Page 4 of Fair Catch
I felt that exact sentiment burning into my skin as I got dressed in my shorts and practice jersey. The admin team had been adamant about asking about my comfort when it came to the locker room, offering me a private, unused office if I’d like it instead. But I didn’t want to alienate myself any more than my tits already did for me, so I elected to be in the locker room just like all the guys.
The team guidance counselor, Mrs. Pierson, had been particularly concerned with that decision, and only signed off on it after thoroughly analyzing me in multiple sessions. After making me promise to alert her at the first sign of anything she should be aware of, she reluctantly agreed, seeming to understand where I was coming from when I pointed out how tough it would be already without adding on special treatment like a separate locker room or shower.
I wouldn’t be getting naked in there, of course. And honestly, my underwear and sports bra covered more than any swimsuit I’d seen in the past decade, so I wasn’t worried.
And if any of the guys on the team had a problem with it?
That was on them.
As I dressed, more and more of the team filed into the locker room without a single one saying a word to me.
I didn’t mind. I didn’t feel like talking, either.
Tucking my helmet under my arm and hustling out onto the field once I was ready, I joined those who were already warming up as we all waited for Coach to greet the team. We had about ten minutes until report time, and I’d always had the philosophy that if you weren’t early, you were late.
“Fall camp day one, baby! We out here!”
I glanced up from where I was doing pushups to find Kyle Robbins holding his phone high and doing a little spin, showing off the field behind him as he kissed his helmet.
“Number one, baby. We going number one. You heard it here first. Get your autographs while you can, fam, because this season is going to blow me up to the top.”
I rolled my eyes, getting back to my reps and doing my best to ignore his sad explanation of what fall camp was to his live stream audience tuning in on social media.
Kyle was a talented tight end with a head so big I was surprised he didn’t need to drag it behind him on a stretcher when he ran down the field for a reception. He was one of those guys who took advantage of the new Name, Image and Likeness policy as soon as it was indoctrinated, and I was fairly certain he made more than both my parents combined off all the deals he’d managed to secure last year alone.
I didn’t blame him for getting his money. He should.
I just didn’t want that distraction around me.
“And look, we even got a girl kicker,” I heard him say, and I inwardly groaned, finishing my reps before I hopped up to my feet.
Just in time to have his already sweaty arm thrown around my shoulders and see my pissed-off frown mirrored on his phone screen.
“Get off me,” I grunted, shrugging him off.
“Oh, come on. Say hi to our fans! They’re the ones who will be cheering us on all season.” He paused. “Well, if you make the chart, that is.”
I ground my teeth at his insinuation, at the fact that he — like many others on the team — thought I got my scholarship only because I had a vagina instead of a penis. They thought it was a publicity stunt.
Anyone stupid enough to think a college football coach would care about that over talent was not worth my energy to explain otherwise.
Ignoring him, I started doing jumping jacks, but Kyle wouldn’t quit.
“I have to say, I was quite impressed with this little lady’s efforts over the summer. She shows up early, stays late, gets her reps in.” He paused, lowering his voice a little. “But can she kick? Can she keep up with the big boys?” He clicked his tongue. “That remains to be seen.”
I transitioned from my jumping jacks straight into high knees — less because I still needed to get warm, and more because I needed something to do other than ram my fist right into Kyle’s nose.
That wouldn’t be a good look on the first day.
“Come on, cutie,” he pleaded. “Just give me a statement. You think you’re going to make the team?”
Without a word, I started in on arm swings, loosening up my shoulders and trying to lock in. It was clear Kyle wasn’t going to leave me alone, so I decided there was no time like the present to practice ignoring the noise and focusing on the job at hand. I’d have to do it soon enough with a crowd roaring against me, hoping I muffed a kick.
