Page 2 of The Penalty

“I’m sure you’re going to love it here. In all seriousness, La Vista has a lot of great opportunities.” Not only is this one of the top universities in the country, but our sports programs are right up there, too. The football team is fantastic, and our soccer and volleyball teams have made it to the championships for the past five years. Plus, there are tons of clubs for students to join and ways to stay involved. Honestly, anything you could possibly want, La Vista has. It’s just when most people hear the word “Nebraska,” they don’t think fun. Outside the college campus, they’d be right.

“Yeah, that’s what my dad said. It’s just a lot different from the school I went to in Georgia, where I knew a lot of people. It’s a little overwhelming here,” she admits.

“I’m happy to show you around sometime if you want,” I offer. I haven’t really made many friends over the last three years. Sure, I have acquaintances and study buddies from my classes, but I mostly keep to myself. Between school and work, I don’t have much time for a social life.

Her eyes light up. “Really? That’d be great. Not to sound too desperate or anything, but I’ve been so worried I wouldn’t make any friends.”

I chuckle. She seems super genuine and nice. I don’t know why she would be worried about making friends. “Well, Kylie, I’m happy to be your first friend here.”

She smiles at me, but before she can say anything else, the professor kicks off the class. He quickly goes over the syllabus before we crack our textbooks open to chapter one.

After class, Kylie and I exchange numbers and agree to meet up in one of the dining halls after our next class to get lunch. It’ll be fun to have a girl to hang out with, even if it’s just an occasional lunch. Sports journalism is a male-dominated major here, so I’m mostly surrounded by testosterone. It’s nothing I’m not used to since I grew up with four brothers, but it’ll be nice to be around some feminine energy.

As we part ways after class, I already feel ten times lighter than I did on my way in. I can get through this semester. It’s not forever. I just have to keep reminding myself of this and keep thinking of the end goal. One day, I’m going to be a sports newscaster on a major network. I know it. And these next four and a half months will just be a blip in my memory.

“You’re sure this is what you want? Football?” Professor Moore asks me for the second time since I stepped foot in her classroom. This Television Sports Reporting class is the one I’ve been most excited for even if it is the primary cause of all my financial troubles this semester.

“Yes,” I answer confidently. Being on the sidelines of a football field and reporting on the games has been my dream since I was a kid. It makes it even better that it’ll be the La Vista University Bobcats because I grew up cheering them on with my dad and brothers.

She sighs. “Ok, well, I’ve got to warn you. Coach Danvers isn’t the easiest to work with. I’ve tried to place students with him in the past and it hasn’t ended well. He hasn’t even emailed me back yet regarding a placement for this semester.”

I’ve never officially met Coach Tyler Danvers, but I’ve seen him along the sidelines at games and occasionally around the school. He’s an enigma. He came in as one of the youngest college football coaches in the country and quickly turned our team around. We went from losing almost every game to being in the finals for the National Championship in less than five years.

While he’s done a lot for our team and school, he’s certainly not known as being super friendly or approachable. Rumor has it he eats, sleeps, and drinks football and doesn’t make time for anything else. That’s fine with me. All I need is access to his team and a few sideline interviews.

“I understand. I’ll go meet with him. He can’t avoid me if I’m standing in his office.”

Professor Moore smiles at me as if she’s amused by my determination. “Ok. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“I will. Thank you, Professor.”

I take my seat in class and listen to the lecture, but in the back of my mind, I’m figuring out how to make this my best semester yet. I’ve got a heavy workload, but it’s the classes I’m most excited about.

I will succeed this semester, and I certainly won’t let a hard-headed coach stand in my way.

TWO

TYLER

It’s football season.

The absolute best season. The air has a slight chill to it in the early mornings, and the energy is buzzing. This entire school thrives off football. I thrive off football. It’s all I’ve ever known, and now, I’ve found myself in the perfect place.

La Vista University, home of the Bobcats.

The entire state of Nebraska runs on La Vista U football. It’s in their blood.

And now it’s in mine.

Besides my daughter, this football team is my biggest accomplishment. And that’s saying something because I had a healthy career in the NFL for over ten years.

My team has been working hard all summer, and they’re ready to play. My returning players are looking stronger than ever. Even my new recruits are killing it at practice. We have a solid team this year, and I’m expecting a great season.

Everyone is expecting a great season, so the pressure is on.

We made it to Nationals last season but couldn’t quite pull off a win. Eyes will be on us this season, me in particular. But I’m confident in my team and the work they’re doing.

This is our year. I can feel it.