You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 2 - Strengthening Bonds

7:32 PM - September 5, 2021.

Rhode Island, New England.

The atmosphere of the bar was cozy and vibrant, with the sound of lively conversations and laughter filling the space. Soft lights and the aroma of food and drink hung in the air, creating an inviting atmosphere as we gathered around a table in the corner.

Vic, Julia, Emily, Amelia, and I—the starting five—settled around the table, feeling a mix of excitement and relaxation after the intense practice. Waiters circulating between tables, delivering drinks and snacks as the five of us began to share stories and laughter.

Amelia was the first to break the silence with an excited smile. "Did you guys know that our first preseason game is against UConn?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she shared the news.

"What? We're already having a Paige versus Olivia matchup in the first week of preseason?" Emily, the tallest among us, couldn't contain her excitement, while I focused on chewing the fries we had ordered.

My heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words, I must confess. The UConn team was one of the most feared teams in the country, known for its talented players and history of success. While I smiled and nodded in response, inside, I felt a whirlwind of emotions churning in my chest.

"It's going to be an exciting game for whoever is going to watch..." I commented.

On one hand, there was a sense of excitement within me. The challenge of facing such a strong team was the perfect opportunity to prove our worth and compete at the highest level. I longed for the challenge and the opportunity to test my skills against elite players.

But for the other hand, was also a tinge of anxiety and insecurity. The idea of ​​facing such a talented team brought with it the pressure to give my best and not disappoint my team. And, of course, there was the persistent fear that my knee might not be fully recovered, jeopardizing my ability to fully contribute to the game.

As the conversations continued around me, I struggled to keep a smile on my face and participate actively. Inside, however, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions was in full swing. I knew I would have to find a way to overcome my fears and uncertainties before game day.

"Their Point Guard scares me more than Bueckers... That tall Croatian girl intimidates everyone." This time it was Vic who spoke, highlighting a very important point.

Nika Mühls.

Nika played as a Point Guard for UConn for the second season and was already called by many fans of the University of Connecticut's program as "The new Sue Bird."

But as time passed and the hours advanced, I struggled to find a balance between the excitement and apprehension that consumed me. Deep down, I knew I would have to rely on my preparation, my team, and my own talent to face that challenge.

And so, amidst laughter and toasts, I prepared for what lay ahead: the showdown with UConn, a baptism of fire that would require the best from me and the whole team.

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Weeks had passed since our first practice together as a team, and each day brought us closer to the eagerly anticipated showdown against UConn. During this time, we immersed ourselves in training, working tirelessly to refine our individual skills and strengthen our chemistry as a team.

With every practice, the Providence starting five became more cohesive and synchronized. Our movements flowed almost intuitively, as if we could anticipate each other's next steps before they even happened. The friendship was there, growing stronger each day, as if we were communicating in our own language without the need for words.

I found myself growing more confident in ball control, my mastery over it becoming almost instinctual. It was no longer a matter of thinking about where to pass or who to shoot; it simply happened. I could feel the presence of my teammates without even looking at them, knowing exactly where they would be and how I could find an opening to deliver the ball into their hands.

Three-point shots became a reliable weapon in my arsenal. With each practice, I honed my technique, working on the precision and consistency of my shot. And as time went on, I found myself hitting shots with impressive regularity, the comforting sound of the net swishing becoming a sweet melody to my ears.

During practices, the game flowed easily among us. We moved the ball quickly and intelligently, finding open spaces and scoring opportunities with ease. Each of us knew our role and was willing to perform it with excellence, trusting each other to achieve success.

As the days passed and the practices intensified, a silent transformation was happening within me as well. What was once a constant vulnerability, my injured knee, was now turning into a source of strength and determination. Every step I took toward the court was a reminder of how far I had come since the day of the injury. The pain had given way to resilience, and uncertainty had been replaced by renewed confidence.

And I challenged myself more each day, pushing the limits of my body and overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. With the careful guidance of our coaches and the tireless dedication of my teammates, I gained confidence in my ability to face any challenge that lay ahead.

And it wasn't just the practices that helped me regain my confidence. The pre-preseason game against Brown University were a crucial opportunity to test my skills in a competitive environment.

I vividly remember the moment we stepped onto the court to face them.

The air was charged with electricity as we prepared for the showdown.

The game were intense, with every possession fiercely contested. But as the clock ticked on, it became increasingly clear that we were the stronger team during the matchup.

Our passes were precise, our shots were on target, and our defense was impenetrable. In the end, we emerged victorious, celebrating not only the win but also the progress we had made as a team and as individuals.

For me, it was more than just a team victory; it was a personal triumph.

It was a confirmation that I was on the right path, that my journey of recovery was bearing fruit, and that I was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. More and more, I found myself looking to the future with hope and determination, ready to face whatever destiny had in store for me and my team.

And so, as the day of the game against UConn approached, I felt increasingly prepared and confident. Not only in my own abilities but also in the strength and cohesion of my team. We were ready to face UConn head-on, ready to make our mark on the game and the upcoming season.