#australian fitness coach

[dawidstrong]

Nik Ripley

Australian personal trainer and fitness coach, rumble trainer

IG: nikripley

[supercantaloupe]

what’s a fun fact about you that people may not guess

i am not anyone's idea of athletic. however since my social circle is like 90% other honors student orchestra losers, i technically qualify as a jock given that i have six years of experience playing field hockey

[enwoso]

request for reader struggling/acting out because of their adhd or like teen!reader always in trouble with older members of the team for something because of going along with KCCs antics and pranks

HYPER — arsenal women x reader

this has been a long time coming! but it’s finally here!! BUT i do wanna say thank you for 600 followers. i appreciate each and every single one of you that reads and interacts with my blog — forehead kisses to you all<33

masterlist

being the youngest on the team had it's benefits like you were basically everyone's honorary little sister and you always had your teammates looking out for you. however with every benefit came with a bad thing like you always had your teammates looking out for you and watching your every move.

this meant that sometimes your fun got cut short by one of the older members and the lecture would begin. it was like being back at school again and being told off for flicking a pen at someone.

it's not like you liked being in trouble it just seamed to follow you for some reason.

"are we gonna have a good session today, y/n?" kim asked her eye brows rising slightly as you both walked out to training side by side, you smiling innocently, "i always have a good session kimmy!"

you giggled rushing off, kim sighing saying her prays for the day in her head that everything would run soomthly today. although that innocent- or non so innocent smile you just flashed the captain told her everything she needed.

you running ahead to find your right hand, in the name of kyra cooney-cross. or as the rest of the squad would call her your partner in crime.

"hey kyra!" you yelled jumping onto her back, your arms wrapping tightly around her neck as the australian's knees seemed to buckle and within seconds you were both on the ground kicking at each other as you rolled along the grass in fits of giggles.

"y/n get.. off of me!" kyra got out in between laughs as you defended yourself back, "no krya you get off me!"

"girls! get up off the floor now!" the stern voice of leah williamson yelled over your giggles as her shadow covered you both. quickly breaking up knowing not to really push your luck with the blonde, although sometimes you liked to just to see how far you could push until the frown on her face became permanent.

you both mumbling a quick sorry before being called over by the coaches so that the outdoor session could actually begin. the frown on leah’s face staying in place.

the outdoor session went over quicker than you thought it would, the slight drizzle of rain making an appearance towards the end meaning your kit was slightly sticking to you but nevertheless it was lunch time, you and kyra were walking at the back of everyone else discussing you next plan of action.

“today’s been well boring! wanna cause some havoc?” you questioned a smile on your face as kyra almost immediately nodded, you never needed to ask kyra twice.

“who’s the victim?” kyra asked as you hummed, trying to rack your brain on whose buttons in a while. “oh i wouldn’t say victim, let’s just say we’re checking their alert!” you grinned.

“um well we can’t get katie cause she’ll probably hang me upside down on the ceiling, we got vic last week with the fake apple” you listed off, krya saying names quietly to you.

“steph will definitely rat us out to leah and lessi is still annoyed at us for the hot sauce so- oh i know” you were still listing off names before having a light blub moment light up in your head, a loud gasp coming from you as kyra looked on at you in confusion.

“who?”

“beth, of course!”

"right whose hid my shoe!" beth complained as she huffed, her other shoe hanging limp by her side in her hand.

the room filling with 'i don't knows' and shrugs as majority went back to getting a drink before getting ready to head into the gym for the afternoon session. beth looking around the room for her shoe, peering at kyra's side.

"kyra, where's y/n put my shoe? i won't tell kim if you just tell me where it is" beth raised an eyebrow trying to try the bribe game, the older girl knowing you both never liked to have a lecture from either kim or leah.

cause in your eyes, your weren't causing trouble. you were just giving people a little bit of entertainment.

kyra gave a small smile to beth before shrugging, beth trying again to pry and answer from the young australian but getting no where.

beth huffing loudly, as she moved closer to you. "y/n where is my shoe?" she spoke with sweet tone as you finished zipping up your bag turning to the blonde.

"bethany your shoe is in your hand?" you pointed to the trainer as beth rolled her eyes blowing a sharp breathe of air out of her mouth pinching her nose.

"y/n i know one of my shoes in my hand, but i don’t have only one foot, and i know you know where the other one is!"

"nah i don't sorry" you shrugged your shoulders turning back to what you were doing hearing beth scoff, "i'll be telling leah!" she mumbled under her breath, it was just a empty threat. beth wouldn't snitch, right.

you put your own trainers on as beth still wondered the room looking for her shoe as you made you way to the gym for your session.

your gym session went over quite quickly and thankfully it was home time, you limbs were aching and you couldn't wait to just lie in your own bed. however, during the session you couldn't help but notice the stern look leah had been sending your way the entire time.

and even though leah would usually always have a stern look on her face this one you'd seen more times than you'd like to admit.

it was never a good sign.

"your in trouble kid!" steph whispered as she walked past you, patting you on the shoulder before walking in front of you.

"what, why! i haven't done anything!" you huffed a frown appearing on your face as steph turned around and shrugged before walking ahead to catch up with lia. you had done something but that was harmless, and it was the only thing you’d done today!

you decided that the best way to stay out of trouble was to avoid leah like the plague. that way if you didn’t get the lecture from the older blonde then really it never happened! at least that’s how your brain worked, call it a form of girl math!

however, you hadn’t been lucky in escaping the blonde as she cornered you in the locker room meaning there was no way out you were going to have to listen to her lecture.

huffing you sat back down on the bench, leah sitting down beside you. now not blocking off the entrance, and you’d be lying if you hadn’t thought about making a run for it but that would have made it ten times worse for yourself so you stayed rooted to the bench in the changing room.

“y/n you know i hate having this conversation with you, both me and kim get bored having to tell you the same thing-“ leah began as you played the string of your bag, leah looking at you with softened eyes.

“don’t get me wrong i want you to have fun, and enjoy training but you need to learn the limit” leah carried on as you nodded, okay maybe sometimes you would take it a little far but harmless jokes were fine, surely!

“cause do you still wanna make the senior squad for the euros?” leah asked as your head perked up, that was the goal. you had your eyes on the prize and you were willing to do anything to make sure you could be there. wanting to create history with the lionesses like they did at the last world cup and euros.

“yeah, i wanna be there”

leah nodded, “well you’re going to have to start and be a bit more mature y/n because not only what your like on the pitch but sarina takes into account of what a players like off the pitch”

you understood that but sometimes you could help it, it was as if sometimes when trouble happened it wasn’t you. it was someone else — it may sound silly to the average person. but you weren’t always the silly childish person.

“cause the senior team won’t stand for that, does that make sense” leah finished as you nodded, a sad smile on your face.

“heard you loud and clear!” you looked up letting go of the string of your bag as leah sighed a breath of relief.

“good now let’s get you home and we’ll have a better day tomorrow?” leah asked as she stood up first, picking up her bag as you nodded following the same actions as leah swung her arm around your shoulder as you both walked out of the training facility.

“your life would be so boring with out me!” you giggled as leah pressed the unlock button on her car keys, you already having put your training bag in the boot before getting into the passenger seat.

“maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing eh?” leah mutter as a small gasp came from you, “hey, i’m not that bad”

“whatever helps you sleep at night kiddo!”

[scribblesofagoonerr]

Turmoil of events...

This update might be a bit all over the place. I'm still ill, but I had a spark to write, even if it doesn't make much sense at all.

Credit to @alotofpockets for the idea on this update; I am very grateful for her help!

⟫ part 1

After being sick for five days, it became apparent that having the flu was not enjoyable. You spent most of the week confined to your bed, wrapped in blankets, with a noticeable pile of used tissues beside you. You felt cold one moment and hot the next, shivering uncontrollably.

You had been feeling completely miserable. However, the good news was that you were starting to feel better just in time for the training session ahead of the away game against Bristol.

Although, your team's mothers held differing opinions on the matter.

"Maybe you should take a few more days to recover" Beth suggests, shaking her head. "I still don't think this is a good idea" she adds.

"Why? I feel better now" It's not a complete lie. You do feel better, although you're still slightly sniffling and your head is pounding a little bit too much. Overall, you did feel better than previously.

"I just don't think it's a good idea" Beth says, pursing her lips and turns to look at Viv, seeking her input.

The Dutch shakes her head in agreement and adds, "There's no harm in taking extra time to feel better. You don't want to push yourself and make yourself worse" she tells you.

You try your best to resist the urge to inwardly groan at the two of them, "Seriously? Come on. I'll be fine! I have to get back into the squad-- You know that the nations league games are coming up soon so I need to get minutes" You know that it's important to play; you can't be sidelined instead.

"There'll be plenty of chances for that" Viv tells you with a frown, but she can't help but be concerned about how much you've been pushing yourself.

"I can't be sidelined, I need minutes!" You exclaim before you storm off to finish getting ready for training.

"That kid is..." Beth begins to speak.

"Stubborn" Viv finishes the blondes' sentence.

Beth can't help but chuckle slightly, "Well, that's one word for it now, huh?" she jokes.

"If you're talking about Y/N, then she's definitely stubborn," Laura chips in, amusedly, as she appears in the kitchen. "What happened this time?" she wonders.

"Y/N wants to go to training apparently" Beth exhales a sigh and shakes her head. "It's a bad idea" she states.

"It's definitely a bad idea" Laura replies in agreement with the blonde, she knew how stubborn you could be at times.

"Well, hopefully Jonas will realise that's not ready to be playing in the game yet" Viv tells them as she exhales a sigh.

