After the holiday break, Simone returns to Bringston ready to focus solely on tennis and learns what it's really like to be top six. Damon is faced with a decision he's been putting off since before the holidays. Frustrated with how Cam is treating her, Keisha reverts to her old ways and throws a last-minute New Year's Eve party. Meanwhile, Amara and Coach Marcus try to adjust to their new environments and challenges.
With the Spring semester gearing up, Simone finds herself once again at odds with her teammates, leaving her to decide how she wants to be moving forward. Damon is stressed about how his decision will affect those around him, but there is one person he may not have considered. Keisha is all in on her new dance major but she must overcome a roadblock that she didn't anticipate. Cam hits a snag with his financial aid and turns to Amara for help, causing Amara to investigate the situation. Meanwhile, Coach Marcus takes a difficult, but necessary, step in the right direction.
Simone shows a different side of herself that does not go unnoticed as she reclaims her power on and off the court, but she must decide if that is the best strategy. Damon's determination to ignore his unresolved relationship with Jessie leads to conflict and an uncertainty within the team. Cam has an unexpected visitor who will challenge him on his decision to pursue music, leaving Cam to turn to Keisha for support. As Amara settles into her new job, she receives an anonymous critique, making her realize that she needs to sacrifice something important to her. Meanwhile, JR and Nate find themselves revisiting the past, but each has a different outcome.
When Cam receives a disturbing call for Amara, Amara immediately jumps into action which requires Bringston to shelter in place. Simone struggles with being able to participate in Baby Shay's first day of daycare only virtually, but when chaos ensues on campus, she finds comfort from someone unexpected. Damon comes to a decision about his birth parents which helps him make a surprising revelation. Not a fan of how Nate's boyfriend treats Nate, Keisha grows concerned when Nate goes missing. Meanwhile, JR revisits a painful time in his past, forcing him to figure out what he wants for his future.
When Amara realizes that the student body is still reeling from recent events on campus, she gives everyone a mental health day. While everyone seems to be enjoying the activities on the quad, Simone struggles with relaxing and finding a connection that doesn't involve tennis. Damon is feeling insecure about his relationship with Thea, so he makes plans for the two of them, but when Thea gets a surprise visitor, things get awkward for Thea. Keisha is worried about how Cam is holding up, but is commandeered by her dance professor, leaving Coach Marcus the opportunity to step up for Cam. Meanwhile, JR tries his hand at casual dating and learns something about his relationship style.
Still not getting the sisterhood bond she craves from the tennis team, Simone's interest in joining a sorority grows, but she runs into some roadblocks. Marcus tasks Damon and JR with hosting a potential top baseball recruit, but unexpected tension between the two messes up everything. Nate puts a more inclusive spin on an annual Black History Month event that not everyone is thrilled about. Thea's desire to return to the court forces her to decide on the best course for her career. Meanwhile, Amara and Marcus meet resistance when they try to speak their truths.
Simone is trying to break her long-running tennis curse by acing her presentation and dealing with boy drama, but a blast from her past brings its own drama. Damon and Thea are all set for a weekend away until the pressure of the high-stakes game and interview messes with their plans. Marcus learns some disappointing news and turns to Amara (Kelly Jenrette) for support. Meanwhile, Cam plays matchmaker for JR, and a visit from a dance alum raises the bar for Keisha, and she's not sure how to handle the pressure.
Once again, Simone's world has been rocked, leaving her no choice but to stand up for herself with her support system fighting right by her side. Damon is at a personal low, but things get worse when a salacious rumor circulates about him and the baseball team. Keisha's dance trajectory hits a major roadblock leaving everyone to rally around her. JR reflects on his friendship when Cam shows interest in KEK. Meanwhile, Amara struggles with trying to balance being president and being an aunt.
Simone struggles with trying to balance her new "duties" and her loyalty to Nate, leaving her to question if she made the right decision. Marcus sees that Thea is struggling on the court and offers her help in an unexpected way. Damon tries to keep the baseball team focused as they inch closer to a big achievement. Meanwhile, Cam isn't sure if pledging is for him, leaving JR to reevaluate the fraternity's strategy.
With Simone and Thea both ready to reclaim their spot on the court, their coach and teammates force them to deal with the lingering tension in unique ways. Damon helps JR celebrate a major milestone, but a surprise guest gives them both a different view on the family dynamic. Trying to get back on the good side of her dance class puts Keisha at odds with two people she cares about. Meanwhile, Coach Marcus is put in a difficult position when his boss and Amara want different things.
As midterms loom at Bringston, Simone has a lot on her mind and ends up having a heart-to-heart with her line sisters. Damon is confused by his midterm grades and finds a creative solution to his situation. Cam is stuck in a precarious position with JR. Meanwhile, Nate finds an unlikely recruit for her campaign. Lastly, Marcus and Amara find themselves rethinking their choices.
With the Masquerade Dance around the corner, the students are feverishly working on their dance, sending and receiving invitations. Keisha works hard on choreographing the Masquerade Dance but takes out her frustrations on Cam. Simone hosts a PKZ alum and is faced with thinking about her future, as Thea also confronts what could be in store for her. Damon regrets following JR's advice. Nate is presented with a very unexpected surprise. Meanwhile, Marcus and Amara take a first step in a new direction.
As Simone and the Bringston tennis team travel to their tournament, prepared to dominate, an unexpected encounter puts them in danger. Simone, being a leader for her team, provides strength in a time of serious trouble. Damon ponders his next move in one area of his life, while dealing with a new baseball rival that ends up proving useful. Meanwhile, Nathaniel is presented with a challenge that she is unsure if she should accept, and Keisha works vigorously to appease her professor, which is met with grim consequences.
Simone and the Bringston tennis team work together to make the biggest decision of their season. Meanwhile, the Lions face off against their biggest rival for the conference championship as Damon realizes he has competition for Simone's heart. Cam goes to JR with a serious situation, leaving JR with the weight of the world on his shoulders. And Nate needs to choose between an important interview or standing by her friends.
As Simone preps for the Exhibition Match, she is presented with unexpected obstacles that help her decide between Damon and Lando. JR stands up for Cam in an unusual way. Damon gets advice from an unlikely source as he struggles with an important interview. Nate learns the truth about her secret admirer. Keisha sees her situation with Dr. Pace in a new light and Marcus surprises Amara with something she did not see coming.