𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬, kate martin

ELEVEN. madness begins

march, 2024:
iowa city, iowa & albany, new york

March madness was officially here and thus began the chaos that led up to the National Championship. Where athletes lives' were swallowed by the hope of winning it all.

Tatum and Kate have been super close lately, quite a bit more than usual. Tatum liked to let herself think it was probably contributed to the fact that Kate had been making herself super helpful in the gym, always willing to help get Tatum some extra practice or shooting in if the brunette expressed any hint of interest. Which Tatum was eternally grateful for the boost in confidence and support she was receiving from her captain, after all the girl was getting her master's— how in the world did she have time for her?

After the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders, Tatum went to find her parents. She tried to psych herself up as she walked over, plastering a pleasant expression on her face. Her energy was absolutely spent, despite their big lead in the game. As soon as she had spotted them in the crowd from on the bench though, she knew her parents would want to see her. They only ever made it out to Iowa for one game a season so she doubted she'd see them again until the school year was over.

"Hey guys," Tatum beamed through a big exhale.

Her dad wrapped her into a loving embrace. He had always been her biggest fan, practically placing a basketball in her hands at birth. Richard Hart was a girl dad without a doubt.

While he had always had high expectations for her future growing up, he had wanted nothing more than what was best for her. Tatum's decision to commit to Iowa had been the happiest day of his life— because at the end of the day, it didn't matter to him where she went. His daughter had surpassed all of his hopes and dreams for her and he was excited that he'd be able to see all of it play out. Especially after the day Tatum had tore her ACL in high school and he worried her dreams would be brought up short.

"You did amazing, pumpkin." He told her, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad." A genuine smile appeared on Tatum's features.

"Yes," her mom chimed. "It was a wonderful game."

The smile faltered for a moment but Tatum made sure it remained big. Her mom had wanted Tatum to be a swimmer growing up, in pursuit of fulfilling Erin Hart's broken dreams of getting a scholarship after a ruinous injury her senior year. It was a pressure Tatum had always bore on her shoulders. To fit the expectation of being the best she could.

Erin taught her tough love. The way her mom had grown up in a ruthless, cold home had ultimately made her that way. Hardened by the devout Catholics Tatum's grandparents had been. Growing up Erin had it hard, that was clear, but Tatum had deemed it unfair that she experienced the result of her past. A generation once again trying to crush the spirits of another all because of a mother who had raised her child from a distance.

So the woman Tatum saw in front of her today was someone who was trying their best after 21 years of extending the same treatment she once had endured. Although she still had her moments, being a devout Catholic that scrunched her face in disgust at anything that didn't align with the faith, turning up her nose at any sign of disrespect.

To others, Erin Hart was a very considerate and respectable woman. It was the same type of person Tatum's friends, throughout every stage of her life, had seen. She extended grace and kindness to anyone that wasn't one of her own.

"I bet it was a fun watch. It was such a great start to the post season." Tatum said. "Hopefully we can keep this up."

"Give yourselves some credit. I mean, come on, Big Ten Champs! Three years in a row? Can't get any better than that." Richard said happily.