Apparently, Y/N had done an excellent job of persuading Jonas and the coaching staff that she was fit to play. Therefore, it was not surprising when she secured a spot in the starting eleven for the upcoming game.

This game is significant as Viv is set to return to the pitch, being subbed on during the second half.

"Oh dear" Beth mumbles as she shook her head.

Viv exhales a sigh, "This is not good" she states.

"I'm glad to see that Y/N is feeling better. It'll be good to have her in the starting lineup," Steph says as she looks over to where Kyra and Y/N are joking around on the bus.

"Except that she's not better. We told her she should take more time, but you know what Y/N is like..." Beth remarks.

"Stubborn" Steph pipes in, amusedly.

Beth and Viv both nod in agreement with the woman.

Jen furrows her eyebrows, "You mean she's still sick? I can't see this going well then" she confesses.

"It really isn't going to" Beth exhales a sigh.

"We can't get involved though and decide things for her, or she'd be upset with us for that" Viv states knowingly.

"Yeah, you're right there, Viv" Beth replies in agreement with her girlfriend as she looks over at you, realising that she couldn't say anything and sway the decision or it would backfire on her.

"Cheater!" Y/N shouts aloud, glaring at the australian girl sat opposite her. "Stop cheating!" You protest.

"How am I a cheat? You can't even cheat at Uno!" Kyra delcares with a smug smirk on her face.

"Easy there Y/N, it's just a game now" Laura states, amusedly, although she isn't playing, she's joined all of you on the coach to the game to watch it.

"Nah! Kyra's cheating!" You continue to scowl at the girl while crossing your arms.

"How did I?" Kyra's smug look was starting to annoy you even more.

"You know you did-- You looked at my cards!" You break out into a sudden loud cough as you get worked up, shooting further glares at the 21-year-old.

"You want some water for that cough?" Laura wonders, concerned.

"I'm fine!" You shake your head in protest.

"I thought you said you were better--" Kyra's words are cut off.

"I am, I'm totally fine. It's just a tickle!" You protest, shaking your head as you try and avoid coughing again.

The rest of the girls' don't seem so convinced about it as Kyra and you continue to play uno, under the watchful eye of the rest of the girls.

"Kyra! Stop cheating!" You shout aloud, fed up off the girl constantly cheating with the game and trying to look at your cards.

"Less of the bickering now children" Katie chips in as she laughs, shaking her head from where she sits beside Caitlin.

"There's only one actual child here" You remark, continuing to cross your arms and scowl at the Aussie girl in front of you.

"What's going on?" Alessia wonders, glancing at the two of you confused as she sits in front with Vic.

"Kyra is being a massive cheat!" You exclaim aloud, pointing your finger in the girls' direction accusingly.

"Sure, go and tattle. That's real mature of you kid" Kyra states, smirking cockily.

"Says the 21-year-old whos' acting immature" You remark as the girls all watch you and Kyra bicker amusedly.

"You're being dramatic, Y/N. It's just a game now" Kyra states doing everything in her that she can to wind you up.

"KYRA!" You lunge towards the older girl.

"Y/N!" Kyra shouts back.

"Girls, they're fighting again. Might want to sort that out?" Katie jokes glancing between Beth, Viv and Steph as she watches the two of you almost attempt to wrestle with eachother.

"Kyra, cut it out. Stop winding Y/N up" Steph scolds the younger Aussie girl.

"Kyra, stop winding Y/N up" Steph scolds the younger Aussie girl.

"Y/N you need to calm down, it's just a game. Take it easy" Beth scolds, shaking her head. "Viv, would you talk to her? She'll listen to you" she turns to her girlfriend for help.

"Y/N" Viv scolds you with a knowing firm look

"Sorry" Both you and Kyra apologise after being told off like 2 misbehaved kids, at least you had an excuse that you were an actual kid.

"Handled it like a pro there, girls" Katie jokes with them.

"Well, we've got a few years experience, eh?" Beth remarks to the Irish women.

"It's like I'm permanently babystting" Steph huffs and rolls her eyes. "Caitlin, it's your turn next!" she insists to the fellow Aussie, while the rest of the girls just laugh.

At first the warm-up is going successful, you run with the rest of the girls to warm up and try and obtain the energy needed, you're feeling good and motivated about the game.

It's going well until it's not...

You can't help but wobble slightly as there's a light pounding in the back of your head, you just put it down to dehydration instead rather than the after-effects of illness instead.

"You alright, Y/N?" Lia notices you stumble slightly and frowns.

"I... I'm good" You're crouching over slightly as you feel out of breath but you try and play it off like its' nothing instead.

"You're sure?" Lia checks in as she's not too keen to give up on the conversation yet.

"Oh yeah I'm great, I'm totally fine" You insist as you try and push off the terrible feeling that you felt looming; You couldn't afford to miss this game due to illness.

"Y/N..." Lia still doesn't look totally convinced, but she knows better than to try and push you.

"I'm fine, really Lia... Uh huh, yep I'm cool" You nod and quickly run off in the opposite direction to avoid any further questions and concerns.

"Okay, kid. This is it, your time to shine!" Katie's enthusiastic voice comes from behind you in the lineup. "Are you ready for this?" she asks.

You were reluctant to acknowledge that your headache was intensifying. The throbbing sensation in your temple caused you to tightly shut your eyes, and the noise emanating from the crowd only made it worse.

It's worth mentioning that your throat feels somewhat scratchy again. However, you have to play in this game, so you pretend it's nothing and that you're fine.

"I was born ready, let's go!" You cheer and try to be like your usual upbeat self, but never mind how terrible you still feel.

"Let's go girls!" Kim exclaims, leading the team onto the pitch alongside the Bristol team.

As you walk out to the pitch with the rest of your team, you try to keep up the facade of looking happy. You attempt to block out the pounding feeling in your temple, knowing that you only have to make it through 90 minutes before you can finally flop down and fall asleep once again.

As soon as the whistle blows and the game starts, you get your first touch on the ball and begin racing all over the pitch. Despite fighting off the flu, you don't give Bristol a chance to gain possession of the ball.

It all happened too quickly for you to realise what is happening at that moment. The team is 2-1 ahead of Bristol when everything went wrong.

You went to intercept the ball, a simple move that you had done plenty of times. Suddenly, as you got your toe on the ball, ready to pass it in the direction of Alessia, you felt a sudden pop in your knee, followed by a sharp pain that felt excruciating.

"Agh!" You scream as you fall down onto the pitch in agony.

"Y/N!" Beth is the first to crouch beside you, concern spread across her face. "What's happened?" she questions, worriedly.

The sound of the whistle echoes through the stadium as the girls rush to your side to check on you; the noise is suddenly silent as the crowd of fans watches on in despair as Arsenal's wonder kid falls down on the pitch.

"What hurts-- What's happened?" Katie asks, concerningly as she joins you on the other side.

The tears well up in your eyes as you clutch your knee to stop the pain, "My knee... It's my knee!" You exclaim, letting out a sound of whimpering. "I heard it... I heard the pop!" You add.

"It's okay, Y/N. Don't panic; everything is going to be fine" Viv says as she quickly comes to your side. She had been subbed on to replace Alessia, but you couldn't help but feel awful. This was supposed to be Viv's comeback, her return to the pitch after her ACL injury, and instead, you selfishly took the spotlight away from her.

You could see the girls exchanging looks as they signalled for medics. It's at that moment that you realise you have made a grave mistake. Even though nobody spoke, it was clear that the situation was not good.

© scribblesofagoonerr

[hetalia-club]

Hetalia Olympics Drama

because it's very important that someone is documenting it.

England- was instructed by the British Olympic committee NOT to eat the meat at the Village.

Everyone- collectively hates the food and have said so in interviews and online DAILY. They have all been going out to do their own shopping and buying grills and flat tops to cook for themselves, because teh food is so retched. It has been given a 0/10 most days and on rare days a 2/10 by the Americans.

Norway- has gained the nickname 'muffin man' for commandeering the ONLY edible thing in the village, which may or may not be a hate crime, the beloved chocolate muffins. which they have all been fighting over. He was spotted the other day eating jelly toast, disgracing his name. Duolingo called it blasphemy. His team posted his shame for the world to see on tiktok. Scandalous

Australia, America, Canada, Greece, Italy, Denmark and England - Threw a fit until they were allowed to bring their own personal AC units to the village because the village has NONE, it is '79 degrease' in the rooms, how miserable. Australian and America made this possible by threatening not to come if they can’t have AC. I do not blame them at all. Could you imagine being outside playing tennis all day in 80 degree heat and then going back to your room to relax where it is STILL 80 degrees.

America- has brought his own mattress because the mattress is a thin piece of foam and everyone has been complaining of lack of sleep and back pain.

Canada- was caught cheating by using a drone to spy on New Zealand's soccer practice.

Hong Kong & Italy- Italy accused Hong Kong of fixing the fencing competition by paying off reffs (This is untrue and the fencing coaches are being sore losers, the athlete himself agrees with teh decision). Hong Kong has been taunting Italy with pictures of pineapple on pizza. Pizza Hut Hong Kong is offering FREE pineapple on any pizza for the next 2 days. Tragic. We don't know what this will do for his mental health I will try and keep you all posted.

England- Whilst mountain biking got a flat tire, had to carry his bike to get fixed and somehow still managed to get first after passing a French biker going around a tree in the forest. French spectators threw water bottles at him!? The fuck.

America- though not really drama but America has built their own “Team America” house for all their many athletes to come hang out in, it has AC and also it’s decorated like a frat house and looks like a frat house. They have ice cream, video games, iced coffee (extremely important!!) and clothing stores for merch, a big room like a movie theater where everyone can go to to both eat and watch the games together. If you’re not an American athlete it’s 300 bucks to go to for the day. This has angered other athletes who just want to go inside to see. Just import to note.

