“What ashot, Meg.”
“Amazing shot, Megan!”
The feeling was like no other. She thought she knew what to expect. The overwhelming happiness, relief and adrenaline all mixed into one, but it was so much more than that. The years of disappointment faded and the taste of glory at that moment brought an excitement that she felt would last a lifetime. She was on top of the world with the belief that she could achieve anything in life if she continued to work hard. The faces of Megan’s teammates as they smiled and hugged one another; the crowd as they clapped and chanted her name, and the confetti falling all around was a mental picture she hoped todream about.
The official statistician for the game handed Coach Mayer a piece of paper.
“How does it feel to bea champion?”
“It feels incredible, coach.”
“You finished with 33 points, 2 steals, 6 rebounds and 7 assists tonight. Not to mention the winning shot. You killed it.” He wafted the paper in the air proudly. “I think those WNBA scouts over there ought to see this, what doyou think?”
“Do you think I have a chance?”
“I think they’d be darn stupid not to recruit you.”
“Thanks, coach, for everything you’ve done for me over the past three years.”
“I didn’t do anything. My job is to make you believe in your own ability. I just unlocked the door, now it’s time for you to walk on through it and become the player I knowyou can be.”
“Do you think it’s a little latein the day?”
Coach Mayer’s eyes bulged. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re twenty-five, Megan, not thirty-five. You have a good ten years left in you to make an impact in the WNBA.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Trust me.”
“Thanks, coach.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Now, go celebrate with your teammates. These nights don’t come aroundtoo often.”
***
Cheryl shouted across the arena to Megan. “I want you to meet someone.”
She excused herself from the celebrations with her parents and wandered over to the crowded courtside.
“Megan, this is Steve from Phoenix Mercury.”
Megan shook his hand. “Great game out there. That final shot was the thing of dreams, right?”
“Thank you, yes it was. Unless you miss then it’s the thing ofnightmares.”
He laughed, which easedher nerves.
“Agreed. We have been keeping a close eye on you over the last few months and we’re impressed. You went to Stanford?”
“Yes, sir.”She nodded.
“I will be having words with our American scout. I’m not quite sure how we let you slip through the net when yougraduated.”
“Don’t worry, I get it, my 3-point average was roughly 10% less than it is now.”She smiled.
“Best in the league last season. Incredible work.”
“Thank you.”
