She will never be the league’s “face”…she doesn’t have the face for it, frankly. She will never be an overwhelming fan favorite, though the fans that do follow her game are very loyal. She’s not the smartest, most out-going, or charismatic. And she looks horrible in her “away” jersey…her skin tone doesn’t have the ability to carry off that color!
She’s a “support” player, not a “game-changer”. She’s not “amazing” but can be “clutch”. She’s not “explosive” but has been “on fire”. She’s “great in the paint” even though she rarely “shoots off the dribble”. And although she hits the ground a lot, the free throws she gets often barely hit the net when they go through.
She’s tall and short, solid and fluid, big and small, depending on whom you ask. She doesn’t hesitate, give excuses, or take her life for granted. She knows she’s blessed, still gets the chills when someone asks for her autograph, and can’t stop smiling even after the pictures are taken. She remembers what “dating” was like, is kinda sure she still knows how to kiss, and dances with abandon because she forgets she’s not in the locker room with her friends. There are private jokes, outrageous pranks, and more secrets than any society of any kind.
And I see her.
The shy smile, the looking away, the blushing, and the genuine, “Thank you.” She shrugs when you ask how she’s feeling and rarely complains. She laughs when you ask what it’s like to stand in the shadow of someone a foot shorter. She giggles when you ask what it’s like to defend against someone a foot taller. She knows people come to see her play… but is still tickled when people come to see HER play.
Her posture is relaxed, her gait is unhurried, her stride is long…but she puts an arm around a friend, slows down when necessary, and takes “baby-ish” steps so folks can keep up. She doesn’t run the court, the floor, or the show. She laughs easily, doesn’t mind being picked on, and giggles at everything she finds funny (even if she’s the only one laughing). She shares her life, her stories, and her fries. She’s got a smile that could go without notice, eyes that light up if you’re paying attention, and a laugh that's soft but infectious. And she’s evolved her “trash talk” from talking about “ya mama”, “ya boy”, and “ya girlfriend” to being about “ya knees”, “ya back”, and “ya ass”.
Yeah, okay…so what’s-her-name can dunk…But she can’t pass the ball to herself. And so-and-so’s averaging 30 points a game…But she can’t stop defenders who tower over her. And yeah, I see that “star” and how she shoots 70%+ from behind the arc…But you can’t win a game from way out there.
No, she’s not the face that stands out in the crowd. But it’s her face I look for, her defense I clap for, her eyes I watch when the pressure is on. She’s aggressive but with a soft touch. She’s dynamic but stands in the back. She’s the underdog, the “support”, the “backbone”, the silent legs that hold that up the pedestal that carries the “star”.
Oh, yes. I see you, Ma’.
Keep smiling. Keep blocking. Keep holding. Keep running. Keep playing. You are not invisible. You will not be forgotten. You are appreciated. You are strong. You are mighty. You are amazing.
And you’re my favorite.
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