Petro Gazz hires Brooke Van Sickle’s parents as coaches for 2025 PVL season

In a bold and surprising move, the Petro Gazz Angels have overhauled their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, appointing Gary and Lisa Van Sickle—parents of reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle—as the new coaching tandem.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 30, via the team’s official social media platforms. Gary Van Sickle will serve as head coach, with Lisa Van Sickle taking the role of assistant coach.

“They nurtured greatness at home, now they bring that same passion to the sidelines to guide our team to greater heights. The coaching tandem of the Van Sickles takes charge of the Angels. Here’s to a new era. Welcome, Coach Gary and Coach Lisa,” the team’s statement read.

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The Van Sickles are no strangers to volleyball. Lisa, a former standout at Hawaii Pacific University, and Gary, who played for the University of Hawaii Manoa from 1988 to 1990, have been instrumental in the development of their daughter Brooke, who was named Most Valuable Player in the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Just in: Brooke Van Sickle’s father, Gary, will be the new head coach of the Petro Gazz Angels.

Her mother, Lisa, will be part of the coaching staff as assistant coach.

📸 Petro Gazz Angels#PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/3ANQpLXuGv

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 30, 2025

For the past 17 years, the couple has coached at Excel NW Volleyball, a respected club program based in Washington State, developing youth players aged 12 to 18. Brooke Van Sickle, a product of that same program, has often credited her parents for her foundational skills and passion for the game.

Gary Van Sickle replaces Brian Esquibel, who held the role on an interim basis following the sudden departure of Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara during the PVL On Tour preseason tournament. Esquibel led the team through a transitional period, including their recent championship run.

Petro Gazz enters the Reinforced Conference as the defending All-Filipino Conference champions, having dethroned the mighty Creamline Cool Smashers and ending their bid for a fifth straight title. Led by Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Jonah Sabete, the Angels are seen as one of the top contenders again this season.

Adding to their firepower, the team recently re-signed star import Lindsey Vander Weide, who previously helped Petro Gazz claim the 2022 Reinforced Conference title.

With fresh leadership on the sidelines and a championship-caliber roster on the court, Petro Gazz is poised to defend its crown and potentially add another title to its growing legacy.

The Van Sickle era begins with high expectations—and all eyes will be on how this family-led coaching duo translates their success from the grassroots level to the professional stage.

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