WOSO Imagines

Old Friends, New Enemies (Kelley O'Hara)

"Jill, come over here, please," Sarina calls, waving me over to her.

The Lionesses are busy doing their pre-match inspection as I watch from the sidelines, picturing how the USWNT formation could line up. Their squad is stacked, their mentality is next level, and they're currently world champions twice over. Even though it is a friendly, it would be a tough game.

"What's up, boss?" I ask, jogging to her.

"The Americans won't be expecting us to put Rachel as a wingback, so I am hoping that will help her create more chances."

"Playing her in the back allows her to slip through their midfield and connect with Keira and G if our frontline gets tied up."

"Exactly. Their attack may be our downfall, so if we can hold dominant possession, keep the ball in their half, we have a better shot."

"Their centrebacks are fairly young and lacking experience, but I wouldn't count out Fox and O'Hara on the wing, especially O'Hara. She's got the experience and the versatility. I don't know if she'll start, they want to give their younger ones a chance, try out some fresh faces before world cup qualifiers, but trust me, they'll use her."

I knew Kelley O'Hara on the pitch almost as well as I knew her off. I had studied her since her college days, following her on her USWNT journey. I admire her as a player and a person. I try to keep our history out of it, but it seeps in. I can't seem to patch the hole.

"I agree. I also think we should have our defense keep their frontline narrow. If we let them get wide, they're harder to contain, but they also have trouble pushing out themselves. I want you to talk with the backline, I'll handle the front. Take Keira and G with you, as well. I want them focused on defensive mid today."

I give a nod and walk toward the locker room, wanting to do my own pre-match ritual to get in the zone. As I'm almost down the tunnel, the US team appears, led by Megan Rapinoe, Lindsay Horan, and...Kelley. I freeze, not sure I want to interact with her. Not sure I've healed since the last time I saw her.

She catches my eye, her smile dropping. "Jillian."

"Hello."

Her teammates stare between the two of us, reading the tension in the room easily.

"What are you doing here?" she asks.

"Working."

She looks confused and I can't help but feel hurt. She clearly hasn't cared to keep tabs on me. Why would she?

"You're Jill Hector, aren't you? Youngest assistant coach in European women's soccer?" Rapinoe cuts in.

I smile shyly. "2nd assistant actually, but yeah."

"You're incredible! I watched that interview you did with Vogue last month. I wanted to reach out and connect with you on a project. Your research into equity in the women's game and injury prevention is fascinating."

I blush. "It's nothing that hasn't been brought up before. I'd love to work with you. I have my business card somewhere; I can give it to you after the game."

"It's a deal."

The sound of cleats on cement comes closer; the England girls must be done with their pitch inspection. "It was lovely meeting you, but I have a job to do." I disappear down the tunnel, overhearing someone ask Kelley how she knows me.