The gym was quieter than usual. A low hum of voices died down as Coach Bert stepped forward, clipboard in hand. The team formed a semi-circle, seated on the bleachers and folding benches. Kyler leaned forward, elbows on his knees, trying not to expect much. Everyone already knew who the starters would be, but Coach Bert insisted on meetings like this to make things official.
Coach Bert cleared his throat and got straight to the point. “Three days from now, we have our first qualifiers. I’ve finalized the starting lineup.”
Some players exchanged glances. Kyler stayed still.
“Kyler, Jake, Levi, Oliver, Matthias, and Hannes as libero,” Coach Bert announced, reading from his clipboard.
No surprises there. The air grew thick with anticipation as the team waited for the last name. Claude. It
