Ainsley
“I knowyou juniors are excited about prom this weekend, but don’t forget we have a game on Saturday morning first.”
“Yes, Coach,” they say in unison.
The chatter during this week’s practice has been all about dress colors, dates, and nail designs.
“Who was your date to prom, Coach?” Natalie asks.
“No one.” I steal a glance at Landon. “I went with a bunch of friends.”
“That’s what we’re doing,” Dominique says.
“I still don’t get Junior Prom.” Raymond shakes his head. “Doesn’t it take the specialness out of actual prom when you’re seniors?”
“Nah, it just gives us another reason to get dressed up.” Tori grins. “And party.”
My eyes narrow on the juniors. “You better be smart. I don’t need my players getting kicked off the team because they made a dumb decision.”
They share knowing glances and fail to hide their excited smiles.
I heave a sigh. I was in high school once. I know what kind of trouble these kids can get into. But I didn’t have technology to record every second of it for the world to see.
“Just don’t drink and drive,” Landon says, pushing off the grass and brushing off his pants.
As both teams finish stretching, they make their way to their parents waiting in the parking lot.
Jayden, a freshman on Landon’s team, hangs back. “Coach Ainsley, can I talk to you for a minute?”
My eyes flick to Landon. “You don’t want to talk to your coach?”
She shakes her head, fidgeting with the hem of her shorts as she glances between the both of us. “Sorry, Coach. It’s, uh, girl stuff.”
Landon chuckles. “Understood. See you tomorrow.”
Once everyone leaves, I gesture to the bleachers. “What’s going on, Morales?”
She lowers herself beside me, picking at the skin around her fingernails. “Uh, well...I guess I just need some advice.” She swallows and lifts her green eyes up to mine. “My whole life, I’ve felt different, like I don’t belong in my body.” She pauses, her knee bouncing like crazy. “Like I’m in thewrongbody.”
I nod, and I don’t say anything because I want her to keep talking. She needs to get this out.
She licks her lips and straightens her shoulders. “I’m trans.”
My chest swells with pride at the confidence in which Jayden admits it. “What have your parents said about this?”
Jayden huffs out a humorless laugh. “Yeah, right. I can’t talk to them about this.”
Shit. I figured as much, but still...I need to tread carefully here.
“Well, I honestly don’t have experience with this.” I hike a shoulder, aiming for calm and comfortable. “What kind of advice are you looking for?”
Jayden blows out a long breath. “You played on a boys’ team when that wasn’t allowed. I don’t want to switch teams; I’d want to stay here, with the girls. Do you...do you think the school would allow that? If I, you know, transitioned?”
My brain runs a mile a minute, trying to figure out the best way to guide Jayden. “When I was told I couldn’t play boys’ lacrosse, I didn’t take no for an answer. And I had a coach who believed in me, and supported me through that time.”
Her eyes light up with hope.
“However,” I add. “This isn’t a decision you make on your own. You need to talk to your parents about this. That’s the first step. They can help you navigate this, and take the steps that are best for you. And I can’t speak for Coach Landon, but I’m pretty sure he’d love to keep you on his team.”
