MVP Brooke Van Sickle, new pickups turn Nxled from sleepy franchise to contender

MANILA, Philippines – With the exit of two franchises from the PVL, the Nxled Chameleons hit the jackpot ahead of the upcoming 2026 PVL season.

The Chameleons took advantage of the departures of the Petro Gazz Angels, who opted to take an indefinite leave of absence, and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, who disbanded.

Nxled scored a massive coup after signing 14 new players as of Thursday, January 15, overhauling a roster now led by three-time Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle.

Van Sickle’s signing, along with many of her former Petro Gazz teammates, instantly turned what was once a playoff hopeful into a championship contender.

The Fil-Am outside hitter, along with middle blocker MJ Phillips, setter Jules Tolentino, and two-time league MVP Myla Pablo, all opted to don neon green after helping lead Petro Gazz to the PVL Reinforced Conference title in December 2025.

Van Sickle, Phillips, and Pablo were formally introduced on Thursday, capping what is considered the biggest offseason haul in league history.

Joining the fray are Angels teammates Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura.

Former Philippine women’s national team captain Aby Maraño and setter Joyme Cagande, meanwhile, joined the Chameleons from the defunct Crossovers franchise.

Ex-Choco Mucho middle blocker Aduke Ogunsanya also signed with the team after leaving the Flying Titans.

The Chameleons made the playoffs just once last season, bowing out in the quarterfinals against the Crossovers during the PVL on Tour.

Nxled also failed to make a dent in the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conferences, finishing 12th and 11th, respectively.

However, the team’s young core showed promise, led by captain Chiara Permentilla and rookie Lyann de Guzman, who was selected fourth overall out of Ateneo in the offseason.

Coaching will remain under the tutelage of Italian tactician Ettore Guidetti, who brings roughly 25 years of experience from stints in Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Romania.

Eyes will now be on the Chameleons as they aim to make noise when the All-Filipino Conference opens on January 31. – Rappler.com