Golden Girl

17

Lucy POV

The humid Atlanta air hit me as soon as I stepped out of the hotel lobby. It was a stark reminder that I was no longer in London. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the city. My nerves were buzzing with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I watched the black SUV pull up to the curb. The driver stepped out, giving me a polite nod as he opened the door.

"Good morning, Lucy," he said with a slight Southern drawl. "I'm here to take you to the national training center."

I smiled, trying to mask the butterflies in my stomach. "Thank you."

As I settled into the backseat, I couldn't help but glance at my phone. I had sent Leah a quick text earlier, just to let her know that I was on my way to the camp, but there had been no response. I figured she was busy, maybe caught up in her own preparations with the England team. Still, a part of me felt uneasy.

The drive to the training center was relatively quiet, save for the occasional small talk with the driver. My mind was racing with thoughts of what was to come. This was my first camp with the USWNT, and I felt the weight of it. The pressure to perform, to prove myself, was immense. But more than anything, I wanted to belong, to show that I deserved to be here.

We pulled up to the entrance of the national training center, and I took a deep breath as the driver opened my door. Stepping out, I was greeted by a sprawling complex of fields, gym facilities, and buildings that seemed to stretch on forever. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

"Welcome to camp, Lucy!" A familiar voice called out.

I turned to see a few of the players I recognized from watching them on TV. Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn were approaching with wide smiles, their presence immediately easing some of my nerves.

"Hey, Lucy!" Kelley said as she reached out to give me a quick hug. "Man am I glad to see you two" I said as I embraced them both

"your in good hands" Kelley smiled

 "Thanks for the warm welcome."

Becky smiled warmly. "We're all excited to have you here. Just take it one day at a time, and you'll be fine."

Their kindness was reassuring, and I found myself relaxing a bit. As we walked towards the main building, they pointed out the various facilities, making me feel a bit more at ease. But still, there was a part of me that felt disconnected. I kept reaching for my phone, hoping to see a message from Leah, but there was nothing.

Maybe she's just busy, I told myself. But the silence was starting to gnaw at me. Leah knew how anxious I was for this camp and she hadn't once texted to see how I am since I left.

We entered the main building, and the smell of fresh coffee and athletic gear filled the air. The atmosphere was a blend of camaraderie and intensity, the kind of energy you'd expect from a team gearing up for something big. 

this is where everyone was gathered, waiting for the last few arrivals. I felt everyone's stares as we entered the room.

Although I knew most of the people in the room from my time in the NWSL, it didn't subside the nerves. I hated being the new girl, I hadn't quite figured out my place yet.

I continued to walk through the room, still following Becky and Kelley and we took a seat next to a few more familiar faces.

"Lucy, right, Welcome" Alex Morgan said leaning forward out of her chair

"thanks" I just blushed

After a quick briefing from the coaching staff, we were all given our schedules for the day. Training sessions, team meetings, gym work—it was going to be a packed day.