“My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

The Nxled Chameleons have continued their roster overhaul during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, and they made a major statement on Thursday, January 15, by signing two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips from the Petro Gazz Angels.

Following Petro Gazz’s decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL, several players became available, and Nxled acted quickly to bolster their lineup, snapping up Phillips and other key talents from the former powerhouse franchise.

The versatile hitter admitted she is excited for the fresh start with Nxled, particularly under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

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“Nxled, they were one of the bottom teams. So, it’s gonna be a challenge, but we are all up for it. And I’m excited for an Italian coach. I have never been under an Italian coach before. He has a strong background with coaching, so I feel like I have a lot to learn from him,” Phillips said.

She added that joining Nxled gives her a renewed sense of purpose after spending years with Petro Gazz.

“My favorite color is green. Yeah, it’s really exciting. I am really bummed about Petro Gazz and been there with them for like five years now or six years or something. I really appreciate them, but I also appreciate Nxled for giving us another home.

“I’m excited with all the new players and the competition in the gym and just what we can bring to the table at this upcoming conference,” she added.

CHEMISTRY LOADING 🤝🦎

MJ Phillips shared her excitement about challenging other teams after joining Nxled, noting that practices have been competitive and that the team’s easygoing chemistry could lead to quick jelling in the #PVL2026 All-Filipino Conference.#OSOnTheSpot pic.twitter.com/hwmhplhk3t

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 15, 2026

Phillips wasn’t the only former Petro Gazz player to make the move. Nxled also secured three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino—last year’s 11th overall pick—effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

“I’m just glad that a lot of the Petro Gazz girls are with me. 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,” Phillips concluded.

The influx of talent has had an immediate impact on Nxled’s roster. The Chameleons now feature several former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry and a competitive edge.

In many ways, Nxled has found an alternate path to contention after a much-discussed—but unrealized—merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from the PVL, the Chameleons have become the unexpected beneficiaries, absorbing not just talent but also experience, winning culture, and championship pedigree.

What once appeared to be a rebuilding franchise has now transformed into a squad stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

Rounding out the roster is a carefully curated mix of youth and leadership, anchored by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who provides depth and upside at the setter position.

With Phillips and Van Sickle leading the way, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a statement. The Chameleons aren’t just looking to improve—they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

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