Javier showed up to tryouts at 7:15 AM, forty-five minutes early, with a ball under his arm and fear in his eyes.
Leo was already in the gym, setting up the nets, his knee aching from the cold morning air. He watched the freshman walk to the center of the court, drop his bag, and start stretching. His form was terrible. His hamstrings were tight. His shoulders were stiff. But he was here. Early. That mattered more than talent.
“You're early,” Leo said.
“You said 8 AM. I wanted to be ready.”
“Ready for what?”
Javier looked at the net. At the banner. At Leo. “Ready to prove that I belong.”
Leo tossed him a ball. “Serve.”
Javier walked to the service line. He tossed the ball—too high, too far forward—and swung. The ball hit the net and dribbled over. It landed in the service box.
“Aga
