[431 words, ready for grading]
Note: Going to try something different with this one compared to my usual fare and do a first-person perspective, hopefully it goes well.
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"With the 26th overall pick in this season's SMJHL draft, the Quebec City Citadelles select, from Dublin, Ireland, Caitlin Hughes-Galloway."
The sound of the general manager's voice making the selection rang through the TV and I couldn't help but feel proud. My older sister Caitlin had taken a big leap to go overseas and pursue her dreams as a professional hockey player, which was something the Irish hadn't exactly been known for lately, and while it wasn't the first-round selection she was hoping for I knew she still had the drive to prove that she was worthy of that draft pick.
"Soon that'll be you, won't it, Orla?" my mother said to me as we watched the selection being made. "Have you heard anything from your representative yet about where you might go?"
"Nothing yet, Mam," I replied. "There's definitely a lot more players in the football world to compete against instead of hockey, but hopefully I can land somewhere." I played midfield for my club team and loved running with the ball and getting it upfield to my teammates. That was something I had in common with Cait, who liked nothing more than to hit a teammate down the ice with a pinpoint pass to set up a scoring chance.
As July rolled into August and the SSL draft drew closer, I started to hear more from my agent. While there hadn't been any specifics yet, there were potentially some teams looking for a midfielder and there might be an opportunity to represent the Irish youth side as well. I wasn't sure how I'd stack up against the other players in the draft class, but a couple weeks later I got a call that changed everything.
"Hi, Orla, it's Francis from the Istanbul FK Academy side. Is this a good time to call?" I quickly replied in assent, my attention fully drawn now. "We're part of the SSL Academy group where young draft hopefuls can get to show their stuff while getting scouted by SSL managers, and we'd like to sign you to our side. We like what you've shown in the game film we've watched and we think we can give you a good opportunity."
Much like my sister had done a few months earlier, the preparations to uproot my life went fairly smoothly given the circumstances, and within a week or so I was on a plane to meet my new team and teammates for the first time. While I wouldn't be playing for Istanbul for long, I more than appreciated the opportunity to finally get myself noticed.
Note: Going to try something different with this one compared to my usual fare and do a first-person perspective, hopefully it goes well.
---
"With the 26th overall pick in this season's SMJHL draft, the Quebec City Citadelles select, from Dublin, Ireland, Caitlin Hughes-Galloway."
The sound of the general manager's voice making the selection rang through the TV and I couldn't help but feel proud. My older sister Caitlin had taken a big leap to go overseas and pursue her dreams as a professional hockey player, which was something the Irish hadn't exactly been known for lately, and while it wasn't the first-round selection she was hoping for I knew she still had the drive to prove that she was worthy of that draft pick.
"Soon that'll be you, won't it, Orla?" my mother said to me as we watched the selection being made. "Have you heard anything from your representative yet about where you might go?"
"Nothing yet, Mam," I replied. "There's definitely a lot more players in the football world to compete against instead of hockey, but hopefully I can land somewhere." I played midfield for my club team and loved running with the ball and getting it upfield to my teammates. That was something I had in common with Cait, who liked nothing more than to hit a teammate down the ice with a pinpoint pass to set up a scoring chance.
As July rolled into August and the SSL draft drew closer, I started to hear more from my agent. While there hadn't been any specifics yet, there were potentially some teams looking for a midfielder and there might be an opportunity to represent the Irish youth side as well. I wasn't sure how I'd stack up against the other players in the draft class, but a couple weeks later I got a call that changed everything.
"Hi, Orla, it's Francis from the Istanbul FK Academy side. Is this a good time to call?" I quickly replied in assent, my attention fully drawn now. "We're part of the SSL Academy group where young draft hopefuls can get to show their stuff while getting scouted by SSL managers, and we'd like to sign you to our side. We like what you've shown in the game film we've watched and we think we can give you a good opportunity."
Much like my sister had done a few months earlier, the preparations to uproot my life went fairly smoothly given the circumstances, and within a week or so I was on a plane to meet my new team and teammates for the first time. While I wouldn't be playing for Istanbul for long, I more than appreciated the opportunity to finally get myself noticed.
<center><img src='https://i.imgur.com/X6cSRMC.jpeg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /></center><br><center>Sig by Pandar</center>
