Chapter Text
I had just registered for the NWSL college draft that would be happening next week. Usually, goalkeepers don’t get first-round picks, but I was hopeful that it wouldn’t be the case this time around. I’ve been in contact with teams in the NWSL, especially talking closely with Utah Royals FC, I didn’t really want to move to Salt Lake but would if need be. Also, two of my fellow Stanford alumni play for Utah, not that I ever got to play with them at Stanford but I’d love to share my Cardinal pride for years to come with my teammates.
I was back home in Portland for Christmas break, and I had just gotten back home from my second workout session of the day. For the past 4 years, I’ve been Stanford University’s starting goalkeeper. This past season I shut out 14/18 games of the regular season. My fellow Cardinal teammate, Tierna Davidson, and I registered for the draft together over facetime.
“T!!!!! Oh my god... I’m registered. I can’t believe it.”
“YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT,” said Tierna, “WE’RE REGISTERED AND FINALLY GOING PLACES IN LIFE. Well, hopefully.”
We laughed together. It was nice to have such a good friend and teammate to go through this process with.
“Ok but for real, I’m super eager about this but I got to catch some z’s,” said Tierna.
I looked at the time, 9:45 pm, bitch? “Sis it’s early, trying to get rid of me so soon? And I thought you missed me. Damn.”
“Y/N, how many times do I have to tell you it’s winter break and we’re not in the same time zones. I’m visiting Alison’s grandparents in Florida, remember?”
“Shit. Sorry, pal!! Goodnight T!!!! BYYYYE ALI. See ya in a couple of days!”
**
My flight was booked that night at around 6 pm. My mom left work early to be able to drive me to the airport. I was going back for my last semester of school. Just when my mom got home to come to pick me up, my phone was ringing. “Are you going to get that?” said my mom. “Nah, it’s probably just T making sure I packed everything,” I said letting my phone go to voicemail. “Ugh, she’s so good to you. I don’t know why she won’t break up with Alison to date you. You’ve been single for years.” “Mom, ew. We’re bros. You should know this by now.” “Yes, all too well.” A few moments later, as I finished packing a snack for the plane into my backpack, my phone rang again. This time, I actually looked at it.
Jill Ellis. I ran to my room to answer the call.
About two minutes later I came back into the kitchen after my phone call, grinning wider than I’ve ever grinned before. “Was it T, is she excited to see you?” said mom. I couldn’t really answer because I was so shocked. I was texting T the good news and couldn’t stop smiling. “Earth to Y/N, you don’t need to answer me but you are going to be late for your flight.”
Pressing send, I looked at her. “It wasn’t Tierna. It was Jill Ellis.”
My mom paused. “Like the Jill Ellis. Like, the US Women’s Soccer Coach Jill Ellis?”
“Is there another?” My mom started tearing up.
“Mom relax – I didn’t even tell you why she called.”
“Y/N I don’t care this is insane. She knows who you are? I’m so proud of you.”
“Mom… she called to tell me that she booked me on a flight to LAX tomorrow. I’m going to camp mom! She said she was watching closely to me this past season and they need a new backup goalie. There are a few others on her radar, but she wants me to come in for camp. I’m going to camp.” My mother was full out bawling her eyes out at this point. “Mom. Stop.”
My mother hugged me and wiped away her tears. “I’m so proud of you Y/N. You’ve been waiting for this moment your whole life… Heck I’ve been waiting for this moment your whole life. You better call your father.”
I smiled, dialling out my dad’s number when I got a call coming in. Tierna. I picked up the phone and without even saying hello she starts yelling into my ear,
“JILL ELLIS JUST CALLED ME TOO. BUDDY, IT’S HAPPENING. WE’RE GOING TO CAMP TOGETHER.”
We celebrated together and laughed, and after a couple of minutes, I decided to hang up. She told me she has to tell Alison and her family, and I figured I still have to tell my dad anyways.
After calling my dad, he came home right away. We went out for dinner celebrating – it was nice to have my parents around don’t get me wrong, but it would be nice to have someone to celebrate with too. Being an only child my whole life was lonely – and third-wheeling my parents was something that was always at the back of my mind. Nonetheless, dinner was great, I had a glass of champagne and this amazing vegan risotto. We spent most of the time talking about all my soccer memories throughout the years. From my first game when I was three, to figuring out I’m much better as a goalie then out on the field at age 9. When I started playing club, each tournament I’d end up with the Golden Glove awards. Throughout high school, we won state each year. And now at Stanford, with my last season being my most impressive one yet. And now this.
**
The next morning, I got to the airport and checked my phone. T’s flight had already left and was on time, and we were supposed to arrive at LAX around the same time.
I meet up with Tierna at the baggage claim – and walk towards a US Soccer van outside the terminal. A few other girls were in there waiting already. Ali and Ash were there. I almost fainted at the thought of being in the same van as them, especially one of my role models Ashlyn Harris. “Hey kid, I’m Ash. I’ve seen you play.”
“Actually, we’ve seen you play,” Ali added while rolling her eyes. “Nice to meet you Y/N.”
I almost threw up at the thought of them watching me play soccer. How do they know me? I felt honoured. Tierna introduced herself and we chatted for a bit. They let us know that we’re waiting for Sonnett and KO when Tierna almost combusted. She texted me in secret while till chatting with Ali and Ash:
I’m going to lose it. In a van with Ali, KO and Sonnett? Why are we stuck with all the defenders I have a crush on? Are you fucking kidding me? I’m not gonna be able to speak.
I laugh. Eventually, Kelley and Em join us. We introduce ourselves and Sonnett takes over the radio and starts dancing in front of all of us like she’s known T and I forever. It’s funny seeing T all shy and flustered. Our camp is in Santa Barbara – almost a two-hour drive from LAX. We talk most of the way, which was really nice. They gave us tips for our first camp, and they said not to be surprised if Pinoe makes us their bitch first time around. I honestly would be okay with that, if getting me to be Pinoe’s bitch helps me get on this team, I’ll be Rapinoe’s bitch.
Upon arrival at our hotel – which was the nicest hotel I’ve been to by far – I went to the front desk to grab my key. They told me that whoever I was rooming with already arrived a couple of hours ago and grabbed her key. I was bummed. I was hoping to room with T, but I guess they don’t want rookies together so they could integrate themselves with the team better. I was hoping it wasn’t Carli – nothing against her but she seems a little too intense for my first camp at least.
Tierna is rooming with Ash, which means I’ll be hanging out there a lot. Two hours with someone in a van really gets you a solid base of friendship, ok?
We head up the elevator together and I head to my room, 2312. I knock first to let whoever know I’m coming in but use my room key immediately after. I start pushing the door open when I feel the door getting lighter like someone is holding it for me. I look up to beautiful green eyes and cheekiest smile I’ve ever seen, “Hi, I’m Christen Press.”