That I can do. We play our first opponent on Saturday, so we have a week to work on becoming a team.
When we’ve walked far enough away from varsity, I stop. “Take a knee, ladies.”
They rest their sticks on the grass while they lower.
“Practices aren’t about being perfect. They’re about effort. Putting in the work to get better. This is where you make your mistakes, and fix them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re here to learn, and we’re here to help you. Now, pair up, and we’ll start passing on the run.”
The girls scatter to grab partners, and I nod toward the left line. “Quinn, take that one and I’ll be on this side. Make sure they keep their heads up as they pass.”
Her eyebrows jump. “Really? You want me to help?”
My head tilts. “You’re a coach. What did you think you were going to do?”
I don’t miss the way her eyes flick to Ainsley’s side of the field before she smiles. “Thanks, Coach.”
I haven’t asked Quinn about what it was like working with Ainsley on JV, but I might have to based off her reaction.
Later.
For now, we move between the girls, correcting their grips on the sticks and adjusting their footwork.
I stop beside Shreeya Patel, one of my new attackers.
Her wide brown eyes dart to mine. “Is...is this right?”
I offer her a warm smile. “Open your body up to the field as you move.” I tilt her shoulders, a slight repositioning. “Now try again.”
She follows without hesitation, and shoots a clean, sharp pass to her partner.
“There you go,” I say as I nod. Then I lower my voice. “And don’t forget to breathe.”
Her shoulders rise and fall as she flashes me an appreciative smile.
I can spot anxiety a mile away, and I noted Shreeya’s nervous energy from the second I met her at tryouts. I wish someone would’ve noticed mine when I was in her shoes. Would’ve made my life a lot easier. I’ll help her get through this season.
As if on instinct, my gaze pulls toward Ainsley across the field. Her head snaps as soon as I find her, but it’s too late. I caught her. Watching me. No doubt scrutinizing my every interaction with these kids.
I shake it off. It is what it is. I’m doing my job and I’m here to stay. It doesn’t matter what she thinks.
By the end of practice, it’s clear who has the potential to play in the first game. A handful of girls responded well to coaching today, and with more practice, they’ll be solid starters. I make a mental note of all the things we need to cover before then.
The girls make a semi-circle around me and take a knee, without me having to ask them, which is a great sign. “Good work today, everyone. Hydrate, stretch, and rest up for tomorrow. Coach Quinn, would you like to add anything?”
“Um...” Quinn clears her throat, shifting her weight from one leg to the other. Then she straightens her shoulders. “Don’t overwork yourself. You did a lot today. Give yourself time to let everything sink in, and process it all.”
I nod fervently. “Absolutely, I agree. Rest and reflection are just as important as hard work.”
Quinn smiles wide.
The kids disperse, heading toward the parking lot where their parents await. I hang back, gathering cones and tossingthem into a mesh bag. Ainsley remains at the far end of the field, doing the same.
I glance at Quinn. “You worked with Ainsley on JV.”
“Mhmm.”
I quirk a brow. “And how was that?”
“It was fine.” She turns away from me, bending down to collect a few balls from the grass.
