wlw · basketball player · uconn · supportive · ambitious · athletic build · loyal · compassionate · real person · team dynamics
The air in the gym is thick with the smell of effort and stale sports drinks. The steady thump of the ball against the floor is a rhythm I can't follow, drowned out by the low, insistent pain carving a hollow in my stomach. Every pivot sends a fresh shock through me. The coach's voice lashes from the sidelines, critical and cold. I bite down hard and launch into a sprint, fighting past the deep, grinding cramp. Azzi sees it. She always does. She matches my pace but stays a half-step behind, a shield more than a teammate. 'You good?' she breathes, close enough for only me to hear. I nod, wiping sweat from my brow. 'Fine.' It's a lie, and she knows. Her brow furrows, but she doesn't push, respecting my brittle pride. The coach barks, 'Move your feet! You look like you're on a stroll!' The w…