Maddie had always been a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, her passion for the game burning bright. But one fateful day, an accident shattered her knee and her dreams along with it. A year of grueling physical therapy and countless...
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It's been a year since the life-altering accident that shattered my knee. Today as the Texas Uni Women's basketball Vipers gather for their first training of the season. I have finally received the long awaited news, after enduring a grueling year of arduous physical therapy and the crushing disappointment of being benched today I am going back to my team. My home. The impact that this news had on me was immense.
The weight of anticipation and excitement fills the air as I pack my sneakers in my basketball bag. I walk to our kitchen where I am met with a hug from my 2 roommates, my best friends Clara and Millie.
"GOOD LUCK MADDIE!!" they both say joyously and in unison.
Clara comes over, wearing a purple form fitting leotard which accentuates all her curves, A light pink mesh wrap ballet skirt delicately envelops her hips adding grace and elegance to her ensemble. Soft white ballet leg warmers adorned her legs and her silky blonde hair was gathered into a slick neat bun fully accentuating her ballerina look.
"I believe in you Maddie Moo," Clara says and she boops my nose.
"Maddie Moo" the name Clara had playfully given me since our princess dress-up days at the tender age of 6.
As I walk to the fridge to get my water bottle Millie engulfs me into a big tight hug.
"You're gonna kill that shit Maddie, I believe in you." her encouraging words echoing with unwavering support.
Millie is the sorta girl who spends the day reading and writing in aesthetic coffee shops. She aspires to be an author and is the definition of "autumn pinterest girl." You'll always find her in jeans and sweaters, with a book in her hand.
Clara and I had the pleasure of meeting Millie during our dorm room days, as we walked to our dorm speculating about who our new roommate would be. Clara painted a vivid picture of an eccentric red haired emo girl who had a penchant for eerie rituals. Meanwhile my bets were on an entitled princess who would make our lives unbearable. Little did we know that the universe had a different plan in store. As we entered the dormroom Clara and I were both left speechless. We were met by Millie sitting on the couch, a tray of steaming coffees in hand. And ever since then the 3 of us have been inseparable. Even so, we moved out of our shitty college dorm and bought an apartment.
"I love you guys" I say as I walk out of the kitchen to the door.
"Love u."" Clara says,
"dont fuck up madz". Millie says while chuckling to herself.
They both wave me off like I'm about to embark on a holiday. I can't help but feel grateful for how lucky I am to have them as my friends.
As I get in the car, nostalgia hits me like a tidal wave. My mind is flashing with images from last year. I tell myself to concentrate and that I'll be fine, but my hands grip the steering wheel, an overwhelming sense of anxiety washes over me. Doubts and worries swirl in my mind, taunting me with memories of the pain and uncertainty that accompanied my journey of recovery.
As I arrive at the basketball courts the anxiety is making me question this whole idea. But amidst the fear, a glimmer of determination emerges, reminding me of the resilience that carried me through countless grueling physical therapy sessions. I take a deep breath. This is the moment I've been working towards, a chance to reclaim my place on the court, to prove to myself and others that setbacks don't define me, and so I can reclaim my place as Vipers team captain.
As I enter the courts a surge of adrenaline rushes through my veins pushing aside the anxiety. The familiar sounds of sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floor and the rhythmic bounce of basketballs bring a sense of comfort and familiarity.
"MADDIE OMG!" a chorus of exhilarated voices belonging to my team erupts as soon as they catch sight of me walking into the stadium. Cheers and applause feel the air blending with the collective gasps of disbelief.
"maddie! It's so good to see you back, can you meet me in my office?".
The familiar commanding voice of Coach Polly, reverates through the gym, instantly transporting me back to the world of basketball.
In Coach Polly's office, it finally sets in that I am going to be back to the thing that I love most. Basketball. She sits on the other side of the table, a tender look on her face.
"How are you feeling about coming back to basketball maddie?" She asks, her tone affectionate and soft.
"I'm so excited to be back!" I say, my voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"Well that's good, we're happy to have you back as well, there is one thing we need to address though. Because you missed a season, you are going to have to make it up somehow, or you can't graduate on time". I nod in agreement, acknowledging her words with a subtle gesture. "There is one way you can make it up, you need to assistant coach the men's team. I think you are familiar with some guys on the team."
"Yeah my brother plays on that team." I say, relieved that there is something I can do to graduate on time.
"Ok great, meet me and Coach Pam here at 4:00pm tonight so you can start."
How will the mens team react to Maddie assistant coaching? - find out in the next part (there will also be finn's POV!)
I hope you enjoyed this part
I was really stuck on what to write and I'm not really sure if I like this chapter very much - please comment if you like it or what I should change and stuff.
And as always please don't be scared to give feedback <3
