Behind the Game Face

partying and reuniting

Every year, the Friday before classes began on Monday, we had a mandatory athlete meeting. At this meeting, student athletes were recognized, we got to hear from the President about how much our roles on campus matter and how much our images matter as well.

"I just don't understand why we have picture day after this," I groaned, trudging next to my friends as we entered the convocation center. There stands were already packed with other teams all coordinating their outfits.

This meeting was also an unofficial way for us to check each other out and see who changed the most over summer.

"I know right," Liv sighed as she scanned the room for her man. "Don't get me wrong, I love getting all dolled up but I'd rather it be before we had lunch."

I hummed in agreement. After lunch, we basically had an hour to get ready before we had to attend this meeting. And thirty minutes after this meeting is over, we have our media day.

It gave us no time to get ready in between. Luckily for me, I didn't really do much. I usually let my friends get me all pretty because I can barely work a curling iron without setting something on fire.

No, seriously. I was the reason my entire dorm had to evacuate the building my freshman year.

Regardless, I did feel pretty so it was worth the agonizing wait.

"Well you ladies look beautiful," Jeremiah said as he jumped over the row of seats to sit above Liv. "You especially my queen," He bowed flirtatiously.

The girls all awed as Liv rolled her eyes as she shoved his shoulder, trying to hide her blush.

"Oh shut up," She laughed. "Shouldn't you be with your teammates," I turned away from their flirting watching the crowd of my peers enter the gym.

"How long do you think this'll take?" Gabby asked as she plopped down in the seat next to me. Emma sat in the seat infront of us, turning her body so she could face us.

"No seriously, last year was so long," She continued.

"Hopefully it's done and over with soon," I replied. "Look, there's Pres,"

"Welcome student athletes! It has been such a great summer but I'm sure you are all buzzing with excitement for this new school year, am I right?" President Locke spoke into a mic as she smiled at us all.

The crowd cheering half energetically.

"First and foremost, I want to welcome everyone back," She started. "We truly are blessed to have the top athletes in the country!"

I tuned her out as I stared off into space. School started next week which meant that work also started. Also, since volleyball was a fall sport that meant I would be in season the same time I'd be working and in school.

Yay!

Now, really I didn't have to work. I worked hard enough on the court and in the classroom to get a scholarship. A full ride at that. But if I wanted any sense of independence, I had to get a job.

It bought me an electric scooter, clothes, and most importantly food.

Okay so I mostly work just so I could buy myself food, so what?

"And now for our Female Student Athlete MVP," Our athletic director spoke. "Lilah Montgomery!"

Oh heck no.

My teammates cheered around me as I was forced to stand up by Liv and Gabby. In typical teammate fashion, they all shoved me around and I laughed as I tried to focus on not tripping.

Unfortunately, my smile only lasted so long before it turned fake because one's things for certain: I don't do crowds. Nor do I stand in front of them and I especially don't accept big awards like this in front of them.