“I’ve been thinking about career options.”
“And what does that mean?”
“So, you know, Princeton’s probably the end of the line for my soccer career. My playing career anyway. I’m sure I could coach somewhere.”
“Sure.”
“Buta, I don’t really feel like starting coaching at twenty-one. It doesn’t feel like where I want to go in two years.”
“I get that.”
“Andb, the pay in coaching, especially at first, is unacceptably low. I don’t like the thought of barely scraping by for years. And I sure as hell don’t want to ask any of you guys for money.”
“Totally understandable.”
“When Landon had me chat with Del last year, I didn’t really have any motivation to listen, to be honest. But then with everything that’s happened, and learning he’s getting paid almost five million a year to kick for the Waves, my thinking changed.”
“Yeah, kickers get paid decently. I think high six figures is the league minimum.”
“Much better than the five figures I’d probably make as an assistant soccer coach somewhere.”
Connor is really practical, so I get that, but also… “Do you like kicking though? I mean, trying to make it to the NFL isn’t a cake walk either. So you need to enjoy it or the grind will suck.”
“Yeah, that’s part of the reason I held off telling you guys. I wasn’t sure until I tried it. But I like the simplicity, elegance and routine. And the challenge of striving for perfection. It’s very different from soccer where it’s all about passing, your teammates’ positions, and so many variables.”
I’m not surprised to hear Connor’s mind work through the answer this way, and it’s a good sign that he reallydoesenjoy kicking that he’s thought about it in detail.
“So what’s next?”
“I want to play soccer at Princeton in the fall. But I’m going to keep working on kicking. Talk to the Princeton football coach about future seasons. Maybe try to get some punting training too, in case I prefer it.”
“I’m glad you’re liking it, truly.”
“On top of everything else, it feels like a natural extension of what I’m good at. Not as intense athletically, but it’s more rewarding than I thought.”
“Are you telling Landon too?”
“Can we keep it from him a bit longer? I don’t want him to ride me about it.”
I agree.Been there.
We pull into the house, and Connor heads off to take a shower. I’m about to do the same, a little worse for wear after the sprint reps. Only I don’t make it far when our doorbell rings.
I look through the window by the door, andwhat the fuck…
It’s Stefani.
I swingthe door open in a dramatic fashion.
“What are you doing here?”
Her blond hair is piled up on her head, and she’s wearing a stretchy top with tiny athletic shorts. Typical Stef.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “What kind of welcome is that, Rawley?”
“I wasn’t expecting you.” I walk out to the front porch, blocking her from coming inside. “How did you get through the gate anyway?”
“The guard called Landon, and he said to let me through.”
