And duh, I have to admit that was a pretty fucking stupid question. “Okay, can you tell me why you decided to try out?”
She swallows hard, her intense aqua eyes meeting mine. “You know how all the major colleges have a women’s team now?”
I think I’m starting to get the picture. “Yes. And you want to play ball at the collegiate level?”
Jordie nods her head with vigor. “I do. I’ve been checking it out, and I’m supposed to send them game film, and since our school doesn’t have a girls’ team, this is my only option to get seen.”
That makes sense. I know some of the larger schools across the country are starting girls’ teams, but Pine Tree Falls is relatively small.
Lopez kneels beside me to get eye level with Jordie. “How did you get interested in football?”
Her face lights up. “I played peewee flag football, but they didn’t allow girls to play once we hit a certain age. I’ve always watched with my dad though. It’s my absolute favorite sport. ”
“Does Bubba know that?” I ask wryly, referring to her older brother who’s a professional hockey player.
The kid laughs. “He does, and he teases me about it, but Bubba’s the one who’s been helping me.”
I nod because that tracks. “I played with your brother back in high school. PTF didn’t have a hockey team then, so he played football for a couple years until he found a travel hockey program he could get involved in. We were sad to see him leave our team because he was a dang good QB.”
“Yes, sir,” Jordie replies. “He ended up having to drive into Dallas to play.” She bites her lower lip. “I feel like I’m in the same spot, wanting to play the sport I love but not having a team.”
Damn, I feel bad for the kid. And she’s so fucking talented, it would be a waste not to let her shine.
Lopez and I eye each other, having our own little silent communication. He gives me a subtle nod, and I turn back to our newest wide receiver. “You have a team, Jordie. You’re a Bulldog.”
Her face flushes as she grins widely, and I see freckles pop to life over the bridge of her nose. “For real, Coach?”
“For real,” I affirm. “You keep working hard and keep your grades up, and you might earn a starting position.” To be honest, if she can bring her level of talent from the practice field to game time, Jordie will definitely be one of my starters. But I like to keep my players hungry and always striving to do better.
She nods vehemently. “I have a three-point-eight GPA, Coach. Grades won’t be a problem, and I promise I’ll give you everything I have on the field.”
I have absolutely no doubt she will. I see players try out for my team for various reasons. Some because their family pressured them to, some because they think being an athlete will help them score with the ladies, and some because they just damn well love the game. Jordie McNamara falls solidly into that last category.
“Okay, good. And your dad and stepdad are okay with you playing?”
“Yes, sir,” she says politely. “Dad filled out the paperwork, and they both signed it.”
Jordie is the youngest of her siblings, and they have an unconventional family life, to say the least. The mom ran off years ago, leaving behind two ex-husbands and four children. The two men decided to share equal custody of the kids rather than splitting up the half-siblings, and from what I’ve been able to discern, it works well for them. Both dads are loving and co-parent very effectively with all their children, whether blood-related or not.
“We’ll have to discuss the logistics since you’ll be the only female on the team.” I search the remaining players on the field. “There aren’t any more girls hiding beneath those helmets are there?” I ask, and she laughs.
“No, Coach. I’m the only one. And I don’t want any kind of special treatment.” She lifts her chin defiantly, and I admire her moxie. “If we’re running laps or sprints, I will run the same number as the guys. I don’t want you to go easy on me because I’m a girl.”
“Noted,” I say, trying to fight my grin. “But we do need to discuss the locker room situation. I want to make sure you always feel safe and comfortable.”
“I already thought of that, Coach Coop. I can shower and get dressed in the girls’ soccer team locker room, if that’s okay with their coach. You know, since it’s in the same building as the football locker room.”
That’s true. The soccer field is right next to the football field, with one long athletic facility in between housing offices, showers, and dressing areas for both sports.
“All right, McNamara,” I say, rising and smacking her shoulder pads. “Get out there with the other guys… I mean, with the guys.” Shit, this is going to take some getting used to.
“Give Rafferty hell,” Manny chuckles as the girl also stands.
“Will do, Coach Lopez,” she says with an easy grin as she jogs off.
“Kid’s got more cajones than some of the guys,” he mutters, and I laugh.
“No shit. If I get one more goddamn note from mommy letting me know little Timmy can’t run more than two laps because he gets too tired, I’m going to scream.”
