Gemotions

The announcement echoed through the gymnasium: "From now on, Sarah, you'll be starting as point guard." Sarah’s heart sank. She'd always been a wing player, comfortable in the periphery, scoring when necessary, but never leading. Now, she was supposed to direct the offense, control the pace. A wave of nausea washed over her.

Her passes were rushed, her decisions indecisive. The coach's corrections echoed in her ears, each one a sharp reminder of her failures. She could feel the pressure from her teammates, the unspoken expectation that she would suddenly transform into a capable leader.

At home, she’d spend hours reviewing game footage, picking apart every missed pass, every turnover, every hesitant decision. Her self-criticism took hold, like a vice. She retreated, becoming quieter and more withdrawn.