Meet some players first.

You're just going up the steps to the dining hall when two students stop you. One is in her school uniform, the other in leggings and a hoodie with a Seattle Mariners logo on the front. The latter holds out a hand to shake. She's an athletic looking blonde with a determined face.

"Coach Watts. I'm Della Warren. This is Sonia Van Dyne. We're on the softball team."

"Pleased to meet you ladies," you smile. "What positions do you play?"

"She pitches. I'm your catcher," Della says. "When are you holding a team meeting?"

"Later this week or early next. I'm still sorting out a few things."

"Ok," she nods. "I hear Val Cummins is back on the team."

"Her eligibility to play was restored, that's right." You notice the girls share a glance, and Della makes a grimace of distaste. "Is that a problem Della?"

"She thinks with her tits. We can deal with her." Della replies as Sonia nods thoughtfully. "There's a girl called Dontai, scholarship girl, that's twice the player Val is. I'm not gonna tell you how to run the team, Skip, but you need to take a good look at her."

"That right? Any other advice?" you ask with a smile.

"Sure, lots. But I'll save that shit for now. You ever coach girls Skip?"

"Can't say I have. Why?"

"Because they're different from men, that's why," she snorts. "Men can hate each other off the field and be teammates on it. Girls not so much. Too big a bitch factor."

"That include you?"

"Nah. I played on boys teams til I was 14. Baseball. Then moved to softball. I don't do that girly shit, even when I'm on my period. I come to fuckin' play, and I'm good with anyone who feels the same way."

"Della's great, Coach Watts," Sonia adds, speaking for the first time. "She's a real leader on the field."

"That's good," you smile. "Most good catchers are. You from Seattle, Della?"

"Nah. Vancouver. Canada. If you mean this Mariner's shirt it was the closest team to where I grew up. They mostly suck balls, but I've been a fan since I was a little kid. We're going to work out, Sonia and me. Catch you later Skip, and check that Dontai girl out. She's the real thing." She taps a finger to an eyebrow in farewell and strides away, Sonia walking by her side.

You shrug and smile, amused by the brash and forthright catcher, before turning to enter the dining hall.