The Coach and the Katt (Student/Teacher Relationship)

Prologue: Game On

----------> Picture of Katt on side. ----------------->

“Come on Ambs, pass it,” the thought escaped Katt’s lips in a whisper as she ran down the field, flanking the opposing team but keeping level with her teammate and best friend, Amber, who was now in possession of the ball.

She skillfully leapt over a mud puddle that was caused by the rain just hours before. Her muddy uniform showed proof that she had fallen victim to that very puddle not once today, but twice, as did several other girls on the field. Soccer definitely wasn’t meant to be a clean sport and none of these girls minded the grass stains, the dirt smudges, and the occasional mud clump in their hair. By the time each game was over their hair was a huge mess anyway and they would be covered in sweat, getting down and dirty on the field just added to the fun of it all.

The teams were tied with one minute left on the clock. One minute to make one last goal, should be a piece of cake, but it seemed to be getting a bit crowded on Amber’s side of the field.

Katt watched as three members on the other team started to surround the ball, waiting for their opportunity to steal it. But she wasn’t going to let them. Pass it already, she was thinking as a girl came up beside her, blocking the only chance she had to getting the ball.

Running a bit faster than the rest of them, she knew she had to put a little distance between her and everyone else. She maneuvered herself in between two of the opposers, and just to the right of Amber. Their eyes connected for a short moment, and a silent plan was formed. She feinted left as if to free up the ball but instead gave it a swift kick with the side of her foot, directing it to roll right between her teammates feet.

The unexpected pass threw off the players, allowing Katt to rush the ball to the net. She was close enough to make the goal, but she wanted to get a few feet closer to be safe. She watched the goalie taking position. Her mind went through several different shooting angles before she realized that the goalie was crouched down so low to the ground that the girl wouldn't be able to jump up high enough to block an air ball. Having decided on one of her well practiced techniques, she came to a quick stop in the wet grass, catching the ball with the tip of her cleat, and she smirked before rearing her leg back. She gave the small black and white ball the kick of its life that sent them both flying through the air.

She seemed to hover there in slow motion as she watched the ball soar through a pair of hands that were just out of reach. The back of the net caught it with a soft swoosh and gently shot it down with a thud just as a buzzer went off in the distance.

Instinct and experience had her holding her head up as she came crashing back down to earth, landing in the moist grass, some splatters of mud hitting her face.

Cheers erupted from their side of the field, full of excitement, proud that their school had won. A rush of feet came stumbling towards her, and several hands reached out and pulled her up. With "woots" and hollers they pulled her along as they ran back to their coach, who was standing there cheering louder than the whole stadium.

“Great job, all of you. First game of the season with many more to go, this is a perfect start of how this year is going to play out. But don’t get cocky, it’ll be getting rougher here on out. But don’t push too hard either. What I mean to say is, ah well… Just great job, girls!” He ended his rambling with a few high fives passed around.

“You said that already, Coach,” one of the girls yelled as she gave him a quick hug, which a few other girls followed suit.

“That’s how you know I meant it! Great job!” he laughed, returning the breif hugs in turn.

It was different as Katt embraced him, he held on just a little longer than the rest of the girls, but not long enough for anyone to notice. And just before he let go, he quickly whispered in her ear, “Nice saving Amber’s butt out there, it was a nail-biting moment for me.”

“You saying you don’t have faith in your team coach?” she whispered back, giving him a wink to show she was joking.

He opened his mouth in reply, but was cut off by the fans yelling in their direction, "Celebration party tonight. Usual spot, usual time!”

“I didn’t hear that!” the coach said, grabbing his clipboard from the players bench and waving it in the air before walking down the field towards the school. “And hit the showers already, ya’ll smell like you’ve been rolling around in the mud.”

“We were, and it was awesome! Totally worth it, got us a win out of it!” One of the girls howled, and a few gave a "hell yeah!" in response as they headed for the locker rooms. The large crowd yelling after them in excitement as they went.

Lanely High was a very competitive school when it came to sports, but it was these girls who were worth watching. They were known all around the surrounding areas as the team to beat, and to fear. Their championships were often televised and people from all over the state would tune in to watch. They were definitely a kick-ass soccer team, no one could deny that. They were made up with only the very best of the best players and a tough as nails coach, who wasn’t afraid to crack the whip. And the after party that followed the game was just the beginning of many more to come in the following season. Every win deserves to be celebrated, and the kids from Lanely loved to celebrate.