Belgium - Belgium got a gastrointestinal infection after swimming in the Seine river. Several atletes were seen vomiting after swimming in the water.

[pixiesfz]

Sorry to add on to your list of requests, but could you do something for jessie at like UCLA? Thank you !!! ❤️❤️

sorry I am in love with ucla jessie

morning runs j.f

plot: jessie usually likes to go on an early run in the morning but in her last year her room mate and team mate convince her to run a different route where she first see's you.

warning: fluff ig, happy endings

"I like going past the science building cause there's more people" Teagan said as they stretched out their calves "no way the track next to the library has the views" Jessie told her Australian friend who scoffed "views of what, this is a secluded area".

Jessie shrugged at the girl "I like it" she defended herself and Teagan looked towards the science building which did indeed have people around it "Come on you need more friends other than me" she said and dragged the girl by her arm to go her way "I have more friends then just you"

"Okay then list them"

"My sister" Jessie said and Teagan rolled her eyes and stopped as they reached the start of the track "That doesn't count".

Jessie rolled her eyes but finally agreed to the Australian who smiled "You'll love it, we pass science students, the boy's basketball team if it's sunny and my personal favorite the girl's track team" she boasted as he waved to a couple of students who encouraged her run.

"How do you know so many people?" Jessie asked during the run as the boys basketball coach applauded the girls for their run and turned to his boys to scold them for lack of fitness.

"Because I run here, you run in the lonely forest and if you keep on doing that you will die alone," Teagan told her "I like my solitude" Jessie huffed as she started to lose breath "When do we do a mini water break?" she asked "Once we pass the girls track team," the Australian said as she passed the team.

When they stopped, the girls who weren't running chatted up to Teagan. Jessie sipped some water out of the drink bottle that Teagan had given her.

You were running on the Athletics track when the two soccer players arrived, you looked in the corner of your eye when you saw Teagan and you smiled, Teagan was one of your friends.

You bonded when you both sat at the back of the class and laughed when you realized you were one of the only students without the American accent, her Australian and you British.

You saw someone next to her, she was shorter than Teagan and also had a UCLA top on, you've never met her before. You found yourself running faster as your coach cheered you on, catching the attention of the Canadian.

Jessie's eyes widened at your speed "She's good isn't she?" one of the girls spoke up and Jessie nodded "That's y/n she's from London" Teagan pointed out and Jessie whipped her head around "How do you know everyone?"

Teagan shrugged.

When you finished your last lap your coach stopped her timer and cheered "New PB y/n/n" she told you and you tried to cheer but you were very tired from the run as you went to your water bottle that was near your friends and the soccer player.

"New PB?" Teagan asked as you walked up and you nodded, grabbing your drink bottle quickly and practically chugging out of it which Jessie laughed at, causing your attention to go to her which then stopped her laugh.

Teagan watched as Jessies cheeks blushed and smirked "This is Jessie, she's on my team" she introduced you two and you smiled "I'd shake your hand but I'm really sweaty" you said and Jessie laughed "That's all good" she said and pointed out to the track "I watched you... not in a weird way or anything" Jessie panicked and you smirked "but you were really good, I wish I was that quick" she said "maybe I can teach you" you both laughed.

"So you're from London?" she asked and you nodded "North London to be exact" You smiled and Teagan laughed "Hopefully we'll still be able to talk if we make the WSL" you smiled "Hopefully" you smiled before your coach blew the whistle.

You smiled at Jessie who's cheeks burned red again, yours did too but you were able to blame the running, your friends who were talking to Teagan and watching your interaction with the Canadian smirked and grabbed your arm to walk back "she's cute" she whispered in your ear and you smacked her shoulder "she thinks your cute" another friend added as she grabbed your other arm.

Jessie watched as you and your friends bickered wit a soft smile on her face.

"What do you think about your silly little views now?" Teagan teased and Jessie rolled her eyes.

Safe to say Jessie took the track next to the Science building from then on.

[nikaglazr]

The Party - Nika Muhl

Synopsis: Nika and Y/N had been rivals since Freshman season. Nika being the defensive presence of UConn, while Y/N was the same for Virginia Tech. Now, in their junior seasons, both face off in the final four. But the night before the game, the two teams find themselves in the same club.

“You always come to the parties, to pluck the feathers off all the birds.”

PART 1 !!

Part 2: https://www.tumblr.com/nikaglazr/750590525468491776/the-after-party-nika-muhl

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N’s POV

The flight to Cleveland was uneventful. Most of the team slept and the ones who didn’t just sat in silence. Not me and Georgia though

“You pumped for this game, eh?” The shorter Australian girl says as she pushes my shoulder lightly.

“Super. Feeling even better now that we’re going up against UConn.” I respond, smirking a bit.

“Speak for yourself, I have to guard Paige! She’s like 6 foot!”

I laugh at the girls comment before checking the time. 5:30 pm. I look back up at the girl before saying,

“We should go out tonight, like you, me, and whatever girls decide to tag along.” I tell her. I shift in my seat to adjust my seatbelt before turning back to her.

She laughs before responding. “That’s actually a great idea. I’m sure Eliza and Gabby would say yes.” She smiles.

I nod at that as we both go back to our previous activities, talking momentarily every now and then.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Time Skip: At hotel*

When we get to the hotel, me and Georgia immediately decide to room together. After getting out the elevator, and Georgia struggling to unlock the door, we finally get in our room. I instantly drop my bags on one of the beds, my body going with it.

“Want me to text the gc to see if they want to go?” I ask pulling out my phone.

“Yeah, we should go to that Bird of Paradise place, they have hella cool lights” Georgia voice echos from the bathroom.

I pull up the gc and type out a quick messege.

~~~~~~~~

Hokie Hoochies 🐱🖤

Y/N: Yall wanna hit up birds of paradise at like 9 w me and Geo❓❓

Kit Kat: oohhhh yes 👍👍

Tilda: I got a assignment i cant 😔

Lanna: OUU YUHH 🗣️

Sam Suff: Trust I WILL be there 🙏🙏

Gabber: Yessss I need it

Carys: Can’t im T’s partner on the assignment

Mack: I cant im so so jetlagged

Y/N: Alr alr bet we loadin in this rental coach bought be ready by 8:30

