Tryouts The first day of club tryouts always felt a little chaotic. Thirty nervous 13- and 14-year-olds stood in lines across the gym, whispering to each other, adjusting knee pads, or peppering volleyballs too hard because they were trying to impress you. You stood near the net with a clipboard, brown hair tied up, whistle around your neck.

“Alright,” you called. “First thing we’re doing is serve-receive. Three passers. Everyone else behind the end line.” The girls scrambled. Across the gym doors opened.

Diana Taurasi walked in carrying a toddler on her hip and a backpack slung over one shoulder. Her son Leo trailed behind her with a basketball tucked under his arm like he carried it everywhere.

Even though she was retired now, she still had that presence. Six feet tall, athletic build, hair slicked back, moving like an athlete who never really stopped being one.

Leo pointed across the gym. “Mom, that’s a volleyball net. That’s not even ten feet.”

Diana smirked. “Different sport, bud.” She spotted you and walked over. “You got a circus going on already,” she said. You handed her an extra clipboard. “Welcome to club volleyball.” She glanced around at the lines forming.

“So what am I supposed to do?” “You’re my assistant coach.” “Right,” she said slowly. “And I know nothing about volleyball.”

“That’s okay. You know athletes.” Diana watched a girl shank a pass into the bleachers. “Yeah,” she said. “I know that look.” You laughed.

“Just help me watch effort and attitude.” Leo immediately sat on the bleachers bouncing his basketball. Isla waddled around holding a juice box.

Tryouts started moving. Girls passed, served, hit. At one point Diana leaned toward you. “That kid with the braid,” she said quietly. “Which one?”

“Number 17.” “She’s our best passer.” Diana nodded. “Yeah. You can tell. Calm feet.” You glanced at her. “See? You’re already coaching.” She shrugged. “Footwork is footwork.” Across the court Leo yelled, “Mom, can I shoot on the other hoop?” Diana turned. “Only if you don’t interrupt practice.” Leo saluted. “Yes ma’am.” You shook your head. “This is gonna be an interesting season.” Diana grinned. “Yeah. I think it might.”