Gemotions

The sun beat down on the court as the coach, his face a mask of disappointment, called out, “Sarah, we need you to play forward." Sarah, the team's speedy wing, had built her entire game around agility and shooting from the perimeter. Now, she was being asked to battle in the paint, to contend with bigger, stronger players.

She kicked at a loose pebble, the action a frustrated release of pent-up feelings. Each time she went to the goal post, she felt a sense of dread. She pictured the upcoming game, her mind conjuring scenarios where she failed. A wave of heat washed over her, and she felt a tremor in her hands.