~~~~~~~~

I turn my phone off and yell at Georgia about what the girls said.

~~~~~~~~~~

*Time Skip: 8:00 pm*

Me and Georgia decide to start getting ready since we have to go pick up the car. I decide to put on i black fitting leather long sleeve with dark green cargos, finishing off with black chunky sneakers and light makeup (or wtv you want).

After Georgia finishes getting ready we head out to the rental car in the hotel parking lot. In a few minutes all the other girls arrive and we all pack into the car, Georgia driving.

“I got aux!” Samyha yells, earning laughs from the other girls.

The ride there was hype. We were all getting ourselves ready for tonight. It was probably for the best that Sam got control of the music, she has really good taste. As we pull up we all hop out the car and head to the door.

“Slim thick, caramel skin, 5 5 this bitch a ten!” Alanna sings as we get in.

“Hair done bills paid catch me slidin inna benz!” Samyha finishes as we make our way to the bar.

We all order various drinks before I decide to get a private bench.

We all sit down and talk for a bit as we take in the environment. After a few minutes some of the girls like Gabby and Elizabeth were out on the floor. The remaining five of us were just chilling and laughing until I hear a familiar voice. Nika fucking Muhl.

Suddenly a group girls come around the corner, my head turns to look at them. Identifying them as Paige Bueckers, Aubrey Griffin, Azzi Fudd, Ines Bettencourt, Ice Brady, and Nika Muhl. I sigh heavily before getting Georgia’s attention.

“Geo, guys, look who decided to show up.” I point the group of girls across the rather crowded club.

“You got to be fucking kidding me” Georgia says, her accent standing out over the loud music.

The girls grunt as we decide to let it go, hoping they didn’t wander over here.

Everything was fine until we heard Elizabeth and Gabby call out to us as she was over with the very set of girl we didn’t want to see.

Some of the girls put on believable smiles while I just sit monotone as they close in on the table.

“Look who I found!” Elizabeth says happy, you can tell she’s at least a bit tipsy.

“We decided that we would be nice and they could share the booth with us.” Gabby finishes the slightly intoxicated girls thoughts.

“If that’s okay with you guys, we can totally get one if it’s not.” Paige buts in.

My distaste must have been obvious as my least favorite person to see points it out.

“Well it’s obviously not, Right Y/LN?” She says with a attitude, her Croatian accent showing boldly throughout each word.

She’s already pissing me of but I keep my composure and mask my hatred, “no no, it’s perfectly fine. Go ahead” I say dismissively.

A few of the girls went to hang out on the floor with Eliza and Gabby, leaving only me, Georgia, Nika, Paige, and Samyha at the booth.

Nika has been giving me looks all night and if there wasn’t so many people around than I would confront her about it, but for the time being I just stay silent and look down at my drink.

Georgia clears her throat before speaking.

“So are you two hyped for tomorrow?” She asks, looking between Paige and Nika.

“Definitely, it’ll be fun.” Paige says comfortably as Nika just nods.

“Where are ya’ll staying?” Sam asks, looking at Paige since she is the more responsive out of the two.

“The- uhhh- Ritz Carlton I think? Yeah that one.” The blonde answers.

As my eyes travel up to find Paige, they meet a glaring Nika. I roll my eyes at her before getting up and heading back to the bar. After I get my drink I turn around only to see Nika coming up beside me.

She orders a drink before looking at me.

“I know you don’t want us there.” She says, taking a big drink of her cocktail.

“Is it that obvious princess?” I say with faux shock.

She just gives me the same glare from earlier.

“We’re gonna win you know?” She says bluntly.

That comment makes my blood boil as I meet her eyes.

“Yeah we’ll see. I might get coach to put Georgia on you so I can get Paige, since- you know- you don’t do to much offensively.”

“Whatever. We’ll let all this talk settle after tomorrow.” She says sighing angrily.

“Aw, sorry princess, didn’t know not being a good scorer got to you so much.” I pout teasingly at her.

The Croatian looks mad but she plays it off alright. After a few minutes of silence and drinking, you can tell she’s a bit intoxicated.

I suddenly feel a tug on my hand, I look and it’s Nika leading me out to the middle of the club. I give the girl a confused look but I end up following her anyway.

Once we get far enough she turns around and looks at me, but it’s not an angry look, it’s a lot more welcoming than that.

“We should dance.” She slurred slightly, her Croatian accent hanging off every word.

“I thought you hated me princess?” I ask playfully.

To be honest, Nika was never the ugliest person. Dare I say she was easy on the eyes. The only reason we didn’t get along was because during our freshman year, when we first played each other, she assumed I didn’t know Croatian. Which led to her saying some things she thought I couldn’t understand. Ever since the trash talk had reached an all-time high.

As I snap back to the scene in front of me, I see Nika taking off her coat.

“You’re a lot cuter off the court.” The girl replies simply, grabbing my hands and swaying gently.

Deciding to entertain the girls actions, I slowly sway with her. I decide to keep at least a little distance just to be respectful.

After a moment she steps closer and before I can react she just hugs me, hands going around my waist.

My breath hitches momentarily as the girl continues to sway back and forth to the music. I decide that her behavior will wear off as I slowly sway with her. I’ll take her to the rest of her team later.

After minutes and a few more songs, I decide that it’s time to head back to the booth. My hand goes to her lower back as I lead her through the buzzing crowd.

When we near the table I make eye contact with Paige. She seems to alert the other girls of our upcoming presence as they all look our way.

“I was wondering where you guys were.” Paige chuckles a bit as I help Nika sit down.

“She’s a little drunk so I brought her back.” I respond looking at the brunette beside me.

I look around the room to see a few UConn girls still dancing. They don’t look like their ready to leave, but Nika needs to get home.

“Hey Paige, if you guys wanna stay here I can run Nika to yalls hotel.” I offer, voice straining over the music.

“That would be great, i’ll give you the key. You know where it’s at right?” She asks while trying to pull, what I assume to be the key, out of her pocket.

I just nod before looking towards Georgia.

“I’ll be back with the rental, love ya.” I say quickly before grabbing the key off the table and helping the drunk girl up.

As we get out to the car I start to hear slurred mumbles from behind me. I smile a little, realizing what happened tonight. That was the first non-hostile encounter i’ve ever had with Nika.

When we get to the car I open to door for her and she stumbles into the car silently. I walk around to the drivers side before getting in and starting the car. I turn on my gps to their hotel and start driving.

After a few minutes of driving, Nika starts talking- well more like mumbling to me.

“Thank you baby.” She says looking at me.

I know shes drunk but god is she hot right now. I look over to her quickly before looking back at the road.

“Course.” I respond simply, a light pink hue coating my cheeks.

Unfortunately, she seems to notice as she shamelessly points it out.

“Don’t be nervous baby, it’s just us.” The Croatian slurs, touching my unoccupied arm.

“Nika sto-“ I barely get out.

“We all know you want me. You want my body don’t you?” She teases. “I bet when you heard me cuss you in Croatian that one time you only got mad because you were turned on, right baby?”

At this point my brain is foggy, whether it’s from the alcohol or the girls bold teases. Probably both.

“You’re drunk and delusional.” I respond surely.

Nika giggles quietly before turning back to the window.

“You so were.” She giggles again.

I decide to ignore her as we pull up to her hotel. I get out first, walking to the other side to help her out.

Once we get in the hotel she immediately runs toward the elevator, pushing the up button multiple times.

The ride in the elevator was boring, thank god. As the door opens, Nika leads me straight to her room. I open the door and she goes straight to her bed.

“This is me.” She giggles, kicking her shoes off.

I laugh quietly before walking up to the now laying down Nika.

“Bye pretty girl.” I whisper as I kiss her forehead softly and quickly.

She only hums in response. I make my way over to the door, but not without taking one last glance to the, now, half asleep girl.

After getting back to the club I see all the girls waiting by the other team’s car. When they see me they all seem to run in at once. As everyone I came here with gets in I see Paige walking up to me.

“Thank for taking Nika back. You’re not as bad as you are on the court, y’know.” She says standing outside my car window.

“No problem. And you’re pretty cool too Paige.” I respond before driving off.

After getting to the hotel, we all part into our respected rooms.

Georgia, around as sober as me, helps a few of the girls into their rooms before coming back to ours.

We both make eye contact as we get ready for bed.

“Good game tomorrow Geo.” I say getting settled in.

“Good game Y/NN.” She mumbles back as she gets in her bed.

I think about the events of tonight. I can’t let Nika’s comments distract me tomorrow. Im sure she won’t even remember it by then. After a few minutes of thinking in the dark, I feel sleep overcome my senses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THATS THE END OF PART ONE !!

I yapped a bit but I hope yall like 😝😝

//////////////////////////



[yourworsttotebag]

tennis au

been watching a lot of tennis so I wrote some tennis au stuff but in the form of broadcast commentary. it's fun writing in the specific cadence they use.

🎾

"Remember Wimberley at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year, when she broke her racket, getting that point deducted that cost her the set. Disappointing finish in the third round of that tournament. This is a completely different player -"

"Night and day."

"Completely different to anything we've seen before. This is a laser-like focus."

"Yeah, she lost a lot of points to unforced errors and getting in her head, losing her temper especially. But when she's focused and the forehand is working, and the serve is working, she is just untouchable."

"The speed out there -"

"Absolutely, she's one of the fastest players on the tour right now."

"Oh, textbook backhand there from Wimberley to go up five to three. With the scream and the fist pump, that's that Wimberley intensity. She is very comfortable right now, really dialed in. Cliffgate cannot keep getting pulled into these long, drawn out rallies. She needs to use her strength to put the ball away."

"We mentioned speed, Wimberley has always been right at home with the speed and pace of hard court tournaments. There's been a big jump in her play since Gale Dekarios officially joined her coaching team. You can see him there sitting with Lae’zel Gith, she's been Wimberley’s coach for the last few years. She's got Gith on fitness and Dekarios on the mental part of her game. He's a former world number one, with a lot of knowledge, great tennis intelligence. Wimberley said after her match on Monday that she trusts him a lot. This is a very solid team."

"Yeah, you know Wimberley has been very vocal about wanting a gold medal in next year's Olympics -"

"Very vocal, ha ha."

"Yes, very - very vocal. Uh, you know she was famously kept off the podium by Hallowleaf in Tokyo. And honestly, I think most people would have counted her out for gold but she's been looking very solid in the back half of this year. The runner up at the French, her second Wimbledon title after that. Looking very comfortable here at the US Open. If she keeps this up, I think she may be looking at some new hardware in the future."

[mizuribbons]

for people who don't use reddit i would like to inform you that r/projectsekai has turned into a community for my colorful stage feat mimi harrison for april fool's day

