The Coach's Daughter

Chapter 5

Everyone was passing and shooting, just messing around with the ball.  

My dad called everyone over for a huddle. He pulled me over to him, "Can you go get my clipboard? I left it in the car," my dad asked me.  

"Sure," I said. I jogged over to the car. I knew what my father was doing. Every year, my dad gave the team, exclusively, a lecture. Whats to be expected of them, keeping their grades up, no trouble, and most importantly, to my dad, no dating me. He always did this. Every year. So I waited for a few minutes before I grabbed the clipboard to head back.

***Alex's POV*** 

Coach Mason had sent Anna away again, like he always does. He gives us the same lecture every year. What we're expected to do, keep our grades up, no trouble, and no dating Anna.  

I've had many private discussions with him, because of how close Anna and I are. He's asked numerous times if we were dating. I said the same thing every time. 'No, we are just best friends, Coach.' He would nod, remind me to not date her, and tell me to get back to work.  

He doesn't want any of to date her. I don't know why but he's the coach.  

I zoned out of the whole thing.  

When Coach was done talking, he clapped, knocking me out of my day dreaming.  

Right before we were about to break the huddle, a boy came sprinting towards us, in practice clothing.  

He ran to coach, and immediately started apologizing, "I'm so sorry I was late. I'm new and I didn't know where I had to go and then the principal said he had to talk to me and I'm sorry I'm late to tryouts sir." So its the new kid. The one from English class. Charlie something or another.  

"Its alright, I understand. Whats your name son?" Coach asked him.  

"Charlie Baker, sir," he answered.  

"I'm Coach Mason," Coach announced. "What position do you play?"  

"Well at my old school they had me where ever they needed me. I'm somewhat of an all-around player, but I like mid-field the best." Charlie said.  

"Hmm... Okay." Coach Mason said. He pointed to me and the rest of the defenders, "These are our starters. Our defenders and goalie. Alex, Craig, Gavin, John, and Mike," We all said hey, while Coach continued, "Our forwards, Eric and Allen." They also said hello. "And our mid-fielders. Henry, Ben, Danny, and Jeff. Silas, Micheal, and Paul are our subs." They said hi also. Charlie said hello.  

"Alright guys, lets get some touches in."

***Anna's POV*** 

I came back and saw the guys getting their touches in. I gave my dad his clipboard and looked around to see if somebody needed a partner. It looked like everybody had a partner. I saw the three subs, Silas, Micheal, and Paul. Those three plus the eleven starters meant an even number, meaning nobody's left out.  

Wait... Theres another body out there. Who? I squint and try to look closely at their face. I think its Charlie. I jog over to him since he had just finished talking to dad.  

Since he was here, he must know about the rule, so I shouldn't worry. "Hey Charlie," I greeted.  

"Oh... Hey..." He said nervously.  

"I'm Anna, I don't think I ever told you my name." I laughed and smiled.  

"Hi Anna," he greeted back.  

"Do you have a partner for touches?" I asked him.  

"No. I don't think I do." He replied looking around for a partner.  

"Well your in luck, neither do I." I said grinning.  

"Okay," he agreed.  

We faced each other and stood a few feet apart. "So I'll toss the ball to your foot and you'll use your instep to hit it back 10 times, then we'll switch feet. Okay?" I explained. Charlie nodded.  

"So why are you here?" He asked me.  

"Sometimes I like to help out, and get some extra practice in too." I answered. I kept track of how many times he hit it back to me. 9... 10... "Switch feet," I directed. Charlie did so and kicked it back to me 10 times.  

"Now laces." I instructed. Charlie finished those, and moved onto thigh, foot. And then chest foot. And lastly, headers.  

"Your done now," I said.  

"Great! What now?" He asked.  

"Now I do my touches." I grinned.  

"Okay." He answered. I threw him the ball and did my own touches. I went threw mine quickly.  

"Now what?" Charlie asked yet another question.  

"We pass until Coach tells us a drill. Now go over there." I said pointing to the other side of the field. He jogs over there and turns around. We pass the ball back and forth, waiting for dad to start us on a drill.

After two hours of one vs. one drills, shooting, sprints, and a small eight vs. eight scrimmage, everyone was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.  

Dad called us into a huddle. "Alright guys, there are two more days of tryouts. I know you guys all know you'll make the team, but during tryouts, your going to be fighting for positions. Keep up the good work. Hands in. Alligators on three." 

Alex being captain from last year, and most likely this year, led the team off. "1... 2...3..." 

"ALLIGATORS!" The whole team screamed.