The email arrived at 6:17 AM on a Monday, and Leo read it standing in his kitchen, coffee in one hand, toast in the other, his knee aching from the cold weather.
Dear Coach Cruz,
My name is David Chen. I am a 17-year-old setter currently playing for Northwood Prep. I have been following your career since I was a kid. My sister, Sarah Chen, was the captain of the girls' team when you first started playing volleyball. She told me about you. She said you were the most stubborn person she'd ever met.
I am transferring to Westbrook for my senior year. My family is moving to the area. I know you already have a setter—Kai. I'm not coming to take his spot. I'm coming to make your team better.
I am 6'2". I can run a 5-1 or a 6-2. I can serve left-handed. I can block. I can hit. I am not arrogan