all the character and group names have changed, too. they're under the cut

virtual singer -> digital diva

hatsune miku -> mimi harrison, as in the author of the book "beat the budget"

kagamine rin -> riley kennedy, as in... i don't know who's most well known. many different people showed up...

kagamine len -> leon kennedy, as in the resident evil character i shit you not

megurine luka -> lucy mcdonald, as in... again, multiple results. i don't know.

meiko -> megan hughs, as in the sister of phillip hughes (the cricketer) but misspelled

kaito -> kayden foster, as in... well, google says it's a teenager charged with homicide but i don't know if that's what they meant...

leo/need -> wish upon a starlight

ichika hoshino -> isabella hill, as in the actress (apparently)

saki tenma -> stella taylor, as in the actress (again, apparently...)

honami mochizuki -> hailey marshall, as in a misspelling of the character hayley marshall from the vampire diaries

shiho hinomori -> sophia hunt, as in the soprano (apparently???)

more more jump -> jumping in blind

minori hanasato -> mia hayes, as in the author... or the sims 4 character. take your pick.

haruka kiritani -> hannah klein, as in the screenwriter

airi momoi -> ava miller, as in the actress

shizuku hinomori -> skyler hunt, as in the tiktoker

vivid bad squad -> shake the streets

kohane azusawa -> kira austin, as in a misspelling of the australian netball player kiera austin maybe?

an shiraishi -> anna shaw, as in... a leader of the women's suffrage movement in the united states?? 😭

akito shinonome -> alex sanders, as in the fucking PRIEST???? 💀 well alright then

toya aoyagi -> thomas abbot, as in . an irish scholar and educator? this is getting weird as fuck but sure. sure.

wonderlands x showtime -> the wonderland stage spectacular

tsukasa tenma -> troy taylor, as in- JESUS CHRIST THAT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE NAMED TROY TAYLOR. so it's either the record producer and singer l-songwriter, american coach and american football player, australian footballer, or cricketer. why the fuck are there so many people named troy taylor???!:???: 😭 i guess it fits that a lot of people had the "troy taylor stan" flair too

emu otori -> emily osborne, as in the film producer... or a misspelling of emily osborn, the marvel character.

nene kusanagi -> naomi keller, as in... i don't know. google won't tell me.

rui kamishiro -> rowan kline, as in.. again, google won't tell me, but it looks like he's a footballer or something?

nightcord at 25:00 -> on the down low-d

kanade yoisaki -> kenzie yates, as in.... google won't tell me again.

mafuyu asahina -> madelyn abrams, as in... GOOGLE PLEASE GIVE ME ANSWERS BEFORE I CRY

ena shinonome -> ellie sanders, as in the author

mizuki akiyama -> morgan ascroft, as in... apparently no one. damn.

random side things are "natalie" for the mmj story, who i'm guessing is nanamin? and sally stewarts (sakurako, i assume) who i assume is supposed to be the actress sally stewart

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Porn With Plot Masterlist

All Yours - @daydadahlias​ (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/calum E, 16k

Summary: Calum can’t just put on a sheer black shirt and a skirt and expect Luke’s heart to keep beating in even time.

But it seems that he absolutely can and—worse than that—he did.

A Sanctified Starling - (ao3) - plushyluke luke/ashton E, 10k

Summary: Ashton didn’t know why humans were so fascinated by stories of things that could kill them. If it posed impending doom, humans spread it around. Then again, it was more than likely a trait passed down from the hunter-gatherer years.

“Regardless of if it’s a legend, you still need to be careful in unwatched areas. Murderers come in all forms.”

The cold bastard locked eyes with Ashton.

“Very true, Michael. How thoughtful of you to look after our Nobleman. Sometimes danger could be lurking right beneath your nose.”

(or Ashton is a grumpy old vampire who agrees to go on an adventure with his nemesis, where the run into the prettiest of undead discoveries)

Ash is on the floor (ao3) - tinyglitterrose ot4 M, 4k

Summary: “Are you hard?”, Luke asked bluntly and immediately he had the attention of three australians.

Play it cool, just play if off, Ashton thought to himself, as if he was not panicking right now.

“No? What the fuck, Luke?”, he tried to sound arrogant and even rolled his eyes at the blonde, but the other man wasn’t having it.

“No, no, you’re hard, I saw that”, then he giggled, “You have a boner, Ashy, I saw it”

Ashton shook his head violently, but Calum interrupted him before he could object again: “Do you really?”

— basically an Ashton centered foursome with plot.

Bottom Boy Baptism (ao3) - plushyluke luke/ashton, mentioned michael/calum E, 5k

Summary: "Dear Lord, he had always thought fondly of Luke’s religious persistence, but getting off on it brought a whole new wave of heat through his body. He blamed his alcoholic upbringing for the villainous thoughts of Luke."

or

Ashton and Luke have been sneaking around since they got together.

Court Five - takemymoneycth luke/ashton, michael/calum E, 21k

Summary: A story in which a young college tennis player maybe likes his new coach a little too much.

Enlightened (ao3) - Lostideas luke/ashton M, 9k

Summary: After The Great Disaster, Luke's world is not the same. The only thing bringing him joy now are his mid-night ventures with Michael. But suddenly Michael shows up to his window with something forbidden; something dangerous. And in the adventure that follows, Luke discoveres way more than he thought he would.

Fucking Jerks (ao3) - orphan_account ot4 E, 37k

Summary: “Okay, who cums first loses, and owes a blowjob to the winner. Correct?” Calum raises his brows: “A blowjob now, huh?” “Well, a dish fit for a king,” Michael replies.

Or: Ashton bids a Jerketition and who is Michael to refuse…? (Includes the winner+loser spin off)

Gay For Pay (ao3) - Bibsibi luke/ashton M, 10k

Summary: “You're not gonna prostitute yourself to me, Ashton.”

“Have you never heard of gay for pay?”

Or

Luke and Ashton are roomates and broke.

Life-Size Luke (ao3) - plushyluke luke/ashton E, 15k

Summary: ashton is a sex store employee when the new adult, collector dolls hit the shelves. he’s had enough of these “lukey dolls,” when one night everything changes, and his life becomes lukalicious.

New - @daydadahlias​ (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/ashton E, 10k

Summary: Luke doesn’t remember whose idea it was to chain him to the fucking ceiling but he’s decided he’s going to get their name and send them a goddamn fruit basket, because he has never seen Ashton look at him like this before, and he has that crew member to thank.

Silver Ecstasy (ao3) - lonik michael/ashton E, 4k

Summary: “Can I just,” Ashton starts. He’s never asked for this before. It always seemed weird, to want something in his mouth with no intention of getting anyone off. It seems almost counterintuitive to what he’s been taught. But the thought of it, of having something in his mouth of Michael’s that he doesn’t have to work to maintain, makes Ashton's head spin. Michael, though, will always give Ashton what he needs.

Snow in Love (ao3) - plushyluke luke/ashton, michael/calum E, 7k

Summary: "in that cold instant, ashton put his hands back on the steering wheel. watching him back out of the parking space was torment. luke felt like there was a beast inside of him, clawing and desperate to be set free. aching to get ashton alone. to spend a second with him uninterrupted."

or ashton takes the 5sos boys on a snowy vacation, and luke is disappointed that it wasn't an opportunity to hook up.

Take Notes - @daydadahlias​​ (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/calum E, 78k

Summary: Or, the one where Calum wants someone to teach him about sex and Luke happens to be an education major.

talk to me, baby (ao3) - kaleidoscopeminds luke/calum E, 17k

Summary: “Is that why you’ve been looking at me all night?” Luke asks, reaching out and brushing a finger over one of the rips in Calum’s jersey. “Trying to get me alone to sell your services?”

Calum looks delighted that Luke has called him out and it makes Luke smile again.

“Not at all,” Calum says, taking a swig from his drink. “But I was trying to get you alone to offer some other services for free. Interested?”

Luke laughs. “Is that an innuendo?”

“Absolutely, but I can be less subtle.” Calum sips his beer, eyeing Luke. “Wanna fuck?”

The Only Thing That Works For Me (ao3) - flowercrownmikey michael/luke T, 9k

Summary: Ignore Ash and Cal, getting hard on stage wasn't the worst thing that could've happened. Besides, your dick didn't exactly look small so that's a silver lining? -Mikey.

That's how it had started. Just a little note taped onto the wall of his bunk complimenting the size of his dick. A true love story, really.

OR/ Michael and Luke send each other dirty notes but are completely platonic in person (...at first.)

Tie That Binds - @ashtcnirwin​ (elivigar) luke/ashton E, 98k

Summary: In which Luke wants to explore miscellaneous kinks and Ashton strikes him as a good candidate to do said exploring with with.

Tropical Vibes (ao3) - orphan_account calum/ashton M, 2k

Summary: Cashton love each other and travel to Hawaii together.

twink boy bottom erotica. (ao3) - badomensbaby luke/calum E, 13k

Summary: in which luke agrees to be calum’s model for his photography project.

will we talk? (ao3) - strxngersagain michael/luke E, 4k

Summary: Michael tries not to make a habit out of having one night stands.

Sure, he’s had his share of a few no-strings-attached hookups in his otherwise relatively uneventful dating history. But he’s found over the years that it usually just tends to make him feel worse, waking up in the morning to an empty bed at worst, or an awkward conversation and a hasty exit at best. So, Michael has set his sights on not sleeping with anyone until he’s known them for at least 48 hours, at minimum.

So far, it’s gone pretty well.

Until he meets Luke, that is. 

you got me by my neck (ao3) - orphan_account luke/calum M, 29k

Summary: Hearing the blonde say, point blank, they’re not in a relationship forces Calum to confront the emotions that he’s been wanting to hide. That he wants to be in a relationship, because Luke is the person he wants to be together forever with, because Luke is the reason he gets out of bed in the morning, because Luke is the inspiration for all of Calum’s dumbass songs that people like for some reason. It’s always been Luke, and Calum couldn’t have picked a worse time and place to realize this.

In the middle of a random Friday afternoon at some place called Tootsie’s Burger Joint.

Or the one where the band is back in Sydney trying to write more music for their new album, and being back home ignites feelings Calum thought never would have existed.

[etf12546-sw]

Interracial Dating Guide #dating

Bless and Release.

Hello, I’m Jay Ramal, a 36-year-old man with roots in northern India and a hint of Middle Eastern heritage.

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches with an athletic build, I’ve journeyed through life as a passionate yogi, a dedicated affiliate marketer in the dating niche, and an interracial dating coach. Before we dive into the heart of this guide on interracial dating and marriage, let me tell you a bit more about myself.

Unlike some of our other videos, this one is audio-only. So, close your eyes, sit back, and let your imagination do the work.

I’ve had the unique experience of dating women from 28 different nationalities. You’d think the differences would be striking, wouldn’t you? Women from lands far from the homeland of my ancestors, with appearances vastly different from mine.

And yet, in many cases, I discovered striking similarities in how we were wired psychologically. Sometimes, without even talking about it, we just understood each other.

Some women shared common words, up to 20 percent, with my native languages and Sanskrit. This included women from the Middle East and Eastern Europe, creating a bond that transcended borders.

It’s a fascinating experience. If you’ve had something similar, please share it in the comments below.

