Chapter Seven

Going All Out

During the next week, Asiyah dedicated herself to each practice. She arrived early, warmed up before anyone else got there, and was ready to do any drill.

The work was tough, but Asiyah was committed to giving it her best shot.

By Thursday, Asiyah already noticed she was getting better at hitting the ball right in the center. It made her spikes more powerful. During one long drill, Asiyah was able to smack the ball hard onto the court.

Asiyah smiled. Some drills are still a little boring, but I get why we have to do them, she thought. Practice really does make perfect!

When the girls scrimmaged, Asiyah paid close attention to what everyone was doing. She was able to figure out where she should be standing when the ball was set. She was ready to help her teammates.

“Take a break, girls!” Coach Elise called.

As Asiyah walked off the court, the coach caught up with her. “Asiyah, you made some great hits earlier,” she said. “Nice job coming straight at the ball.”

“Thanks, Coach,” Asiyah said. “I was watching how Lucy positioned herself when she had a couple kills the other day. It really helped. That and all the drills.”

“Great! Keep it up,” Coach Elise said.

Asiyah smiled. It felt good that the coach noticed she was improving.

Lucy and a few other girls walked over. “I heard my name!” she said.

“Oh, I was just telling Coach you’re good at positioning yourself,” Asiyah said. “Phew! I need some water.” She panted like she was in a desert.

Even though Asiyah was taking practices seriously, she still wanted to be herself. That meant being a little silly sometimes.

Lucy followed Asiyah over to the water fountain. “Hey, do you want to come to my house after practice?” she asked. “I just watched the funniest video of a dog skateboarding. You have to see it!”

Asiyah looked at the floor. “Thanks, but I have a bunch of homework.”

Lucy didn’t say anything. She looked a little hurt.

“Plus, I have to practice for my next piano lesson,” Asiyah added. She shrugged. “So much to do!”

“Oh . . . OK,” Lucy said. “I guess I’ll show you some other time.” She gave Asiyah another extra-long look before walking away.

Asiyah sighed. She really did have homework and piano. But the truth was, she was still kind of upset with Lucy.

Besides, what would I even say to her? Asiyah thought. I’ll just stay out of Lucy’s way. At least for now.