The Hornets are the newest team in any of Jelle’s tournaments, and will make their first bid for the Marble League championship during the 2020 Marble League Qualifiers. That said, the team is deeply rooted in other marble sports competitions, to the point where it has a fierce rivalry with another team: the Bumblebees. Their rivalry originated in the Bug Circuit, a regional tournament in eastern Europe that began in 2011. The Hornets’ history as a team is slightly older: the team formed about ten years ago when Stinger brought its members together to race. He and Wasp had known each other since they were babies, and came to know Vespa, Hive, and Yellowjacket through individual races. The team acquired its coach, Swarm, through Vespa’s father, as he was a former athlete.

Each of the Hornets are such important parts to the whole of the team that without even one of them, the team would not “bee” so successful. Vespa, who was also chosen to compete in the first season of Marbula One, is known as the “Speed Queen” inside the Bug Marble community for her experience racing. She is the only female-identifying member of the team. As mentioned, Wasp had known Stinger for years before competing together, and as a result, is very loyal to him and the entire team. His attitude may be aggressive at times, but it stems from his passion for marble sports and his drive to never lose. Hive is an athlete that foils Wasp perfectly: he is outgoing, funny, and friendly with other teams. He does not let poor results get to him, and he guides the team forward towards better results. Yellowjacket, the team’s only reserve, is the youngest member of the Hornets, but has never shown it through his energy and excellence competing with older marbles.

“I’m really lucky to be on such a hard-working team. We all push ourselves to be the best we can possibly be,” Stinger remarked.

Stinger is the glue that holds the team together as its captain, but he also sets an example for all marble athletes to follow. Apart from being one of the most decorated marble athletes, his self-control in times of pressure has inspired his teammates to always remain hopeful and follow in his footsteps.

“We could not ask for a better captain,” declared Swarm. “In all honesty, I’m more of a mentor for the team. Stinger works so hard, and the team’s potential is so vast. I’m not afraid to push them to take it to the next level because I know they will do it. I have the best job in the world.”