Now, my passion lies in staying fit and healthy and helping others navigate the often complex world of relationships. That’s why I started WealthyLoveWell.com—to guide folks through the dating market, especially when it comes to dating across cultures.

I was born in the USA but eventually found my way to Australia, where I met my wife, an Australian woman of white Anglo-Saxon descent.

I’ve always held progressive and liberal views. I’m not particularly religious, though I grew up in a Roman Catholic family with very Westernized values.

My love for meeting women from all races and cultures stems from a genuine excitement for learning and experiencing life from different perspectives. You could say I’ve been a serial interracial dater.

And in 2024, I took one of those DNA tests—you know the type. It turns out I’m not just Indian. I’ve got a little bit of Middle Eastern and Northern European (Viking heritage) mixed in there, too. It’s a small world.

This revelation got me thinking about the concept of interracial dating. It’s not just an idea; it’s a practical reality of life on this tiny blue planet. As Carl Sagan once said, we live on a “mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.” Our geographical differences are so small that we’re practically living on top of each other on the scale of the universe.

Yet, despite our genetic similarities, cultural differences can sometimes make us feel like we’re worlds apart. We differ in how we process emotions, facts, political views, family values, and our sense of right and wrong. In many ways, we think more differently than we look.

So, I’ve put together a checklist for interracial dating and marriage. It’s drawn from my own experiences dating women from 28 different nationalities. Keep in mind that this is based on my journey, and your experience may differ. That’s okay. The goal here is to help you navigate and ensure that your dating journey leads to a fulfilling relationship, possibly even marriage, if that’s what you aim for.

Before we dive in, I’d appreciate your support. If you could, hit the like and subscribe buttons, and share this content with anyone who might benefit from it.

Now, let’s begin with the checklist.

Number 1 on the list is the “herd instinct.”

If you’re dating someone from a culture like Indian, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, Latin American, or Pacific Islander, you might come across this phenomenon. Feel free to add more examples in the comments if you wish.

This herd instinct is something I know all too well. It’s the sense of belonging, the need to stay close to one’s family and community. When you date someone with this instinct, you’re not just dating them but their entire family.

If Nona or Abuela welcomes you, you’re quickly accepted as part of the herd, one of their own. As Dominic Toretto said in “Fast & Furious 8,” “For family.”

I find dating people from these cultures highly relatable to my own experience. Often, their extended families live nearby, and there are regular family gatherings, grand dinners, and birthday parties almost every Saturday. Attendance? Almost mandatory. People in these communities draw energy, comfort, and solace from being close to their herd, which is beautiful. Isn’t it?

If you come from a different background, you might find it hard to influence your partner to move away to another state or country. And even if they do, they may still long to rejoin the herd together at some point in your life. This can create tension in your relationship or marriage.

So, if you’re dating someone from these cultures and you have plans to move away, know that it could cause friction. Be kind and upfront. It’s unfair to expect someone to change who they are to please you.

Ask the serious question��are they willing to move away, knowing they may not see their family every week or join the herd regularly? If your date or partner is unsure or seems unconvincing in keeping you, “bless and release” may be the most unselfish thing to do.

Or you must be willing to join, like that dude from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” who joined the big Greek family and went along for the ride. If you are willing to fully immerse yourself in their culture, this is a good sign to continue the relationship.

Number 2 – The sacred cow issue.

If you have dated an Indian, Middle Eastern, Black, Hispanic, Spanish, Russian, or Italian person, and you happen not to get along with their mother or grandmother, you may have said something disparaging, like calling them a cow in an argument with your partner, and shortly after found yourself being dumped or your marriage ended.

For the above cultures, the mother is the sacred cow. You must be willing to handle disputes with kindness and tact, even if she is wrong. Therefore, if you do not think you can handle matters tactfully and calmly in a sacred manner, it is better to “bless and release” them or not get into relationships with people who hold their mothers in the same light as the sacred cow.

Save yourself and them from future tensions, or again, I say, bless and release.

#dating #interracialdating

Wealthylovewell.com

[holywitchkid]

Inspo from this song

Who: Tovah Sandoval & Cas Jameson Where: Oasis Apartments (Tovah's Apartment, Silver Lake, CA) When: Nov. 15th, 2023

I've known it from the very start We're a shot in the darkest dark

Hating the way he pinched at the places on her body that had left scars - faint now but they were there. The scars and the stretch marks that even Australian oils didn't seem to diminish from over a year ago when she binged mostly every night after the last time Cas came around - not that she was ever the epitome of health well ever, but her thirties were proving not so buoyant. "Don't—" she said soft with a hand dominating the space as she rolled over to the Ikea dresser next to her bed, scootching closer to grab the pipe.

"I see how it is - never change Tov, never change." Cas repeated lazily, pulling himself up against the headboard. So comfortably with his hands above his head with interlocked fingers, for a moment she caught a glimpse of his expression while looking around the room - a room that had to feel so foreign to him, she imagined. The tapestries were gone the wall of changing colors was simple and a soothing purple now. There were no pictures anymore, it was tidy (er), no leftover bowls sitting growing dust, no half-full water glasses littering every corner anymore like she was the little girl in Signs trying to save herself from Aliens. There were bouts of course but intrinsically she felt different. Better. There was no more him and she had changed... hadn't she?

I'm standing on a tightrope, alone I hold my breath a little bit longer Halfway out the door, but it won't close "I used to let you always touch me." Telling him, determined to make herself not feel like she'd gone mad, he was either wrong or he was trying to save face and play it casual. But they weren't ever casual. Maybe pressing was stupid and she knew that. It's what got him to leave the last time too, but to her she was right, right and hurt that two small words could make it seem like he never knew her at all. Almost ten years could be reduced to casualties and she didn't know how to fit into the new them.

"Right well, I mean— you didn't last time I was here. And anyways that doesn't really matter now does it? You've got your reasons I'm not gonna go into any of that again, you know?" "Here." Tovah said quiet as she passed the rainbow-colored pipe she'd made sure to secure the first hit from - exhaling as if the words he'd just said were somehow filling the room like the smoke that surrounded them now. "Bro, then why are you here?" The laugh that came through the cough wasn't insincere it was a mask. A shaky one and an ancient one that's cracks took over, "Sometimes you're the only one I want to talk about this shit with, you were the only one there when— I only get to talk to Doc Pam Anderson tits once a month." A pang of guilt at letting that come out of her subconscious, she really liked her once in a blue moon psychiatrist.

Why'd you have to lead me on? Why'd you have to twist the knife? Walk away and leave me bleeding, bleeding

Knowing she'd struck a nerve after he'd taken his hit he was on his feet, shirt thrown on and back to the pipe for another, "Yeah well that's enough, she can be your punching bag."

"—that's not fair, that's her job. You're supposed to talk to the people that you care about and that you know, are actually a part of your world too...closure and stuff." Tovah said, surprising herself and almost instantly regretting floating the concept of closure to Cas.

"We haven't ever had closure, Tov." he says, calmer than before. Rolling back to the same spot against the headboard like he was ready to talk, his own version of a reformed addict and armchair coach, "What do you need? Some AA 12 step thing, to apologize to me? I'm all ears." Now I'm pacing on shaky ground Strike a match, then you blow it out It's not fair 'Cause you kiss me and it stops time And I'm yours, but you're not mine You're not there

Not good with pent-up passive frustrations anymore, at least not with him, so this time there would be no grace period. No nuanced conversations where each would make the other feel small just a red light and go. "Oh my God you're making me feel crazy! Why do you come back here every five months out of nowhere like we weren't some fucking Eminem song for ten years? You really fucking hate me don't you? That's all it is isn't it? You beat me? Is that what you want to hear? Congratulations. I'm the idiot that you can plow through, legs wide open with the good- no, great fucking weed. I make you feel so fucking big don't I? You don't have to fuck with my problems anymore, I'm not you're obligation and you can revel at how far you've come without me — oh and so you know, you're Em. Not me."

There was a beat of silence, nervous like she used to be when shit started to get thrown across the room. She wouldn't be the first this time, she wouldn't lift a hand - instead felt a wave of tired. Hallow, deep in her chest. It was like the last time in that the second they started talking about real stuff it imploded. They used to be able to talk about anything and everything with each other. He used to be her safe space. Now she looked through hazy rage and sad longing.

"You're so stupid this is so stupid— every fucking time Tovah, Every. Fucking. Time. You can't figure out your shit and I'm the bad guy. Fine, whatever you need to tell yourself to keep from fucking jumping out the goddamn window." He too lashed out harshly, already off the bed from when she started in on him but there was that tired too. It wasn't the after-sex, no she knew him better than that. She felt her chest tightening then releasing softly, "—And I'm Not Eminem I'm fucking Dr. Dre!" Tovah frowned and made a face of amusement when they went to these places only the two of them would understand. "Oh like that's any better, he's just locked in Em's basement and dead. Fucker." It was comical, she knew. Both of them like they we in sync faultered at the corners of their mouths.

I'm standing on the sidewalk, alone I wait for you to drive by I was trying to see the cards that you won't show I'm about to fold unless you say, "Don't go" I would stay forever if you say, "Don't go"

"You're gonna lock me in your basement?" he says, quietly, tender.

"I don't have a basement." she told him with solidity, Oasis apartments literally didn't have a basement. Playing along with her own stupid metaphor.

There was a beat where they stared at each other until Cas broke eye contact and looked to the floor and quickly back up, a quiet understanding flicked between the two and she could swear she saw tears, "I think you have me locked in someone's basement then. You gotta let me out, Tov."

"You can't keep coming around. Or calling me. Not unless...you love me still and want to fix this." Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tovah's chest swelled and her stomach filled with what could be mistaken for butterflies, all she'd once again left in his hands for a future.

"That's not fair Tov...you know I gotta go. We'll uh, we'll just say bye. Yeah? Yeah." The rattle of his keys, the swash of his jeans on the way to the door across the tile. Left in that moment with her own longstanding heartache and a relief that he had said nothing back.

