Game One

Amelia carried the empty dinner dishes to the kitchen counter, where her father was filling the sink with steaming, soapy water. She handed her father the dishes and then took a sponge to wipe off the table.

“I can’t believe that your business trip is this Friday—this Friday—exactly on the day of my first middle school soccer match ever!” Amelia groaned as she selected a towel to dry the dishes.

Her dad sighed. “I know, Amelia; I feel as disappointed as you do about this,” he replied, running hot water over a plate. “No one has worked harder than you to be selected for the team, especially after not being chosen last year.”

“Well, you know you’re my partner in helping me find success, Dad,” Amelia declared, polishing a glass with her towel. “If you hadn’t been out there with me almost every evening after work, assigning drills and teaching me your soccer skills, I doubt I would have made the team.”

“You certainly did improve dramatically thanks to all your practice.” Amelia’s dad smiled. “I truly wish that this last-minute client meeting didn’t have to occur, because I want nothing more than to observe you using your newfound skills with your team!”

Amelia’s voice dropped. “But what if I forget everything, make a disastrous mistake, and let down my team?”

Amelia’s dad stopped washing dishes and turned to her. “Whether I’m there or not, I know you will do your best because I saw that repeatedly this past summer. You have the heart of a champion, Amelia!”

Amelia offered a small smile and then nodded. “OK, Dad; I’ll do my best.”

Friday afternoon was cool and had clear skies, and Amelia followed her teammates out to the edge of the soccer field. She glanced across the field to observe the other team’s players already performing rapid warm-up drills. They seemed so athletic, skillful, and sure of themselves. Amelia felt a shudder of uncertainty, but she turned away to begin warming up herself. Before long, Coach Ridley had gathered the team to discuss opening play strategies.

“Amelia, you’ve earned a spot in the starting lineup today, playing left wing as we practiced,” Coach said, smiling at Amelia encouragingly. “Remember, your well-practiced left kick is your superpower!”

Amelia offered a small smile back, but her knees were feeling positively weak. She listened to Coach’s final instructions and then put her hand in for the team cheer before jogging out to the left side of her team’s half of the field. As she stood near the line and heard her nearby opponents breathing and shifting their feet, her heart pounded like a jackhammer. The referee blew the whistle, and the game began. Amelia moved forward with her team’s front line as Natalia, the center forward, dribbled the ball toward the goal.

In the background, Amelia could hear the crowd clapping and offering encouragement. She thought of her dad—if only he could be there! She pulled out ahead of Natalia, and Natalia kicked the ball to her. Just then, a player from the other team bolted forward, intercepted the ball, and kicked it to a teammate. Amelia saw Natalia’s crestfallen face and trotted over as they followed the ball back down the field.

“They are a really tough team, but we are too,” Amelia called to Natalia, more strongly than she felt. Natalia tapped Amelia’s fingers in agreement, and then they moved into position, preparing for a return of the ball. As Amelia watched the other team advance the ball and almost score a goal, her heart fell. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

The goalkeeper of Amelia’s team, who had prevented the goal, drop-kicked the ball far across the field, and it landed right near Amelia. Without pausing to think, Amelia nimbly used her feet to collect the ball and then push it down the field. Two defenders charged toward her to try to steal the ball.

Amelia glanced over at Natalia, who was racing in front of two opposing players. Swiftly, Amelia’s left foot shot out, and she kicked the ball to Natalia, who pelted it into the back corner of the other team’s netting.

“Goal!” the referee shouted, and the crowd roared with excitement. As Amelia high-fived Natalia, her ears caught the sound of a familiar voice.

“Spectacular pass, Amelia; played with the heart of a champion!”

Amelia’s mouth dropped open as she scanned the bleachers. Her dad was standing right in the front! He grinned at her, put his hands to his mouth, and shouted again, “My trip got canceled!”

Amelia’s dad gave her two thumbs-up, and she returned the gesture, a huge grin splitting her face. Whatever happened in the remainder of the game, she knew she would just keep doing her best, and in the end, she could celebrate with her favorite fan.