And for the parents, there are numerous references to how being on the volleyball team will help get your recommendations/connections/help you get into a good college, so immediately I could picture tiger parents telling the kids to suck it up cause it'll be good for their futures.

I envy those so innocent to think this is not possible.

@wlleiotl: People in positions of power might use it to abuse people and feed their worst desires? Say it ain't so, Joe!

Not only not possible, but doesn't have parallels in the real world. Obviously like any fictional property, the story events are going to be a bit heightened from what you would see in reality, but the idea of a well-connected sports icon getting away with terrible things while everyone else turns a blind eye is all too real.