Why'd you have to make me want you? Why'd you have to give me nothing back? Why'd you have to make me love you? I said, "I love you," you say nothing back

"

[qnewsau]

Gay footballer Zander Murray to retire

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/gay-footballer-zander-murray-to-retire/

Gay footballer Zander Murray to retire

One of the few out gay male footballers, Zander Murray, has announced his impending retirement. 

Scottish footballer (or soccer player to some) Zander Murray will retire at the end of this season.

Zander made headlines across the world when he came out as gay in 2022.

Following his coming out, he signed for Bonnyrigg Rose in January to fulfil his dream of playing in the Scottish Professional Football League.

However, since then he has returned to his original club Gala Fairydean Rovers where he will see out the rest of his career.

He told the BBC that he is happy to finish his career in a club that was so supportive of him coming out.

“I could just be myself. Not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room. I could just be myself and it was good that all my sort of initial fears about being in the dressing room again, how that was going to be scary, it was nothing,” he said.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Zander Murray (@zandermurrayofficial)

It’s been a big year since his announcement. He has taken part in a BBC Scotland documentary, was an ambassador for the Gay Games in Hong Kong and worked with the charity Stonewall.

He told the BBC his highlight though was leading the march at Edinburgh Pride.

“It was overwhelming to be able to lead something so amazing. It was monumental and something I’d been so afraid of for years,” he said.

“I had struggled for years not knowing where I fitted in, especially playing football. I never knew where I stood with people. So I just felt seeing all those happy, smiling faces that it’s beautiful to feel you are part of something.”

For Zander, his future is yet to be determined but he has an interest in coaching as well as further charity and advocacy work.

“Fifteen months ago I was scared. Now I am excited. I can see a path. There’s a space for me in this area. I always wanted to play football and I worried about what I would find in life that would give me that same buzz but I have found it,” he said.

Remaining out players

His retirement leaves only five male openly gay athletes at the professional or semi-professional level.

Australian Josh Cavallo plays for A-League side Adelaide United while Andy Brennan is with Victorian league side South Melbourne FC.

Elsewhere, Jake Daniels is with Blackpool FC in the UK, Czech Jakub Jankto plays for Italian Serie A side Cagliari and American Collin Martin plays for North Carolina FC.

Read more: Josh Cavallo names and shames trolls sending him abuse

For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[thingsmysplattershotjrtoldme]

More Splat OCs, courtesy of @stuff-from-the-void-matron !

I decided to make a bunch of her characters as close as I could in Splatoon!

First up is Chic! Little sister to Vintage of the X Bloods and one of Twist's eventual partners! She's downright blood thirsty in a match and has the world's WORST temper (which is odd considering who she's related to) She and Vintage don't exactly get along, but you best not lay an ill meaning sucker on him or she'll be at the foot of your bed ready for vengeance tonight.

Next up is the baby, sweet and nervous little Iris! She's the sniper of Twist's team and will break down into inconsolable tears if you do much as blink in her direction. Despite this, she's a complete menace on the field with her charger. She's got an ink condition that keeps her pretty much white except for the tips of her tentacles (like Ghost from a few posts ago) and it also has an effect on her eyes, making the grey almost iridescent, hence her name. She's into heavy metal, loves bugs (even has an Australian giant cockroach named Sweetie Puss as a pet) and cleans and builds small lizard skeletons in her spare time. She also learned how to use Skull's special skill Skull's Territory (renamed Angel's Sanctuary) as he was coaching her through her sheer anxiety of disappointing him. (Get this girl some Zoloft, like seriously.....)

Next is no nonsense Dai Dai, Twist's team's N Zap main and also the highest ranked in Twist's team at S rank (she was X rank back in Inkopolis but it got reset when she moved to Splatsville) She's level headed and many mistake her for the team's captain, but she's perfectly content in her spot under Twist as second. She's got a tsundere streak in her, especially when first dealing with Army of the S4, but eventually she caved and began dating the strict inkling. She's originally from the domes and was on her way to becoming an elite before escaping and still holds great pride in her army ranking.

(also I couldn't pass up the chance to pose her in front of that post, it just fits her so damn well)

Last up is Taffy, the beloved blorbo bestie. An Elite in Octavio's army, she escaped after a physical altercation with the DJ to the Splatlands, making a living doing body guard work before Turf War moved to Splatsville. She quickly made a name for herself as she shot up the Anarchy ranks straight to S+, crushing all in her path to being the best of the best. She eventually became the second in command of a lower level team called Snack Bar, as well as finding her self a place as an official pick up of the legendary S4, where she met and subsequently wooed Aloha. She also does bodyguard jobs for the Squid Sisters, especially since Marie is her girlfriend. She and Marina are still on pretty good terms and occasionally meet up just to shoot the shit and gossip about their partners

Also, bonus of Taffy stealing Aloha's clothes (would only work in this context sadly, considering just how fuckin big she is compared to him canonically)

[redwineconversation]

Ellie Carpenter Le Progrès Article (February 19, 2023)

Typing this one-handed with my non-dominant hand because I got stung by a bee in the palm of my dominant hand on Saturday and holy CRAP does it still hurt. 0/5, do not recommend.

Blah blah standard disclaimers apply. @OL Comms Dept: I'm not even going to beg for Starbucks, just send me something that will make the swelling go down. :( :( :(

Obviously this is bias but Le Progrès > your local sports newspaper. I said what I said. Also, shoutout to Arctic Cafe for finally getting the promo they deserve.

After eight months out with injury, Ellie Carpenter is back: "At Lyon, it's always about winning"

She may be the most French out of the international player at Olympique Lyonnais. In any case it's in Molière's language that Ellie Carpenter, who came to Lyon in July 2020, takes part in this interview. Eight months after her severe knee injury in the final of the Champions League, and two weeks after her return to the field, the Australian international looks back on this difficult period. The Lyon right back also talks about her career oath and her ambitions to experience a really good second half of the second with Lyon, "the best women's club in the world," with whom she has signed for until 2026.

How did you experience this return to the field?

There was a lot of emotion. I hadn't played for eight months... It was a long time, I didn't always have good moments. There was a lot of work as well. I'm really happy to be back with the team, with my friends.

Physically, how do you feel?

I'm back 100 percent. I told Sonia (Bompastor) and the staff that I didn't want to play again until that was the case. I felt good in training the week before the game against Rodez, so I let the coach know. I was able to play 30 minutes, I was really happy. It did [me] a lot of good.

Have you rekindled your speed again?

Yes, I think so (laughter). I even feel stronger and faster than before my injury, because I did a lot of physical fitness for eight months. When you tear your ACL, your leg muscles become all weak, it's hard to get them strong again. I still have to do twice as much fitness.

How did you experience this injury [process]?

It was my first serious injury in my career. Before that, my maximum, it was being out for two weeks. But it was good for me. It taught me a lot of things, like patience, because I am someone who needs things to go fast all the time usually. There, it was 4-5 hours of work each day, always having to do the same exercises over and over, it was really hard for me. But I was really well supported during my entire rehab by Rémi (Pullara), the physical therapist, who was with me every day, through good days and bad.

A lot of players were injured at the same time as you, was that easier to experience?

Yes, even if for the team, it wasn't good to have so many injured players at the same time (laughter). But just seeing them, saying hello, working together sometimes, that helps.

During those hard times, were you able to seek comfort from your loved ones?

Yes, I called my family but it was complicated with the time zone difference. There is twelve hours difference, when it's the morning in Lyon, it's night time in Sydney. But I was able to take advantage of this injury to spend six weeks in Australia last summer, with my parents and my brother. It had been such a long time since that had happened, because since I was 16, I only saw my family once or twice a year on average. Seeing them over a longer period of time was really good for me mentally, and it helped with my knee [rehab] as well.

How did you get into football?

My parents were both PE teachers at school. We're all really sporty in our family. I started playing football around 3-4 years old, with my brother. I played with the boys until I was 12. I wanted to beat them so I needed to be at the top athletically because we weren't on the same muscular level. I think my aggressive and physical style of play is a result of that.

You also performed at a high level in athletics, correct?

Yes, until I was 12. My specialty was the 100m sprint. My record 12.74 seconds.

Is there a competition between you and Delphine Cascarino?

(Laughter) We never ran against each other, but I think it would be pretty even. Delph' [Delph = nickname for Delphine] and me, we're the two fastest players on the team. I really like playing with her, it solidifies the right side.

So you preferred football over athletics then?

Yeah, with the exception of the Olympics, there are more international opportunities in football compared to athletics. Beyond that, I like team sports, I'm more at ease playing a team sport than an individual one.

You made the right choice: at 16, you participated in your first Olympic Games with the Australian National Team?

Yeah, I was really young, it was a super experience. When I was 12 to 15, I trained every day in sports studies with the boys. I had a lot of specific sessions to work on technique with a specific trainer. Before that, I played with the U-16s, then the U-20s as well, when I was 14. I was always out of my depth. At that time, I wasn't a defender, I was playing as a 10. Then I dropped back, they offered the right back position and that suits me really well: you can defend as well as attack, even if what I prefer is to defend. I prefer to stop a forward from scoring by blocking her shot than to score.

You've been at Lyon since July 2020 and you extended until 2026, just after your injury. Was there any hesitation?

I feel really good here. I see myself [staying] in the longterm with this team. I don't see a better environment [elsewhere] for me. The quality of the training sessions, the club's infrastructure, the generosity of staff up to the president really make it the best women's club of the world.

How is it different than what you experienced in Australia and in the United States?

It's a question of mentality first and foremost. Here, it's always about winning, winning, winning. We always want to win, be the best all the time, whether it's in training or during games. This mentality allows you to push yourself, to give your best.

At Lyon, you've known two trainers. In an interview with The Guardian, you said you were more in line with the coaching of Sonia Bompastor. How is it different than that of Jean-Luc Vasseur?

