas, her full federation shift to the Philippines remains a work in progress, and her first appearance was only possible since the VTV Cup is not sanctioned by the FIVB volleyball governing body.

Whether or not there is a next time in store, Van Sickle has nothing but appreciation for the team that wanted her MVP-caliber skills and the country she now also calls home.

“It’s out of our control, but we can only sit and continue to wait. I’m very excited and hopefully it works out for the best. If it doesn’t, everyone’s gonna be phenomenal anyways,” she continued.

“If I can wear the flag? Then amazing. If I can’t? Then I’m gonna be cheering as hard as possible. I’m just waiting and seeing what happens.” – Rappler.com