I was completely shaking with nerves as we gathered on the main court. It was front and center of the entire complex, and so many people had gathered around to watch.

It was us against an undefeated team from San Diego. Therefore, they were favored. Alongside that, we heard that eight out of the 13 girls on that team had already committed to schools. Most of them being D1. However, Lucia, Arya, and Kylie have all committed to schools, and Lacey, Camila, and I have been scouted. In my opinion, we have what it takes to take the state title again.

As Lacey and I met with the other captains and refs, I could not help but feel intimidated. One of the girls was well over six feet. Our tallest player just barely reaches 5'10. Their libero, she was the other captain, looks like an incredible player too.
Lacey and I shared looks as the refs talked, and I knew she was intimated too.

When we returned back to our team, we all took deep breaths because for us seniors, it was our last game...and we can't lose our last game, especially with it being such a big one.

Moments later, we stepped onto the court. I looked up into the crowd, where Ryder sat with the student section.

"Deep breathes. You have what it takes," he mouthed. "I love you."

I nodded and took a huge breath. Never have I ever felt so nervous.

Since we had lost the coin flip, the other team was serving. I set up to receive, but they served where Kylie was at instead. She passed the ball, which left me to set it. I set it to Camila, who hit it hard. Though, it was a little too hard because it went out.

Cheers broke out from the opposing student section and they jumped right into a mocking chant.

"That's alright, babe. Just make sure to snap," said Arya to Camila as we reset.

This time, the serve was to me. I passed, but was diving seconds later when Lacey's hit was blocked. I groaned in defeat as we failed to get the ball over.

And the rest of the set was so unsuccessful. After I went off because I had rotated to the front row... I never saw the court again for that set. It was 10-17 when I went off, and we were losing. However, we never once scored again after that.

"Alright," said Landen, "that was not our best set, but we have four more to get them. Shake it off."

But his pep talk did not help. Throughout the whole second set, we played hard, but it wasn't enough. By the time they were five points from winning, we gave up.

"Girls," he said, "this isn't how we play. That was honestly embarrassing to watch. If I see that behavior again, you can go home and people like Ella and Katie will go in," he jeered at the starting six.

Lacey and I shared glances. I think that was enough for us.

When we took the court, it was clear the other team was expecting to win it. They were all super energetic and their fans were going wild. Our fans were cheering, but it was clear they were losing hope considering the other team only needs one more set to win, and they have proven to have no problem doing so.

But I set up to receive the ball and kept Landen's words in my mind. That was all the motivation I and the other starters needed to hear because we won the ball after only the first serve. From there, we pulled away in score and completely destroyed the other team.

And from that win, we had all the motivation we needed. With our motivation, we took them out of winning the fourth set, and we were now getting ready for a fifth, meaning it was anyone's game.

Once more, our fans were going crazy and we were in good moods all around.

"Alright, play how you know how to play," said Landen.

I took a deep breath and gave him a hug before stepping onto the court because this would be my last set ever playing for him... Landen has honestly been such an amazing coach and I am so thankful to have played under him for the last three years. I truly consider him as an older brother since he is only a few years older than everyone on the team.

"It's been an honor coaching you," he said, "now show me all the skills you've learned. I don't want to walk away here without the state title."

"Will do."

As I set up on the court, I looked for Ryder. He sat amongst the students.

"Good luck, baby," he mouthed.

I smiled at him because at this point, I was as confident as I could be, and that confidence showed through.

As the set went on, it was very close, but I made it my goal to make every minute count. No balls hit the floor on my watch, every set was perfect thanks to Kylie, and all the hits were usually sent right to the ground thanks to our amazing attackers.

The other team did not stand a chance, and that held true when we pulled away in the end.

On the last play, they served the ball to us. I passed it, and Kylie set it. Everyone held their breaths as Camila leaped up to hit it, and drove it right to the ground.

Next thing I knew, we were all screaming like crazy as confetti, streamers, and balloons showered over us. Our fans crashed onto the court and swept us each into hugs.

State champs, second year in a row.

The moment could not be more surreal.

I felt the familiar embrace of Ryder's arms around me, so I spun around to face him. He wore a huge smile.

"My girl," he said, "I can't even put into words how much you amaze me."

"Show me then."

He chuckled softly and cupped my cheek. Ryder drew my face to his and planted a sweet kiss on my lips.

"My state champion," he said after resting his forehead atop mine.

"You make me sound pretty cool when you call me that," I giggled.  

"Guess we'll just have to be the 'pretty cool' couple when the football team wins the state champs, too," he stated as Lacey and Braxton ran over to us.

"Look at us go, dating two-time state champions," said Braxton as Lacey and I hugged one another.

Ryder wore a huge smile. He is probably the most genuine person I have ever met.

"Future wives for sure," he added.

And when everyone had finally calmed down, we gathered on the court to receive our awards. As a team, we are given a huge trophy for the school trophy case and a pendant to hang in the gym. Individually, we are given medals and a hat that reads, "2022 CA Volleyball State Champs."