Discussing sports

“Speaking of things that stick, i wanted to pivot to my second job as lacrosse coach,” Elizabeth said, tapping her clipboard against her thigh, “I think we’ve got a future lacrosse champion in Emily Carter. That girl moves like she’s got springs in her cleats.” She tilted her head, a sly smile playing at her lips. “Also, if we’re being shallow for half a second, she looks like she walked out of a sports drink commercial. Blonde, blue-eyed Texan with legs that won’t quit.”

John snorted into his coffee. “And here I thought you were above objectifying your students, Coach White. Besides, it’d be hardly inappropriate for me to comment on our student’s look. ”

“Oh please, I’m not objectifying. Just saying it like it is. As your first hire here, you’re going to get an honest opinion from me,” Elizabeth flipped her hair over one shoulder with mock indignation. “Anyways, Emily’s our secret weapon—she’s shy as a fawn until she’s on the field, then suddenly she’s slicing through defenses like they’re made of tissue paper.”

Outside, the distant *thwack* of lacrosse sticks echoed from the far field. John crossed to the window just in time to see a blur of blue and white jerseys darting across the turf. One figure streaked ahead of the pack, her ponytail whipping behind her like a golden banner. Emily Carter, no doubt, weaving through defenders with the effortless grace of someone who’d been born with a stick in her hands.

Elizabeth exhaled dramatically. “Here’s the thing—Emily won’t agree to be captain unless someone *convincingly* tells her it won’t derail her life. Right now, she’s convinced it’ll eat into her study time and—” she waved a hand, “—whatever mysterious hobbies eighteen-year-old Texan goddesses have. Knitting? Rodeo? Who knows.”

John arched an eyebrow. “And you’re volunteering me because…?”

“Because you’re the principal-slash-founder-slash-guy-who-signs-my-paychecks,” Elizabeth said, grinning as she leaned against the edge of his desk. “Also, you’ve got that whole ‘wise mentor’ thing down. She’ll listen to you.”

John groaned, rubbing his temple. “Fine. That’s not my area of expertise but I’ll give it a shot.”