SELMA, Ind. – Just over 15 minutes into practice, the noise of constant communication from three drills running simultaneously finally dies down.
The only voice that can be heard in Wapahani's gym now is from senior setter Ali Stewart, who’s taking command of the group of Raiders in the middle of the court as first-year head coach Kati Weir checks in on a player on the east side of the gym.
Stewart is one of three seniors on this Wapahani team this season, along with defensive specialist Alyvia Smith and outside hitter Emma Shuck. As a setter, Stewart is in constant communication with the Raiders team that graduates offensive weapons like Estella Davis and Sarah Orme – who combined for 617 of the team’s 1,113 kills last season – and Hayvn Gates, who had a team-high 591 digs.