6: Never Be Like You

What I would do to take away this fear of being loved

Allegiance to the pain

Jenna

"and we are back with Malika Anderson on Iowa transfer guard Jenna Midow"

"Thanks Kaylee, we are here in no surprise as redshirt junior guard Jenna Midow has decided to transfer to Uconn. Midow was a strong part of Iowa's defense being hand in hand with Caitlin Clark, until a serious knee injury was a cause of Iowas downfall in the final games of the 2023 season. Now Midow acompanys USA teammate Paige Bueakers on a promising Uconn season."

"So you think Marshall has any redemption left in her career ?" The reporter asks.

"If she has drive, i think she could do it, but is Uconn really the program to bring her to her goals?"

"Truly, i believe Geno Auriemmas can do the impossible — but with the strong starters that Uconn has already i'm feeling a bench riding season for Midow."

"I may have to agree— Midow should have transfer to a school where she didn't have —"

Tears rolls down my cheek as I groan throwing my phone to the side before my alarm goes off reminding me i had practice in just an hour and a half.

"FUCK!" I groan silencing it and getting up from my bed.

A knock at my door makes me jump as I quickly whip my tears away, "Hey Jenn, we are leaving in a little i just wanted to make sure— hey are you okay?" Azzi asks worried as she walks into my room closing the door quietly.

I nod silently with my back towards her sniffling slight, "It's just a lot.." I sigh before turning my head towards her, "All the media, the fans, everything... I feel like the laughing stock of college basketball right now."

"Hey no—" Azzi pulls me into a tight hug before putting her hands on my shoulders— "i've watched you play JJ— your one hell of a guard, anyone would've been lucky enough for you to transfer to their program but you chose us. You have no idea what you will do for our line up.." She smiles tucking a peice of hair behind my ear before handing me a bundle of shirts. "While i was in PT today Geno asked me to give these to you— it's all our practice gear. He said your shoes should be in your locker when you get to the gym.." She nods rubbing my shoulder one last time. "You are important and a huge role model to girls watching woman's basketball Jenn, never forget that."

"I really appreciate it Azzi, you really have no idea."

"I think we are gonna be good friends Midow."

"Me too" I give her a tight lipped smile before she leaves closing the door behind her.

Looking down i let out a sigh as my fingers graze the number that was printed on the uniform.

#6.

—

Paige

"FIRST PRACTICE OF THE YEARRR" KK smirks to me in our free throw partner lines, I shake my head as Aubrey tosses me the ball quickly shooting it before running to the back of the line.

"Hey have you seen JJ?" I whisper to Azzi as she shrugs her shoulders.

"Maybe she's still talking with coach?" Azzi nods putting a hand on my shoulder, "She's having a hard time— i think he may be talking to her about the media."

"What happen with the media?" I question before receiving the ball and shotting it again before running to the next line.

"My question is who would transfer out of Iowa after last season? I heard she's a bitch to be teammates with" I shake my head looking up towards the freshmen who had yet to meet Jenna.

"Yall better watch what you say—" Ashlynn whispers before their heads turn slightly to me as I pretend not to listen. "I heard she's the real deal.. we may be new here but Geno don't pass on talent and grit — if she was really a bitch, she wouldn't be here... Plus she played with P..." Ashley whispers before her eyes light up at the sight of the door opening.

"Man P likes everyone—" They laugh.

"Holy—" one of the newbies hesitated as the small brunette entered the gym with Geno, a brace hugs her knee tightly as the number 6 stands out on her blue practice uniform — her hair pulled back into two braids before coming together into a long ponytail.

Man— was she a sight, one thing about Jenna Midow is she looked like an athlete in her uniform— not just a frail girl,

"well well well look what the hawk rolled in!" I smirk uncrossing my arms before pointing to her jersey.

"Your late—"

"Suddenly your names Geno?" She rolls her eyes making coach laugh as he patted my shoulder walking past us towards the team.

"a single digit suits you Midow"

She shrugs chuckling softly, her natural freckles scatter on her face as she looks up at me, "Thought i'd change up my mojo."

"Everyone — Jenna — I expect everyone to treat her with the upmost respect.... and don't let that brace fool you, she'll break your ankles faster then you can say easy." Geno smirks to the girl as she looks confidently towards us.

"Well we gonna play ball or what—" Jenna smirks hitting the ball from my hands and running towards the net making an easy lay up as the team follows close behind her.

"Oh i like her..." Ashlynn smirks bumping my shoulder before running off.

—

@uconnwbb

tagged: @JJMidow

@uconnwbb: Welcome to Storrs #6.