Maddie Rooney and Willow Cruz had been friends since they were little, bonding over their love of sports and their competitive natures. Willow had always been a star on the softball field, but lately, she had her sights set on something different: varsity baseball.
Maddie, being the supportive friend that she was, offered to help Willow try out for the team. Maddie's brother, Joey, was a star player on the varsity team, so she knew a thing or two about what it took to make it.
As Maddie and Willow practiced throwing and catching, Willow couldn't help but feel distracted. She had a massive crush on Joey and every time he walked by, her heart would start to race and her palms would get sweaty.
Maddie noticed that Willow was having trouble concentrating and asked her what was wrong. Willow blushed and admitted her crush on Joey. Maddie couldn't help but laugh at her friend's predicament.
"Don't worry, Willow," Maddie said with a smile. "I'll talk to Joey and see if he can give you some pointers. That way, maybe you can impress him on the field."
Willow's face lit up at the thought of getting advice from Joey. Maddie's plan seemed to be working, as Willow was able to focus more on the game and less on her crush.
One day, Maddie brought along her friend J-Hope to watch Willow try out. J-Hope was a big baseball fan and had played in high school, so Maddie thought he could offer some helpful tips.
As Willow took her turn at bat, J-Hope shouted out, "Come on, Joey! You can do it!" Willow stopped in her tracks, confused.
"Who's Joey?" Willow asked.
Maddie burst out laughing. "He means you, Willow! J-Hope, that's not Joey, that's Willow!"
J-Hope turned red with embarrassment. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I got confused with Maddie's brother. Willow, you're killing it out here! You're the Joey Rooney Sassang!"
Willow couldn't help but smile at the nickname. It was a funny mix-up, but it made her feel like she was really a part of the team.
In the end, Willow made the varsity baseball team and Joey gave her a few tips to improve her game. Though her crush on Joey never quite went away, Willow was grateful for her friends' support and encouragement. And she knew that with hard work and determination, she could be a star on the field in her own right.
