beyond the net - RAN TAKAHASHI.

001. the match that started it all

₊˚ . 🌱 ₊˚ ⌗﹒ﾟ.

── .✦ THE SUN began its slow descent over paris, bathing the city in a warm, golden light that reflected off the seine and highlighted the intricate details of the centuries old architecture. the sky was a canvas of rich oranges and soft pinks, gradually deepening into purples as the day transitioned to evening.

amid this breathtaking backdrop, two young women, yn galassi and alexis moretti, emerged from the bustling gare du nord train station. the station was alive with travelers, their chatter mingling with the distant sounds of street musicians playing lively tunes. as they stepped into the vibrant streets of paris, the excitement of the upcoming olympic games was palpable, with flags from different nations fluttering in the summer breeze and posters of athletes adorning every corner.

the air thrummed with anticipation, and the entire city seemed to pulse with an infectious energy. for yn and alexis, this was more than just a trip - it was the culmination of years of dedication and passion for volleyball, even for those who always saw from the stands.

at 20 years old, yn galassi was a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. standing at 160 cm, her height was complemented by an athletic build honed through years of rigorous training. born and raised in rome, italy, yn came from a family where volleyball was more than just a sport - it was a way of life. her older brother, gianluca galassi, was a celebrated member of the men's italian national volleyball team, and from the moment she could walk, yn was destined to follow in his footsteps.

even as a toddler, yn's passion for volleyball was unmistakable. by the time she was three, she was already a fixture on the court, her tiny hands clumsily mimicking her brother's powerful spikes and precise serves. as she grew, so did her love for the game. volleyball was in her blood, and every drill, every match, every sacrifice only fueled her determination to excel.

yn's commitment to the sport had shaped her into an exceptional libero, a role that demanded agility, speed, and a keen understanding of the game's intricacies. her reflexes were lightning fast, her movements on the court fluid and instinctive. she was a defensive powerhouse, consistently diving for impossible saves and outmaneuvering opponents with a skill that had been meticulously honed over the years. her presence on the court was indispensable, a beacon of reliability for her team.

off the court, yn's fiery competitive spirit was tempered by a warmth and generosity that endeared her to everyone who knew her. her loyalty was unwavering, especially toward her family and friends, whom she cherished deeply. she carried herself with a quiet confidence, her italian roots evident in the way she animatedly expressed herself, whether through her hands or in the rapid cadence of her speech. her eyes often sparkled with a mix of enthusiasm and mischief, and her thick hair was usually pulled back into a practical yet chic ponytail, a style that allowed her to focus entirely on the sport she so much loved.