The ball hits the sand hard after the opposing teams’ unsuccessful dig. The impact of the spike blows dust on the faces of the jaded prostrated opponents, the final blow of defeat. The whistle blows and one pair walks away victorious: Sadie Fraker and Laynie Thompson.
Fraker and Thompson have played exceptionally well this season for the sand volleyball team. The pair have made a name for themselves for both indoor and sand volleyball at EC.
Both Fraker and Thompson were inspired to begin playing volleyball by their respective sisters.
“My older sister played volleyball, so I thought it’d be cool; I like the sport. I would want to play that,” Thompson said. “Both of my parents encouraged me. They didn’t force me to want to play.”
Their journey as a pair together began at around 12 years of age when they played recreational club volleyball. Fraker and Thompson first met while attending a kids volleyball camp held by North High School in Torrance. Since then, they have developed a chemistry that only two close friends could attain.
“They’re both very passionate about volleyball and they know the game really well,” teammate Brooke Russell said. “Sadie is a leader on the court and pushes everyone to do better. They both encourage people to do better. They both work hard.”
Aside from their impact on the court and love of the game, they are also a positive influence to their teammates.
“I think they mean a lot to our team because they balance us out energy wise and I think they’re one the most positive teams out here,” teammate Ka’ili Napoleon said. “They have really smart game strategy and game defense. They also have great communication and great chemistry.”
Fraker and Thompson also played in the indoor volleyball team last semester. Teammate Nia Masui, pointed out the qualities the duo brought to both the indoor and sand competitions.
“(Fraker) was one of our indoor captains and they’re really easy to look up to,” Masui said. “Since they’re both really encouraging people, I think that’s why they play so well together. They both have a similar attitude when it comes to playing.”
When Fraker and Thompson are not busy being leaders on the volleyball court, they are also close friends off the court. Russell described them as being best friends while Masui said they were both really outgoing.
“(Fraker) has a great sense of humor,” Masui said. “She has a very realistic outlook on things.”
Despite how well they have performed this season, Fraker and Thompson said they are not actively pursuing professional volleyball careers.
“I would still like to play for fun when I’m older,” Thompson said. “It’d be better if we play together.”
If they had a choice between indoor and sand volleyball, Thompson would prefer the latter.
“I like sand because we are guaranteed to only play with each other,” Thompson said. “Maybe either if I was able to be in the same rotation together,” Fraker added.
