Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin

Chapter 3: One Chance

Inspiration Song: Draft Day by Drake

Final rosters were being announced in two days and I hadn't heard anything yet, but I hadn't been cut either. Caitlin told me to take that as a good sign. I was trying to keep my confidence up and keep grinding, but the nerves were starting to gnaw at me. There were still 14 people on the team. Two of us would be getting our dreams crushed in the next two days.

We had just finished a scrimmage. I was put on a team with Kelsey, A'ja, Alysha, and Megan. We won fairly easily. I had two corner threes and a few assists. The chemistry between our entire team seemed to flow so effortlessly. I already felt like a part of the Aces. Everyone seemed to welcome me with open arms, but they did this with all the newbies.

"McDaniel, Hartley, and Martin," Becky announced, "I need to see you guys in my office, one by one, in that order, once you've changed."

Fuck. Is it possible we're all getting cut? Are they going to sign someone else that was recently waived from another team? It didn't make sense that Becky would ask for all three of us when there were only two people left to cut. I immediately went to chewing on my lip as I walked back to the locker room. As much as the nerves and not knowing had been getting to me, I'd take that over having what I've worked for my entire life taken from me within the next hour. I felt like I needed to puke.

I started changing out of my gear, rinsed off in the shower since I was the last to be seen, and then slowly started to pack up all of my stuff, taking in everything. I was going to miss Kelsey and A'ja's constant jokes and pranks. I was going to miss Jackie's quiet and calm demeanor. I was going to miss KB's goofy attitude and Megan and I's Hawkeye bond. I was going to miss it all. I could feel tears starting to well in my eyes. I really thought I had a chance.

A'ja must've noticed that I was quieter in the locker room because she came to stand next to me and lowered her head so that she could talk softly just to me, "It ain't over yet, Rook. Don't give up hope 'til there is none. You've been playing great. I promise you there's not another rookie I'd want by my side." She gave me a side hug before walking out of the locker room.

Kelsey came up behind me after and smacked me lightly on the ass. "Money Martin, keep your head up. There's no way Becky is going to let them get rid of you. Have you heard how highly she talks about you? How highly all of us talk about you? That's not just talk. You're a dawg. You bring something special to the team that no one else has before. You really do make us better, and each and every one of us knows that we can count on you. You truly are the glue."

"Thanks," I mumbled out, trying not to let my tears overflow.

"I mean it, Kate," she said as she locked eyes with me. I nodded my head and watched as Kelsey started to make her way out the door before calling back over her shoulder, "You better text me as soon as you find out you made the roster."

After I had everything packed up, I made my way to Becky's office, drawing in long and slow breaths to steady myself. I passed Bria on the way, her eyes were red and she mumbled a "good luck" under her breath as she passed. I wanted to comfort her and give her a pep talk, but I wasn't sure I wouldn't puke if I opened my mouth. I blew out a big breath before opening Becky's door.

"Kate," Becky said with a warm smile. I tried to smile back, but I knew it looked half-hearted at best. "Have a seat."

I did as I was told and immediately started fiddling with my hands. Becky was quiet for a second. I didn't know if she was expecting me to say something or if she was just figuring out how to break the news to me. "How do you think you've performed during training camp?"

I cleared my throat, "Honestly, coach, all I can tell you is that I gave it my all every single day, day in and day out. I made sure that I tried my hardest because I'm well aware that this could be the last time I ever play basketball. I didn't want to have regrets or what ifs when this was all said and done. I did what I do best-support my teammates and make plays when needed."