Brooke Van Sickle keeps family ties ‘all business’ on court

MANILA, Philippines, October 3 ------ Brooke Van Sickle welcomes the rare chance to be coached by her parents as Petro Gazz gears up for redemption in the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference.

Gary Van Sickle has been appointed as head coach, replacing interim mentor Brian Esquibel, while Brooke’s mother Lisa will serve as assistant coach. “It’s amazing to have them here, to be close to family. It’s really hard being overseas, making sacrifices and being away from them. I’m just grateful they’re able to be here to watch me grow as a player and as a person,” said the PVL season MVP.

The former Oregon player is thrilled to share with her teammates all the things she learned from Gary and Lisa, who have been her coaches for her entire life.  But she vows to act as their player, not daughter, inside the court. “We already have an understanding where once we step into the gym, they’re not my parents. They’re very educated with volleyball. Their IQ is really great,” said Van Sickle. “They can make that adjustment, that separation. Outside of volleyball, we’re a loving family but when we step on the court, it’s all business and we want to win it’s all professional, all business.”

Gary, who played for the University of Hawai‘i from 1988 to 1990, said Petro Gazz valued their volleyball credentials and sought their services weeks ago. “They kind of mentioned to us the last time we kind of talked a little bit about volleyball and they kind of wanted our background in it. And I guess about three or four weeks ago, they started reaching out to more  and we started talking and seeing if we were interested,” said the new Petro Gazz head coach. “We’ve seen them last year when we were watching and I think we’ll settle in because we kind of know the girls. We’re looking forward to it and excited.”

Lisa, who suited up for Hawaii Pacific University, is happy to join their daughter on the same team, but stressed their focus is helping the Angels reclaim the Reinforced crown after last year’s quarterfinal exit. “It was an easy decision to be with Brooke, to be able to coach her again. We’ve been watching the team ever since she’s been here. So, we’re very familiar with the style of play that all the girls, other teammates have and all that,” she said.

Source: sports.inquirer.net