The Miracle Season

In the heart of Iowa City, Caroline "Line" Found (Danika Yarosh) stands as a beacon of excellence, leading her high school volleyball team, West High, to an unprecedented undefeated streak. Line's infectious enthusiasm has earned her the adoration of the community and the respect of her peers. Her bond with best friend Kelley is a testament to their lifelong connection, forged through shared triumphs on the court.

As the Trojans' captain, Line inspires her teammates with unwavering passion, driving them towards another championship victory against their long-standing rival, City High. The pressure is palpable, as no school has ever claimed back-to-back titles. Kelley, a vital component of the team, plays alongside Line with unbridled energy and precision.

However, the initial loss of the season serves as a harsh reality check, as Kelley's misfires lead to her benching by Coach Bresnahan (Helen Hunt). Amidst the turmoil, Line decides to sneak away from a party at her house to visit her ailing mother, Ellyn (Jillian Fargey), at the hospital. Tragedy strikes when Line meets an untimely demise in a moped accident, leaving her community reeling in grief.

As the town mourns the loss of its beloved star, Ellyn's passing from cancer adds to the sense of devastation, leaving Line's father and husband Ernie bereft of his wife and daughter. In the aftermath of these devastating events, Coach Bresnahan continues to push the Trojans through grueling volleyball practices, but her players are unable to muster the motivation.

The coach turns to Kelley (Erin Moriarty), Line's closest confidant, imploring her to rejoin the team. Kelley initially resists, but eventually agrees to carry on in honor of her fallen friend. With Kelley's reluctant return, the Trojans slowly begin to rebuild and rediscover their sense of purpose.

As the team's fortunes ebb and flow, Kelley becomes a driving force behind the scenes, rallying her teammates and inspiring them to play for Line's memory. The squad includes Brie Tipton (Tiera Skovbye), Lizzy Ackerman (Nesta Cooper), Taylor Mitchell (Lillian Douchet-Roche), Mackenzie "Mack" Davidson (Natalie Sharp), and others, all united in their quest to honor the memory of Caroline "Line" Found.

As West High's volleyball team continues to struggle with their first loss a harsh reality check, the emotional toll of Line's passing still weighs heavily on their minds. The absence of their teammate and setter is felt acutely, particularly when it comes to finding a new leader to orchestrate the team's attacks. Kelley, with her soft hands and unerring accuracy, emerges as the top contender for the role, earning Bresnahan's nod as the new setter. However, the court remains a battlefield where mistakes are costly and doubts abound.

Despite Kelley's best efforts, the team's performance remains lackluster, and whispers of self-doubt begin to circulate among her teammates. The implication is clear: Kelley only made it onto the team because Line was no longer there to set for him. Bresnahan's grueling drills aim to toughen the team up, but Kelley stands out as the sole success story, her dedication and study of the playbook yielding a deep understanding of the game.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Kelley opens up to Ernie about feeling rejected when he didn't attend the homecoming game. Ernie reassures her of his unwavering support for both Kelley and the team, acknowledging that blame is pointless in the face of Line's tragic loss. He urges the community to heal by returning to normalcy.

Weeks pass, and West High's fortunes begin to shift. The team's winning streak gains momentum as they chase their goal of claiming the state championship in honor of Line. With 14 games remaining on their schedule, Bresnahan lays down the challenge: win them all, and they'll be eligible for the big dance.

As the Trojans march toward the state tournament, a special gift from Line's father, Ernie (William Hurt), serves as a poignant reminder to live up to Line's spirit rather than trying to fill his shoes. The team dons jerseys bearing a powerful message: "Live Like Line." The mantra becomes a source of motivation and inspiration.

At the state tournament, West High navigates the quarter-final with ease but faces stiffer competition in their semi-final matchup. The semifinal win propels them into the championship game against formidable City High, favored to take the title. As the stakes grow higher, Bresnahan urges his team to let go of pressure and simply enjoy the game they love.

Ernie delivers a heartfelt message to the team: regardless of the outcome, they are already champions in his eyes. The weight of Line's passing may never fully lift, but as West High takes to the court for the championship showdown, they've transformed their grief into a force that drives them forward.

As the team readies for the highly anticipated toss, a unanimous decision is made to bestow the esteemed title of captain upon Kelley, a move that resonates with each member as they collectively assert her deservingness of this leadership role. Prior to this pivotal moment, the entire squad had traditionally participated in the toss without a designated captain, but Kelley's unwavering dedication and tenacity have earned her the respect and admiration of her teammates.

As the match commences, City takes an early lead, only for West to mount a formidable comeback, fueled by Kelley's strategic deployment of a fresh hitter who successfully navigates past the imposing 2 tall blockers on the City team. The ensuing battle reaches its climax in the fifth and final game, which sees the Trojans emerge victorious, securing their state championship title once again.

As the triumphant crowd erupts into jubilation, the iconic anthem Sweet Caroline fills the air, paying homage to Line's legacy. Amidst the celebration, Kelley proudly hoists a photograph of her fellow team member and friend, Line, a poignant gesture that underscores the significance of this milestone moment in their shared journey.