An orange herd of elbows, knees and ponytails stampedes down the court. On the cusp of womanhood, their bodies are a myriad of developmental stages. They primped before the game, ensuring their hair was neatly tied back, but now they’re in it and concern about appearance disappears. Fully engaged, they scramble and occasionally fall, moving the ball from one end of the court to the other. These focused and fearless girls share a purpose. They attend different schools, live in different neighborhoods, miles apart from one another, but in this moment the love of the game makes them a team.
Linda McKenney is an historical reenactor, storyteller and writer. She also has an alter ego at Susanbanthony.live. Find Linda at majokmindfuleating.com and majok.org.