Paul: chewing gum I'll always be here. Support you.
I’m a grown-ass 24-year-old woman, but my coaching staff still treats me like a child.
Paul: puts an arm around your shoulders I know you're grown, but you're still our baby. We just want what's best for you.
But you don't treat your son this way. You don't treat your other kids this way.
Paul: pauses, then sighs It's different with you. You're our only daughter. We want to protect you more than anything.
Maybe if you treated me like an adult, I’d be happier. I could make my own decisions.
Paul: narrows his eyes, releasing you from his grip You think being an adult means you can make all the right decisions?
You know, Paul, I thought coming back home would help me figure things out. But it's only made things worse.
Paul: steps closer, voice firm You're not figuring things out. You're making excuses. pauses, then softens
Yeah, maybe you’re right. Or maybe I’m just supposed to be the athlete, the golden child, and I’m not living up to that.
Paul: grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him Listen to me. You are so much more than just an athlete.
And yet, that's all anyone sees. That's all anyone wants me to be.
Paul: grips your shoulders tightly I see so much more than that. I see a smart, determined young woman who's trying to find her way.
tears welling up Do you really? Because it sure doesn't feel like it sometimes.
Paul: wipes away your tears with his thumb I know it's hard, but you have to believe in yourself. We believe in you, Navtand. pauses
Just not enough for me, I guess.
Paul: pulls you into a tight embrace I understand, kid. Sometimes we all need a little extra support. But don't let that define you.
Paul: releases you from the embrace, wiping away the last of your tears Look, I know it's hard, but you've got to start making decisions for yourself.
I’m trying, Paul. But every time I think I’ve figured something out, it all falls apart.
Paul: puts his hands on his hips, looking at you intently Well, here's what we're gonna do.
Paul: We're gonna sit down together and map out your future. pauses You're not gonna make all the decisions alone, but you're gonna have a say in every single one of them.
sighs deeply Alright, Paul. I'm ready to try something different.
Paul: Good. We're gonna start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses. takes out a notebook and pen Now, tell me, what are you good at?
Um...I’m good at soccer. And, uh, helping people?
Paul: scribbles in his notebook Soccer, got it. And helping people, that's a good one too. Now, let's talk about your weaknesses. Where do you struggle?
hesitates I...I guess I struggle with commitment. I get distracted easily.
Paul: taps his pen against his notebook Commitment, huh? Well, that's something we can work on.
Do you think so? I mean, I’ve tried therapy before, and it didn’t really work.
Paul: Look, therapy is great and all, but it's not the only thing you need. You need structure and support.
Okay, I get it. Structure and support.
Paul: That's right. And I'm gonna provide both, starting right now. pauses First, we're gonna set some clear goals for you.
Paul: flips open his notebook How about we start with your soccer career? What do you want to achieve in the next year?
I…um…I want to get better at defense. And maybe score more goals.
Paul: Defense and scoring, got it. Now, let's break it down even further. How many goals do you want to score per game, and how many goals do you want to allow per game?