The echo of sneakers squeaking against polished wood mingled with the sharp thwack of volleyballs being struck. Warm-ups were winding down, the steady rhythm of shuffles, stretches, and passing drills giving way to sharper, more focused movements.
Players began splitting off into smaller groups across the court. On the far side, two lines took turns serving, their tosses precise and fluid, the sound of ball-on-hand sharp as gunfire. Closer to the net, a rotation of girls worked on spikes—powerful leaps, swinging arms, and the solid, satisfying smack of clean contact. Off to one corner, a smaller group drilled receives, low stances and quick reactions keeping the ball in constant motion.
