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Aces Wild Vegas Style is a slogan that came to me the second I agreed to the interview for the position. Aces Wild tells the world we’re aggressive and ready to take risks. We’re not afraid to go for the win. And
Vegas Style tells the world we’re proud as fuck of our home and fan base and we’re committed to playing with style and excitement.
“Let’s fucking go!” the men gathered all chant back at me, and I move toward the center of the room and hold out a hand. The men huddle around me, everyone placing a hand in the center, and I yell, “Aces Wild!”
“Vegas Style!” They yell back at me.
“Let’s fucking go!” I yell, and they yell it back at me.
And just like that, our huddle before games is established in our very first meeting.
It sure as fuck feels like home already.
Everyone in the locker room stays for a personal introduction with me, and I can already tell these guys are a classy group of players. They’re here because they fucking love this game, and they want to win.
I’m here to help guide them to do that.
They welcome me with open arms, and while I know their former head coach was very well loved by this group, I still get the sense that they’re ready for this change and whatever challenges lie ahead of us.
It’s a business. It’s how it works, and I’m sure some guys on the team will like me and others will hate me. Still, it feels like Coach Thompson left me a great group of men who are united in our goals.
After I talk one-on-one with everyone in the room, I grab lunch from the cafeteria, where I sit with Steve and he fills me in on some of the front office staff. After lunch, I head up to my office, and Jack pokes his head in just before my interview is scheduled.
“That went well,” he says, and I nod.
“It’s an incredible group of men, and I can’t wait to fill out the rest of the roster.”
He nods and slides into the chair across from me. “I’ve got some ideas on that, and so does Steve. He’s been working hard, watching Combine footage, looking at potential trade deals. We’ll need to focus on those holes first and then we can tackle everything else. Around here, the three of us will make decisions as a united team. We’ll talk about every player ahead of time.”
“I appreciate that,” I say, because I know how not every head coach gets to be a part of those decisions. The owner is usually responsible for operations, the general manager is responsible for the team, and the coach is responsible for performance. But I can’t do my job well without a cohesive relationship with both the GM and the owner.
He nods. “Different topic, but fair warning for you.”
My brows dip as I wait for him to hit me with it.
He glances at the clock and we both see my exclusive interview is set to begin in another ten minutes.
He clears his throat. “Your interview today is with our newest local Vegas Aces team correspondent. Over the years I’ve found this person’s talents to be incredible in helping promote the positive image of players in particular but also in the organization. I imagine you’ll form a close relationship since she will be present at virtually every Aces event both during the season and outside of it. OTAs, press conferences, practices, games, post-game…you name it, she’ll be part of it.”
“She?” I echo as a sinking feeling hits me right in the stomach.
“She’s been with VG-oh-three for years but when half the team retired, so did our old correspondent. The sports editor and I talked a bit and agreed it was time to get a woman in there.”
“A woman?” I echo, unable to form longer sentences since I have a gut feeling I already know who it is.
Of course it’s her.
It would have to be her.
“I believe you have a history with her. Jolene Bailey?”
Her name is a punch to the gut.
Ah fuck.
Yeah…a history.
I guess you could call it that.
