My first day of school is great! My only friend is my neighbor, Alex, but that's okay. We were going to walk home when he says, "Oh crap! I totally forgot! I have basketball practice tonight."
"Oh... Okay. I'll come walk because I'd be home alone anyway."
"Ok."
Halfway through the practice his coach says, "Who's this Alex? Your girlfriend?"
Many laughs. "Uh... this is my new neighbor, Lindsey."
"Hi." I wave. "I just came because I am really interested in basketball. Is there a girl's team I can tryout for?"
"Sorry sweetheart. We don't have enough girls. No girls team I am afraid." The coach seems to mock me.
"Can I just play for you?" I don't get angry.
"Tryouts were last week."
"And you're a girl." Says one of the boys.
"Try me." I say.
"Me... you... one on one." He challenges.
I can tell that the players worship that guy. He must be good.
"Fine!" I agree. I am wearing sweats and a T-shirt. I'll be fine. "Play to five by ones and twos."
"Deal."
He drains a three to start. I get a left handed layup. He misses a shot and I get fouled. I make the first of two free throughs. He gets a free through too. I drain a deep three. That's game. I won. Mouths hang open.
"Not bad girl." Coach says. "You're on the team. I'll get you a uniform tomorrow. Be here at practice tomorrow. Right after school."
"Ok!" I am thrilled.
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HARDER THAN IT LOOKS
DiversosI am a girl. So what? Almost all of my friends are boys. Big deal. We are all friends, brought together by the game. My strength: ball handling. My weakness: I am small. Tall, but very skinny. Size really matters in this game. I am playing better th...
