From Media Day to Practice: How the #ForceFam Builds Connection Fast

Executive Director Brittany Arduini leads a group of young athletes during the first week of the club's volleyball season, focusing on team practice and skill development.

Now that Media Day and the first week of clubwide practices are officially in the books, the 2025–2026 season at Houston Force Volleyball Club is already off to a meaningful start. The gym has been full, the energy has been high, and the #ForceFam spirit is stronger than ever. For many athletes and parents, this past week confirmed what we value most: connection comes first, and everything else grows from there.

Media Day kicked off the season with confidence and excitement. Walking into the gym in fresh uniforms, taking team and individual photos, and meeting new teammates gave athletes an early sense of pride and belonging. Whether it was a returning player reconnecting with friends or a first-year athlete stepping into the club environment for the very first time, the atmosphere helped everyone feel welcomed and ready for the journey ahead. Families talked, teammates bonded, and the Force community felt united before the first whistle of practice.

These early moments matter more than most people realize. Research in youth sports shows that when athletes feel connected to their team early on, they experience higher motivation, better emotional well-being, and stronger long-term engagement throughout the season. At Houston Force, we structure our season to build that connection immediately — because confidence and comfort create better athletes and healthier competitors.

That momentum continued into the first week of clubwide practices, led and overseen by Executive Director Brittany Arduini, whose leadership sets the tone for the entire year. Throughout the week, Brittany was in the gym greeting families, checking in with athletes, aligning coaches, and making sure every team started with clarity, structure, and positivity. Her presence is steady and reassuring — a blend of professionalism and warmth that parents consistently appreciate.

Brittany observed drills, listened to coaches, and made sure the foundation of the Houston Force training system was being applied consistently across all teams. She ensured athletes knew expectations, understood the club’s standards, and felt supported as they settled into their routines. Her involvement sends a clear message every season: every athlete matters, and every family belongs here.

The first week of practices focused on fundamentals, communication, and chemistry — the building blocks that shape strong teams. Athletes worked on ball control, footwork, positioning, and early team systems. Coaches encouraged positive talk and teamwork, helping athletes adjust quickly to new roles or new competitive levels. Even the shy or nervous athletes began opening up, connecting with teammates, and gaining confidence with every rep.

This is what makes the #ForceFam unique. It’s not just about volleyball; it’s about creating a supportive environment where athletes feel seen, valued, and inspired from day one. Parents feel included. Athletes feel safe to grow. Coaches feel aligned and grounded in clear expectations. And the season begins not with pressure — but with pride, excitement, and a shared sense of purpose.

As we head deeper into the 2025–2026 season, the foundation is already set. Media Day sparked confidence, week one built connection, and together, they created the momentum that will carry us through tournaments, training, challenges, and breakthroughs ahead. At Houston Force, we believe that athletes who feel they belong grow stronger on and off the court — and this season, that growth has already begun.