Coach Bruno's FAST Warm-Up Starting Line Up

This past weekend, I had an amazing time at the FAST Complex for the FAST Warm-Up. It was the kickoff tournament of the season for many teams in Texas, and the excitement in the air was palpable! With a rich variety of teams and talent, the tournament showcased incredible performances across multiple club locations in Houston on Saturday and Sunday. As I enjoyed watching various Open divisions, I was thrilled to see many talented girls truly shine, giving it their all. From all the outstanding athletes I observed, these girls would make an incredible starting lineup, showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer!    Maddux is one of the most driven liberos I have seen. Her team can really trust her to make sure no ball hits the ground inside the court lines. She has great speed and court awareness; with her team running perimeter defense and her being positioned in the middle back, she is able to cover a lot of ground in the backcourt. She can read hitters very well and ensure that she is in the right spot to dig the attack. She also keeps her passes low and quick, helping her team run a faster offense. Not only is her defense great, but she also has an amazing and accurate spot serve, receiving multiple points from aces. Finally, her ball handling when needing to take the second ball is really good, gaining several assists throughout the tournament. Her capability to send a ball from deep right back all the way to the outside pin perfectly is incredible. Maddux is a great libero who definitely deserves her flowers.     Isabella is an exceptionally mature setter, and her intense focus on the game is truly inspiring. With her long legs and quick feet, she has a remarkable advantage when it comes to reaching the ball. She excels at creating advantageous 1-1 matchups for her hitters, making every play exciting. When she sets, her hands finish evenly, allowing the ball to come off her release with a perfect spin. Her ball placement is impressively consistent, especially when targeting the pins. The way her pin sets hit that ideal spot just shy of the antenna opens up endless possibilities for her hitters, who can effortlessly choose between a line shot or a cross swing. Isabella's commitment to her setter-hitter connection is evident; her middles know they can trust her to save tight balls with a one-handed set, showcasing their strong bond. Additionally, her coachable nature shines through as she attentively listens to her coaches from the sidelines and eagerly implements their tips and instructions.     Ellie demonstrates an amazing vertical and swing, showcasing her athleticism and technique on the court. Her great jump serve, where she contacts the ball at a high point, adds significant power and precision to her serves, making her a formidable opponent. She has the ability to switch up her shot, displaying versatility and unpredictability that keeps defenders guessing. Additionally, her proficiency in tools blocking reveals her strategic understanding of the game. Her great serve receive skills contribute to her overall effectiveness as a player. This allows her team to maintain strong offensive pressure.     Jazzlyn has a fast and mean line shot. She possesses a very fast swing and great height. She patiently waits on the set for just the right moment. She allows her anticipation and instincts to take over. Then, with a swift and powerful approach, she unleashes a rapid swing. This makes it incredibly challenging for the block to read her intentions. Her technique combines agility and precision, resulting in a dynamic attack that keeps defenders on their toes. Her impressive vertical reach and quick decision-making enhance her ability to exploit gaps in the opposing defense. These qualities showcase her skill. They make her a formidable presence on the court.     Chloe's presence on the court is surprisingly less intimidating than her powerful swing would suggest. At the same time, she attracts attention for her exceptional skills. Her strategic approach, characterized by a slower wind-up that carefully sets up her shot, coupled with an incredibly quick arm swing, effectively keeps the blockers out of sync and guessing with each play. This clever technique not only disrupts their timing but also leads to opportunities for her team to capitalize on their misalignment. Additionally, her significant blocking capability stands out as a vital asset, allowing her to not only defend against incoming shots but also to initiate counterplays that can turn the tide of a match. Chloe's unique combination of finesse and power makes her a formidable opponent, raising the competitiveness of any game she participates in.     Clayton demonstrates exceptional skill in her gameplay, showcasing smart and strategic ball placement that keeps her opponents on their toes. She scored several times by picking on her opponents holes deep line and sharp cross, and she used some crafty ways to get the ball there. Her strong and fast swing allows her to deliver powerful attacks, making her a formidable presence on the court. In addition, her back row attack is impressive, demonstrating both versatility and effectiveness. Clayton excels at locating the ball quickly and adjusting her approach to match the speed of the set, which highlights her adaptability and awareness during matches. Overall, her combination of strategic thinking and athleticism elevates her performance, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

This past weekend, I had an amazing time at the FAST Complex for the FAST Warm-Up. It was the kickoff tournament of the season for many teams in Texas, and the excitement in the air was palpable! With a rich variety of teams and talent, the tournament showcased incredible performances across multiple club locations in Houston on Saturday and Sunday. As I enjoyed watching various Open divisions, I was thrilled to see many talented girls truly shine, giving it their all. From all the outstanding athletes I observed, these girls would make an incredible starting lineup, showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer!