Page 19 of Never Say Never
Oh hell no.Not this again.
The University of Connecticut staff was amazing, but I’ve heard several times from other corners of my world that I’d be easier to “market” if I was “fun,” “charming,”whatever, off the court.
Largely from potential agents or PR reps who’ve tried to court Mom and me the last four years, blind to their baked-in misogynistic perspective. Thinking they’re helping.
Iamfun and charming, but not on command. Being around my dad and so many other athletes, watching them turn on fake charisma—I know it’s part of the game, but it’s not natural for me.
You can see why I’ve stuck to my mom as my agent and rep.
My annoyance must be on my face, because when Kayla’s eyes lock with mine, there’s a layer of regret.
“It’s not me talking, Avery. The attention on you as the number one pick and being basketball royalty—well, it’s drawn scrutiny from atypical places.”
“We’re still talking about women athletes needing to ‘smile more’ in this day and age?” My mom’s voice is as icy as I’ve heard from her.
“It’s not what I believe is right.” Kayla sounds almost as upset as us. “I’m just passing on the feedback.”
“Avery is aiming to be the best player in her generation. So that’s going to be what we’re going to focus on.”
“Understood, ma’am.” Mom doesn’t tell her to call her Sylvia this time.
Kayla continues to look remorseful, and I try to get us back on track.
“I love being on the court. I save all my energy and emotion for the games.”
Her face warms at the hint that she may be forgiven for bringing up the topic.
“That’s seen, Avery. Everyone knows you care about the game, and the Surge fans are over the moon so far whenever you take the court.”
“That’s what it’s all about,” I say, more confidently.
“So what else, Kayla?” Mom asks, her tone returning to neutral.
“There are also some print interview requests. And one is unique, but should be great for Avery’s local profile.”
“Sure, I’ll do whatever,” I offer.
“Okay, good, because they were hoping to set it up before you get too busy with the regular season. You and the Waves’ rookie Rawley Battle would be on the cover of a local newspaper’sSundayMagazine, and they want you to interview each other.”
“Oh, that’s neat,” Mom says.
“Yes, it’s the paper’s most prominent feature. You’ll find the magazine all over the city in doctor’s waiting rooms, restaurants, those types of spots…”
Hmmm.
I guess Rawley Battle is getting the chance to do “something, sometime” with me after all.
Because after saying I would do whatever, I don’t see how I can get out of this without a complicated explanation I don’t feel like making.
“Fine. Count me in.”
I’d recognizedRawley right away when I stepped into the gym last week.
How could I not? He’s been in sports news constantly this past year, and his name on everyone’s lips here in Orlando following the NFL draft.
Then there’s the added factors of his brother being a staple in commercials and the pop culture explosion over Landon’s relationship with Rori Reilly ten months ago. The Battle name is well known in many circles beyond sports at this point.
Regardless, Rawley’s presence was hardly an unwelcome one at the gym that day.
