ANTIPOLO – Sometimes, life has a way of throwing a lifeline just when someone feels like they're drowning. For 26-year-old teacher Justine Grace Fronda, that lifeline came in the form of Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle.
Fronda, who hails from Zamboanga, had been struggling with personal battles that left her on the verge of quitting her job and giving up on her thesis. She was drained, overwhelmed, and had convinced herself there was no way forward.
Then, on April 24, 2024, she watched a volleyball match that would unknowingly change the course of her life. It was the first time she saw Van Sickle play, and in that moment, something shifted within her.
“Watching Brooke, she’s the best player I’ve ever seen,” Fronda said. “That was also the turning point in my life, where I was finally able to see some light.”
She described the feeling as almost magical. “Something changed that day. I was able to patch things up, resolve some conflicts in my life, and, for the first time in a while, I was able to smile again — genuinely smile — because of her.”
A Beacon of Strength and Resilience
Before discovering Van Sickle, Fronda had reached the lowest point in her life. She was battling insecurities about her appearance, struggling with her career, and constantly questioning her worth. The weight of it all became too much to bear, and she had even told her mother that she wanted to quit everything.
But seeing Van Sickle’s unwavering energy, her infectious smile, and her passion for the game reignited something in Fronda.
“I have been struggling emotionally — with my face, with my body, and especially with my career status. Everything was going downhill, and I didn’t know how to pick myself up,” Fronda admitted. “But when I saw her smiling on screen, when I saw her thriving, giving her best, I realized I didn’t just want to survive — I wanted to truly live. And she gave me that kind of hope.”
Every time Van Sickle took the court, Fronda felt like she was sending an unspoken message directly to her.
“Every time she smiles on screen, it’s like she’s telling me, ‘Girl, you can do it. You can make a difference. Just try your best because I’m here, motivating you through my game,’” she shared.
A Birthday Surprise for Her Volleyball Hero
As a proud member of Van Sickle’s fan club, the ‘Brooke Van Guardians’ — also known as the Brookies — Fronda took a leap of faith. She traveled all the way from Zamboanga to Antipolo, just to witness her idol play in person on her birthday at the Ynares Center here.
Dressed in full fan gear — including Van Sickle’s signature braids and leg sleeves — Fronda was in the stands as Petro Gazz powered through ZUS Coffee in straight sets, 25-19, 25-13, 28-26, to keep their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign alive.
After the match, she finally had the chance to meet Van Sickle, presenting her with flowers and gifts as a token of appreciation. It was a short but heartfelt moment that made the long journey and the months of admiration worth it.
This wasn’t the first time Fronda saw her in person. She had previously attended a Petro Gazz game in November, but this encounter on her idol’s birthday made it even more special.
“I became a fan on April 24, 2024, because I watched the Petro Gazz Angels play. That game was so iconic because it was the first time I saw her,” Fronda recalled. “She’s unforgettable — her presence alone on the court is explosive, and she’s incredibly talented.”
More Than Just a Fan, A Life Changed
Fronda isn’t just a fan who admires Van Sickle’s skills; she considers the Petro Gazz star her savior.
“Her volleyball IQ is insane. That’s why I became a fan. And I just want to tell everyone who is watching this now that she saved me from the darkest moments of my life in 2024 — she’s my hero,” Fronda said with deep emotion. “I’m not just saying this because I’m her biggest fan. I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart. I am immensely grateful for her life, for her existence. And on her birthday, we are celebrating her. We are celebrating her life.”
For Fronda, supporting Van Sickle and the Petro Gazz Angels isn’t just about volleyball. It’s about holding on to the hope and inspiration that a single player can spark in a person’s life — a spark that turned Fronda’s story from one of despair into one of newfound purpose.
Van Sickle may be making headlines for her performances on the court, but for at least one fan, her impact extends far beyond the game.
