offsides | c. clark

eighteen.

2021
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

With most sports seasons being over, Alex's idea had been taken to the athletic director and the University of Iowa was having a locally televised fundraising event where student-athletes from different programs could enter into the competition in teams of five where they would be competing in different sporting activities trying to accumulate the greatest number of points. The top three teams would be able to donate to a fundraiser of their choosing.

Alex's team was composed of Kate, Lauren, Tyler from the baseball team, and Jaylen from the football team. Kassidy was on a team with Monika and guys from football, basketball, and the men's soccer team. Caitlin was on a team with Connor, Gabbie, and some guys from the swim team.

Alex wasn't too happy about the Caitlin and Connor of it all but she decided to have an open mind.

"Okay we've got this," Alex says as she applies eye black to Lauren, "We just have to dominate."

"And dominate we will," Tyler says, "With my might, Jaylen's strength, Kate's spirit, Alex's skill, and Lauren's beauty we'll be unstoppable."

Lauren's brows furrow as she looks at Tyler, "What did you just say?"

"I said uh your witty – ness," Tyler tries to cover, and Jaylen is snickering behind his hand. Alex looks over at Kate and shares a look. The two of them smile at each other and Lauren shakes her head.

"Kate you're next, come here," Alex says. Kate makes her way over and stands before Alex who stands on her toes to apply the eye black under her eyes. Kate stares at Alex and the younger of the two uses her free hand to block Kate's eyes.

"Stop looking at me," Alex orders, "Blue eyes are irritating."

Kate gasps at the comment, "I'm offended."

"You should be," Alex says with a smile as she finishes up and pats Kate on the cheek, "Alright Tyler, come here big boy."

Tyler skips over and Alex smiles as he kneels down so she can apply the eye black.

"I'm really glad you chose me to be on your team," Tyler says, "I have admired your grit from afar."

Alex smiles at the comment, "Um thank you. I have admired your – kind spirit."

"Thank you," Tyler says, "You know most people look at me and they see a six-three baseball player with a mullet and a lifted truck and think I'm evil but I'm not. I'm a lover."

Alex smiles, "I believe it. You know I also drive a pickup truck. It's not lifted but it's a truck."

"No way!" Tyler exclaims, "Alex I think you're my soulmate."

Alex laughs at the comment and shakes her head.

Jaylen comes over and he also bends down, giving Alex easier access to his face. Soon they were ready to compete. The first event that they were partaking in was soccer, which Alex and Lauren were really eager about.

"Okay, Jaylen we're going to put you in the goal. Lauren and Tyler, you'll be midfield and defense. Kate and I will handle the rest," Alex plans.

"Aye aye captain," Tyler says giving her a salute.

"Seeing you take charge is hot," Lauren says, "Is this what we have to look forward to next season?"

Alex shrugs with a smirk, "Maybe. Okay, break!"

They take the field, playing a team that had some softball players, volleyball players, and some guys from the track team. Alex passes the ball over to Kate who surprisingly has good control over the ball as she moves it up the field.