Page 137 of Redeeming Heart

I glanced over my shoulder when I heard coach Peterson calling my name.

“I have to go, dad,” I informed him.

He nodded wiping away his tears. “I love you, Sasha.”

I smiled at my dad. “I love you too, dad.”

I grabbed my bags and headed over to where my team was waiting for me. I waved at my father one last time and imagined my mother standing beside him wearing a big smile on her face.

“I love you too, mom.”

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE

“Am I the only person who has ever wondered why field hockey is such an unpopular sport in the US?” Briana asked while we got ready for our first game.

“It’s not just here,” I spoke up getting everyone’s attention.

“Across the globe, the crowds are small compared to motorsport, American football, baseball, basketball, etc.” I enlightened them wanting them not to feel discouraged.

“But unlike those sports, we are still struggling to build a fanbase,” Clarissa noted.

I shrugged. “Maybe watching a pair of girls running around in skirts isn’t fun to watch?”

“But that’s just it,” Tammy noted.

“That’s why it should be a popular sport. It’s not easy to steal a ball back or run after someone who is a lot faster than you and you have to do it with a stick as well. I think we are more badass than a bunch of players high on testosterone tackling each other for a ball.” Tammy added.

“Not a fan of American football?” Briana asked Tammy out of surprise.

“I’m more of a soccer and baseball fan,” Tammy clarified.

“At least the sports federation is giving us a chance to follow our dreams even when we are not going to get famous or rich from it.” I began.

“We are playing because hockey is a big part of us. We could have picked a different dream, but we picked this one because we truly love the game. Let’s not get discouraged because we lack spectators.”

“It’s thanks to your mom and people like Isabelle who paved a possibility for us. They opened doors for future hockey players and we should be thankful for their efforts.” Clarissa noted.

“I think the best way to thank them is by playing our hearts out,” Megan suggested and everyone agreed.

“I’m glad to see we are hyped,” Isabelle remarked entering the locker room carrying a clipboard around with her.

“Hope you can keep that energy flowing because the rebels are up next.” She informed us.

“There are really strong teams out there who are from all over the states. If we want a shot at Nationals then we better get our heads together because we have a big battle ahead of us.”

“Bring it in,” I said holding out my hand waiting for everyone to create a circle.

“We have a month to get on the top sixteen to move on to the nationals and it starts today.” Every single match from today matters. There are 100 ambitious teams with the same mission as us and that’s to get out on top.

“We are the rebels of Louisiana whose mission is to show the world that we are not ready to give up just yet.”

“Let’s go give them hell, rebels,” I called.

My team cheered loudly as we raised our hands in the air.

“Let’s go kick some ass, rebels!” Tammy shouted with the team following in cheers as we headed out onto the field where our rivals were waiting for us.

It’s just another day—just another ass-kicking day to get closer to the national championship.

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