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On Wednesday night, I drove to Rebel Sports to pick up Corey after football practice. He’d messaged to say that he was staying late to lift weights. I parked and went inside to meet him.
He’d said being the new kid in school made it tough to make new friends, so I hoped he’d make some on his team.
I’d gotten into a good rhythm with his schedule. He went to the homework club after school, then had practice or worked for Hailey most nights.
Inside, I followed the sound of weights clanging and the thud of one being dropped on the padded floor. I paused at the doorway. Corey was at the bench press machine with a few other friends.
A blonde female approached, her hair in a ponytail with the name Callie stitched on her black Rebel Sports polo shirt. “Can I help you?”
I gestured toward the bench where Corey was spotting one of his friends. “I’m here to pick up Corey, but I can wait if he’s still working out.”
She held out her hand. “Callie. Nice to meet you.”
Then she stepped back so that she stood shoulder to shoulder with me, facing the room. “Reid wanted to get each team started on a weight-lifting regimen. Last week, we went over the equipment, rules, and expectations. An adult is always present, so you don’t need to worry.”
She didn’t pause for a response. Instead, she moved to a black plastic crate where clipboards were stored. Pulling one out, she showed me the checklist with the exercise, repetitions, and suggested weight. “As you can see, each player has a clipboard with his or her workout routine. They’re free to come in whenever they want as long as they complete three workouts per week.”
She lifted the clipboard. “This allows the coach, and any other facility member, to check on their progress. Reid likes to review them.”
I tipped my head to the side. “Reid Everson?”
Remi, the owner of the juice shop, had invited Corey to help out with a town fundraiser where he met pro football player Reid Everson. After playing a pick-up game with some of the players, Reid had suggested that Corey join the team. He’d taken him under his wing, making sure he was progressing in practice and had the equipment he needed.
Callie nodded. “That’s right. He takes a personal interest in each kid here. If he’s in season, I’ll check for him and report back. He wants to know if someone is struggling, needs extra encouragement, and he’ll even call to congratulate one who’s been working really hard.”
“That’s pretty amazing.” I didn’t even try to filter my words. When Corey said that Reid told him about this football program, and that he would personally keep an eye on him, I almost didn’t believe it. But he had.
I paid a fee for him to play each season, but what Reid was offering went above and beyond what I expected.
“Reid’s a big believer in getting kids working out early and teaching them about proper nutrition. They’ll get stronger and naturally feel more confident. Plus, it gives them a sense of accomplishment.”
“All good things. I’m all for it.” I preferred Corey work out than hang around with friends after school, playing video games or loitering outside a convenience store.
She pointed to a refrigerator and a vending machine on the back wall. “We consult with a nutritionist to provide healthy snacks, water, juice, and sports drinks in case they need the extra boost.”
“You’re running an impressive program here.”
She blushed. “Thank you. It’s exactly what Reid, Jonah, and Chase envisioned when they opened Rebel Sports.”
She sounded like she knew the guys personally, not as an employee, but as something more. I think I remember one of the players announcing his love for a woman during one of the games. I wondered if she was the woman.
“I’m the general manager. The guys needed someone to keep an eye on the facility when they’re in season. Their vision is inspiring. They wanted to offer sports but also make sure the kids were being monitored to ensure they possessed the proper equipment and were getting food to improve their performance.”
“I’m grateful Reid mentioned this place to Corey. It’s been great for him.”
“Me too. I think he’s going to thrive here. He’s already asking about our other programs like basketball and baseball.”
I lowered my voice so Corey wouldn’t overhear. “I hate to say that I hope it will keep him out of trouble, but I do.”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Sports have been proven to do that. It gives kids focus and confidence. Growing up, I played volleyball. I can’t think of anything better that I could have done. It took my mind off other things.”
Her expression dimmed a bit, and I wondered what she needed to take her mind off of when she was younger, but it wasn’t my business.
Corey approached, his gaze darting from Callie to me. “You ready to go?”
“Only if you’re done. I don’t want to interrupt.” He’d completed his homework after school, so he just needed to eat, shower, and head to bed.
“I’m done.” He handed the clipboard to Callie.
