MELISSA'S POV
Coach’s voice sliced through the locker room like a blade.
"What the hell was that out there?!"
We all froze, every single one of us drenched in sweat and frustration. My chest still heaved from the first half, heart pounding like a drum in my ears. Xavier sat silently on the bench beside me, jaw tight, gaze fixed on the floor.
"You think talent wins games? It doesn’t. Focus does. Grit does. And right now, Team America is eating you alive because they want it more. You came here for fame or photos or fanfare? Go home. If you came here to win, then get your act together!"
The room stayed silent.
He exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair, then turned to Xavier and me.
"You two are the engine. Either start running the damn train, or we’re off the tracks."
He s
