The Sound of Silence (USWNT)

The Recruiting Camp

*Victoria's POV*

I grinned as I scored on the keeper again, pumping my fist as some of the girls assigned to my team patted me on the back. I couldn't help but relish this moment, being on the pitch is the only place where I ever felt like I could be myself. Though I couldn't help but be sad that this was ending. The USWNT Youth teams apparently been scouting young athletes as possible candidates to call up, and I somehow made the list for one of the tryout camp they held.

It had basically been a week of training, scrimmages and just showing off what we could do for all of the National Team coaches, even Jill Ellis, which made me nervous. I looked up to see the coaches in a group, all looking at me. I quickly looked away, getting back into position as the other team set up to kick off.

I knew they'd try to attack my side, since everyone thinks I'm the weak one since I'm one of the youngest at this camp, at 16. Plus it didn't help that I'm really quiet and small. I looked up to see Kayla, a girl from my school who always hated me for some reason giving me an evil look. I think she was still pissed I got past her since she had been helping the defender try to pick me up. I froze a little, knowing this couldn't mean anything good for me since she had been using every opportunity to get in cheap shots on me, and I had the bruises to prove it. But of course the officials and coaches never seen it.

Before I could think much more the blonde forward on the other team touched it back to Allie, and Kayla charged past me, anticipating the pass. I read Allie's movement, and knew that she was going to pass to Kayla. Just as the ball connected with Kayla's feet, I kicked it out from under her, kicking it through her legs, and dribbling with it, passing it up to one of the oldest on my team, Stephanie. I heard a hiss of anger from behind me. I knew it was Kayla, but I ran forward. Stephanie passed it back to me when she got trapped, and I shot it bending it past the goalkeeper. Before I could even smile at the goal, I felt a sharp impact from behind. I squeaked in pain as I felt the spikes from cleats pierce the back of my leg as I landed heavily.

I heard several whistles and some shouting. I rose my head and saw Steph and Allie arguing with a smirking Kayla, Steph pushing her away, looking angry.

"Are you okay dear?" I looked up, and was shocked to see Jill Ellis kneeling next to me. I groaned slightly as I sat up, feeling a slight pain in the back of my leg. I looked up at her, nervous that she would decide I wasn't worth the time, when she found out, but I knew she'd find out eventually if I got called up.

"Yeah I'm fine. I've had worse falls before." I signed.

Jill just smiled, her gaze not faltering or becoming clouded with judgement or surprise. I guess it shouldn't shock me that all of the coaches probably know I'm mute by now.

"You're tough. That's good, you'll need to keep that up, but don't let it stop you from getting help when you need it okay?" She said.

I nodded, still in awe that THE Jill Ellis was talking to me, and that she seemed to know sign language, and did not judge me like so many others.

"You.. You know sign language?" I clumsily signed, not completely used to being able to communicate with people other than on paper or through text.

"Yeah, my niece is deaf. I heard a lot about you, you know. You're really great." She smiled at me, putting me a little more at ease."Well after they do the wrap-up speech, I'd really like you to see Dawn. She's our best trainer here, just to make sure everything's okay." She continued.

"Oh um yeah that would be fine, thanks again." I signed.

"Hey no need to be nervous dear, we're all awkward athletes here, and nobody will judge you, unless they want to run extra sprints." Jill chuckled, holding out her hand to help me up.