Unknown Beginning

Part 2

Kenny rested her hand on Riley's knee as they sat waiting to be called into the coach's office, "Riles, you're shaking the entire room".

Riley closed her eyes as she worked to still her body. A second later her eyes shot open when she heard her name called "Riley O'Neill" Coach V was smiling as she looked at Riley and then Kenny. "Will you be joining us Kelsey?" Coach V asked.

Kenny jumped to her feet, pulling Riley up with her, "If that's ok? For moral support?"

Coach V laughed "Come on in ladies" as she turned to lead them to her office. Following her lead, Riley and Kenny made their way into her office and sat in the two seats across from her desk. Riley showed no signs of talking so Coach V began "Well Riley it looks like you have quite the impressive resume. I've spoken with your old coaches as well as a few coaches I know who were recruiting you in high school and they sent me some footage. It looks like you were on track to play Division 1 hockey but opted to play Division one soccer instead?"

Riley glanced quickly at Coach V before fixing her eyes on the stapler that sat on the desk instead and replied "Yeah well I wanted to play both but was told I needed to pick one because of the time commitment at that level."

"But you decided to leave Division 1 soccer after one year?" Coach V prompted.

Still not looking up, Riley continued "mhmm it turns out I don't like that level of commitment. I like playing soccer and hockey but I've never been that person who makes a sport their entire life and personality. I played because my brother and friends did and I just got lucky that I'm pretty athletic and could play both sports decently well."

"I'd say it's more than luck. Plus it looks like you were often the captain of these teams, chosen by both coaches and teammates so that speaks to your leadership and sportsmanship as well." Coach V corrected as she glanced between Riley and Kenny. Kenny had no idea about Riley's abilities or history, all Riley had told her was that she played hockey and soccer growing up.

Riley was blushing with discomfort now as she just shrugged "I dunno. I guess."

"You also played on boys teams for both soccer and hockey due to your skill level and were always a starter on each team you played on" Coach V continued.

Riley reddened further, wishing she could disappear and asked "But what does that have to do with right now?" She clarified, not wanting to be rude "I mean, I guess I'm not sure why I'm here meeting with you."

Coach V smiled warmly "You're here because I'd like to offer you a spot on our women's hockey team. As you know from soccer, Division 3 is a different skill level than Division 1 but we have a great team and I think you would fit in perfectly. I already spoke with your soccer coach since there is some overlap between soccer season and hockey pre-season but if you're up for it I think we've come up with a plan that will work for everyone."

Riley could see Kenny practically vibrating with excitement in the chair next to her. Without lifting her head, Riley let her eyes meet Coach V's "You're saying I could play soccer and hockey? I could be on the team with Kenny?"

Coach V beamed at Kenny smiling bigger and said "That's right, Riley, Would you like to officially join our team?"

Both Riley and Coach V were looking at Kenny now as she fully turned her body to Riley and pleaded "Please please pleaseeee" drawing out her last syllable.

Riley shook her head, amused, " Yes ok. Yes Kenny, I'll be on the team".

"Excellent," Coach V replied. "Pre-season for hockey starts in a couple weeks so I'll touch base further with your soccer coach and we'll nail down a game plan. Do you have any questions?"

"Umm just one" Riley said apprehensively "is everyone going to be ok with me joining? This is super last minute and..." her voice trailed off.

Coach V waved off her concerns "We have a great group of girls, I'm sure everyone will be very welcoming. Plus you have Kelsey here who was on the team last year and can help make introductions. With you on the team I'm very optimistic that we will have a fantastic season."

Kenny was still beaming as she and Coach V stood up from their chairs. Riley was bemused by Kenny's reaction but otherwise not convinced the transition would be as smooth as Coach V said. Riley may have played on boys teams in the past but she also played with girls and knew the drama that could unfold when a clique was disrupted. Luckily Riley was typically unaffected by these things and she was determined to keep her head down and focus on Kenny and the game.