How I became Savannah Solo Part 1

Friday April 10th

     Since the next morning was game day we got to sleep in an extra hour. So at 8 I got up and put on my jeans and a Regin t-shirt before going downstairs. I got my cereal and juice and was eating when Hope came down in her warmup gear and made her coffee and toast. We got in the car and went to the Reign facility. When we walked into the locker room I probably jumped about 5 feet into the air when everyone yelled surprise. After I had calmed down I realized the team had a jersey with my nickname and number 18 on it. Confused I turned to Hope who was holding my cleats.

Hope: Suit up your playing with us today.
Me: So this is what you were doing yesterday wasn't it?
Hope: *laughs* yes it was now go get dressed.

I ran and hugged Hope before going to my locker and got dressed. I did my pregame  routine which was to grab my headphones and climb into my locker and listen to music while I imagined the game in my head. I crawled out when it was time for warmups and walked out with the team. We went through our stretches and drills. Once we finished we went to coach to get our positions.

Coach: Solo in goal .......Rapinoe on the left wing... and finally up top is Baby Horse!
Me: Really?
Coach: Yes.

Hope: We have 10 mins so go receive my goal kicks so I can warm them up
Me: Okay

I was receiving them and kicking them back easily until Hope kicked one way over my head and I had to chase after it almost running into Kelley. Kelley wasn't shocked to see me in uniform.

Me: You knew didn't you?
Kelley: Yes, I was the one who gave Hope to put Baby Horse on the back.
Me: Of course it was, but thank you.
Kelley: Your welcome, you better go Hope's calling

    I grabbed the ball and ran back to Hope. We went to the beach for the team break. We took the field and the ref blew the whistle. Sky Blue had kick off and they kept possession for a little bit until our midfielder got the ball. We fought back and fourth but at halftime it was 0-0.
   
     We had kick off for the second half and we sent it to the left corner. Pinoe got the ball and beat the defender and crossed the ball straight to me. I cheated the ball down and then shot it to the upper right corner past the goalie. Pinoe ran straight to me and jumped on me congratulating me on my goal. We ran back to our positions for kick off. We got possession again quickly and and the teams fought back and forth. I finally got the ball and had two defenders in front of me with nobody to pass too. I easily got by the first defender. I got to the second one and did a step over cutting it to the right. I took another touch and then shot. I made it in right before the ref blew the final whistle. We jogged off the field and headed to the locker room. Before I made it I was stopped by a reporter asking for an interview. I said yes and the reporter started filming.

Katie: I am Katie Edwards from ESPN and I am here with Savannah Reed who scored two goals for Seattle Regin tonight. So Savannah I heard you are still in high school. How old are you and in what grade?
Me: I'm 16 and a sophomore
Katie: Wow so young. You're on other teams I'm guessing.
Me: Yes I am. I play for my high school and I was just recently added to the U-20 National Team.
Katie: You do a lot. Is soccer the only sport you play?
Me: I also cheer for my high school and I'm in a lot of high school clubs too.
Katie: How do you manage to do everything?
Me: It's very hard but I'm still a 4.0 student. I have to keep on top of my schedule and school work but to me an education is just as important as practice is for soccer.
Katie: Amazing. Thank you for talk with us, it was great to meet.
Me: Of course and thank you. Have a good night.

I jogged back to the locker room and ran into Hope who was standing there waiting for me.

Me: Ow, what the hell?
Hope: good game Baby Horse and was that an interview?
Me: Thank you and yes it was

I started to walk to the locker but was pulled back by my jersey.

Hope: What did they ask?
Me: I'm sure you can read it when it comes out.
Hope: Baby Horse do you want to go change or not?
Me: Fine they just asked what teams I was on and how I managed everything.
Hope: Oh
Me: Yeah I just didn't mention that I had chemistry homework in my locker only halfway done plus math homework to start.
Hope: That sounds tough, but it's no where near as tough as the person living it.

I just shoved Hope and said thanks before going back to the locker room. I changed and grabbed my things and followed Hope to the car. We got in and headed home.

Hope: Oh yeah and there is a team dinner tonight and we have to go because your the guest of honor.
Me: oh okay

   We got home and I went to my room. I showered and the blow dried and straightened my hair. I was in my bra and sliders when Hope came in.

Hope: Are you ready? I take that as a no
Me: i don't know what to wear.

Hope went over to my closet and pulled out a black dress I forgot I had and black heels.

Hope: Here, now hurry or we're going to be late.
Me: Okay okay I'm hurrying.

I put on my dress and necklace. I grabbed my heels and ran downstairs and got in the car where Hope was waiting. I put on my heels and fixed my makeup on the way and by the time Hope parked I was completely ready. We got out and walked towards the restaurant. Hope had on a blue dress with white heels to match her jewelry. We walked in and Pinoe saw us.

Pinoe: Our goal score is here let the party begin!

The girls cheered and then we all sat down and ordered. While we were eating we talked about our lives outside of soccer and what we were doing after the season ended. After we finished some of the girls said the were going for drinks and invited Hope. Hope denied at first before I butted in.

Me: Hope go, I can drive your bus of a Range Rover home.
Hope: Are you sure?
Me: I'm not takin no as an answer
Hope: Okay fine thank you Baby Horse.

Hope gave me the keys and the girls left. I got in the car and drove home. I went inside and grabbed a water bottle and let dogs in before going to my room. Sasha and Onyx hopped on my bed and laid down while I facetimed Brad.

Brad: Hey baby, dang you look good where did you go?
Me: Hey babe and it was a team dinner. Hope surprised me with a jersey and I go to play tonight. I scored twice so I was the guest of honor for dinner.
Brad: maybe I can find the game some where.
Me: I'm sure you can and tell me about your day while I change.
(I took my dress off and hung it back up leaving me in my bra and sliders.)

Brad: Well school was boring, I miss having you in class. Dang baby you look good!
Me: Well I better with all the fitness I've done it's the least my body could do for me. But finish
(I took of my jewelry and put on my flannel)

Brad: We had a guy tear his ACL at practice today but he was a junior and a 4th string so I didn't know his name
Me: Oh that sucks
Brad: Yeah it does, so where's Hope she normally makes an appearance
Me: She's out with some of the girls
Brad: Oh
Me: Yeah well I'm really tired so I'm going to bed goodnight babe I love you
Brad: Goodnight baby I love you.

After I hung up I went to the bathroom and took off my make up and brushed my teeth before climbing into to bed. I cuddled with Sasha and Onyx laid at my feet and we went to sleep. I heard Hope come in about 2am and then go to her room.