Page 46 of Made Better Together

“That makes sense.” As quarterback, Johnson’s acutely attuned to his role as a leader.

“But he doesn’t need to risk an injury, because that wouldn’t help anything.”

Thankfully, Johnson has nothing to worry about. The first drive of the game, he hooks up with Rawley for a twenty-seven-yard pass, and Rawley books it down the sideline for a touchdown.

“YESSSSS,” Grace screams, while the New York fans near our suite shoot us angry looks.

“Whoops,” she whispers to me after she spots the looks, and I chuckle.

My attention is drawn by something else, though. Jeremy runs out for the extra point kick, and I might be the only one catching all the nuances of what he’s doing.

The exact distance he backs up along the hash marks.

The small hand movements he makes right before the play starts.

The little hitch in his step as he begins his strides to the ball.

The speed of his movements, so he beats the defender’s attempts to block the kick.

The specific part of his shoe the ball connects with.

The crowd buzzes around us, barely paying mind to what’s happening. For most NFL fans, these extra points are automatic. But that’s only because of the simple beauty of Jeremy’s routine.

“The extra point is good,” the announcer confirms, voice echoing across the stadium.

I’ve watched so many NFL kicks in my life—by Del, and now Jeremy, for the Waves, in particular.

This kick, this moment, is different. Because it cements a reality that’s previously been a quiet weight in my gut.

Another possible life path is definitely gone. With the NFL season starting, the first since I finished college, it doesn’t look like I’ll ever be kicking professionally.

As I digest that revelation, I glance over at my sister, weighing whether to say it out loud.

She looks so joyous, though, so I keep my mouth shut.

Instead, I try to feel gratitude for everything I do have.

Flailing, and failing.

SUNDAY, THAT SAME WEEKEND

TOLLIVER TIMES

Women’s Soccer Team Fights to Stay Undefeated, Led by Star Eden Larsson

Come support our undefeated women’s soccer team today, as they continue their quest to claim the NCAA championship this year, also known as the College Cup. Currently 4–0 after starting the season mid-August, Tolliver is a favorite to win the Cup in December.

That’s not the only reason to come catch a game—you want to see senior Eden Larsson while you can.

“It won’t surprise me if we see Eden on a World Cup team one day,” said Coach Marnie Brenner after the team’s last win. “We’re extremely lucky she played all four years here.”

After winning multiple awards for her junior season, Larsson had a noteworthy summer, starting for the first time in two international friendlies for the national U23 team three weeks ago.

During an interview with Tolliver Times, she shared, “It was an honor to start. There’s incredible competition for the striker position, and several wonderful players who deserve the spot.”

Larsson proved she deserved it, with one goal and one assist during the friendlies with Spain and France.

The Tolliver team has regular season home games through early November, with limited tickets still available today.