The two coaches had a completely different method. I like to play with a lot of freedom, to not have to overthink. When a coach tells me to just play my game, I'm more at ease. Sonia [Bompastor] is like that. She also gives me advice as a former defender.

You're very young. In what areas do you think you can progress?

Athletically, it'll be harder to be even faster (laughter). But technically, there's always room to be better. I can improve on the quality of my crosses, for example. Lyon is the best place to improve, next to the best players in the world. I'm 22, almost 23 [Carpenter's birthday is in April]. I think that at 26-27, I will be at my peak.

Will the second half of the season be less complicated than the first?

The first half was complicated because there were a lot of injuries. The results weren't always great but weren't catastrophic either [Losing 5-1 to Arsenal kind of qualifies as catastrophic in my mind but whatever]. The team did some really good things despite the difficult context. The return of several players changed things. The team is becoming stronger and stronger and the second half of the season will be very interesting.

The first big test is this quarterfinal of the Champions League against Chelsea. How do you see that game?

I think it's like a final. Chelsea is currently the best team in England. It's the kind of game we all want to play during our career. Playing at Stamford Bridge, that will be really cool.

Would you have preferred another opponent?

We have to beat the best teams anyway to go all the way. The level of the quarters is so high that each game is like a final.

Will you be the outsider or the favorite?

I don't care! For the final against Barcelona, everyone saw us losing and we saw the result. Anything can happen in the Champions League. What I am sure of, is that's it is going to be a really big game.

Will you explain to your teammates how to neutralize your national teammate Sam Kerr?

Indeed, I know her really well. She's an exceptional player, who scores a lot and is really fast. I've started talking about it to Wendie [Renard]. But we will also go up against Kadeisha Buchanan who knows us really well as well.

The World Cup will take place this summer at your home in Australia. It must be really special for you?

It's an absolute dream to play it at home. When it comes to winning it, that will be difficult but we have a good team, so who knows?

How is this World Cup shaping up?

I think it will be the best World Cup in history, especially because for the first time there will be 32 teams, just like for the men. We always play in a sold-out stadium with the National Team. Our first game was scheduled to be played in a small stadium but there was such a high demand [for tickets] that it will be played in a stadium with a capacity of 80,000 people. There's a real momentum, women's football is developing well in Australia. It will be even better after the World Cup.

How do you explain then that all the international players play in Europe?

The problem is that the Australian league only lasts 4 months, which is really short. That's why I went to play in the NWSL, which lasts eight months. We've all done that, but it's hard physically, and there are never any vacations. There must be 13 or 14 Australian who play in the English league, 4 in Sweden. And me, the only one in France!

"Your restaurants open much too late!"

How is Ellie Carpenter off the field?

I'm somebody who is really calm. I like the city and the simple things. Like walking along the Rhône or the Saône [rivers in Lyon] when it is nice outside, and get a coffee in a nice area with friends. I always find the best cafes in a city. I have two or three places in Lyon that I really appreciate like Arctic Juice or Placid, which are the best for me.

It seems that you have a really cheerful attitude?

I'm always happy, always up to do something. I'm really open and always the first to organize a dinner or an outing on our days off, with the other girls from the team. Especially with the other foreign players, we're all really close because unlike the French players, we don't have our families here and that brings us closer.

Do you have any other hobbies?

A little bit of shopping, some series on Netflix such as "Blood and Water" or even "You", which I'm watching at the moment. Sometimes going to the movies with Vanessa Gilles and Ada Hegerberg, who go a lot. But the movie can't last longer than 2 hours because otherwise I don't have the patience for it (laughter).

Do you appreciate Lyon cuisine?

Yeah. I confess I have a weakness for pralines. But you have a real problem here in France with the restaurants. You can't eat before 7.30pm ... That's much too late! In Australia, it's as of 5pm. But anyway, I'm starting to get used to it...

She has beaten all the records of youth accomplishments

From the first questions regarding her rehab, Ellie Carpenter indicates that the hardest part for her was being patient. Waiting isn't really her thing. It must be that the Australian player has always been a quick and dynamic player. After having played in various youth teams, she made her debut in the Australian W League, the equivalent of the D1 Arkema [French League], at 15. Then the following year she was part of the Australian National Tea, at the Olympic Games in Rio. A huge memory for her, at the time the youngest athlete representing the Australian delegation, all sports considered. At the same time, she would become the youngest football of all time to take part in the Olympic Games.

On May 9, 2018, while she plays in the American League after having signed for the Portland Thorns, she also beats the record for youngest player, at 18 years old and 11 days, during her first game in the NWSL. 11 days later, she scores a goal against Washington and becomes the youngest goal scorer in the history of the American League.

[aussie-wbb]

WNBA Finals: The Australian and WNBL connections run deep

Tipping off tomorrow, Las Vegas and New York face off in the WNBA Finals, and there's plenty of Australian and WNBL storylines to follow.

HAYLEY WILDES

The WNBA Finals get underway tomorrow morning with Game 1 tipping off at 6am AEDT and after an incredible season, it all comes down to the two preseason favourites battling it out in what is sure to be a Finals to remember.

Las Vegas will be aiming to make it back-to-back championships, while New York will be hoping to claim the franchise’s maiden championship. 2022 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and 2023 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart headline both teams, while the likes of Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones will have a huge say in the outcome of the series.

Speaking of those that will have a big impact in the championship decider, there are a myriad of connections to Australia and the WNBL, with players with WNBL experience set to light up the Finals and a very familiar head coach.

There are three players on each team who have played in the WNBL, and of course Opals head coach Sandy Brondello is running the show in New York. This demonstrates the standing and importance of Australian basketball in the best league in the world.

For New York, Betnijah Laney, Kayla Thornton and Jocelyn Willoughby have all had stops in the WNBL, while Las Vegas’ Jackie Young and Kierstan Bell have suited up in the WNBL, and Opals superstar Cayla George is also on the squad.

Laney and Young in particular have taken their respective careers to new heights after stints in the WNBL and will be among the most important players in the series.

Laney was a revelation for the Perth Lynx in 2015/16, alongside the likes of Sami Whitcomb and Tessa Lavey. That squad made it all the way to the Grand Final series and although they ultimately lost to the Townsville Fire, there’s no doubt it was a special season for the Lynx. Laney led the team in rebounds (7.7 per game) and assists (3.8), while also adding 14.7 points per game (second to Whitcomb at 19.2).

Her toughness and work ethic shone through back then and she returned to the league in season 2017/18 with the Bendigo Spirit, creating a dominant duo with Kelsey Griffin. That season wasn’t to be for Bendigo, with Griffin’s season ending after just six games due to a hip injury, but Laney battled until the end, averaging 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

After struggling to find her groove in the WNBA, everything changed in 2020 with the Atlanta Dream when she averaged 17.2 points per game, up from 5.6 the previous season. She won the Most Improved Player Award and was named to the All-Defensive Team that season.

Now she is a force for the star-studded Liberty team. As well as being a defensive headache, Laney is just super efficient on the offensive end, making her the perfect fit alongside the likes of Stewart, Jones, Ionescu and Vandersloot. This season she has averaged 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 49.9% shooting from the field and 39.2% from three.

Young was on the rise prior to coming to Perth for season 2021/22, but really announced herself as one of the best players in the WNBA after her summer with the Lynx. Young spent one season with Perth, in a loaded squad that included college teammate Marina Mabrey, Whitcomb, Darcee Garbin and Lauren Scherf.

Although the Lynx lost to the Boomers in the Grand Final, Young was massive. Despite a slowish start to the season, she quickly found her groove and became deadly on both ends of the court. After averaging 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for Perth, Young returned to Las Vegas a different player.

Not known for her three-point shooting in pervious seasons, Young showcased her improvement over the off-season and incredibly became one of the WNBA’s best three-point shooters, finishing third in the league for three-point percentage in 2022. Young’s newfound three-point shooting was integral in the Aces run to the Championship and she was named an All-Star for the first time in her career, while also taking out the WNBA’s Most Improved Player Award.

This season, Young has taken her game to a new level, and much like Laney, it’s all about efficiency and finding a role within a team full of stars. Named an All-Star again, Young is just an assassin on offence, averaging a career-high 17.6 points per game on otherworldly shooting splits of 52.3% from the field, 44.9% from three and 86.7% from the line.

Kayla Thornton, Jocelyn Willoughby and Kierstan Bell all played in the WNBL last season, and Willoughby will be back in the league this summer.

Thornton starred for Southside last season, helping lead the squad to an unlikely Finals appearance after a season filled with injuries. She was everything the Flyers could’ve hoped for in an import and played both side of the ball extremely well.

Leading the team in points (15.7 per game) and rebounds (6.8), Thornton announced herself on opening night with 21 points and 8 rebounds, and never looked back.

While playing for Southside earlier this year, Thornton was traded from Dallas to New York as part of the deal that landed former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones in New York (and saw Bec Allen head in Connecticut). Although her minutes are down compared to what she playing in Dallas, her importance to New York cannot be underestimated. She’s a star in her role and brings it every game on both ends of the floor.

She does all the little things well and Brondello knows she can rely on Thornton whenever she calls her number.

In a rocky season for the Flames last season, Willoughby just kept working. A coaching and point guard change mid-season threw Sydney into chaos, but Willoughby – as well as Keely Froling and Tiana Mangakahia – did all they could to remain competitive.

Willoughby averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, and will suit up for Adelaide this coming season alongside fellow import and WNBA player Brianna Turner. Willoughby is played sparingly off the bench by Brondello and appeared in 29 games in the regular season.

Bell only played nine games for the Lightning last season before returning to the States. She showed flashes of what Adelaide would’ve been hoping for from her (she did average 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game), but it was shortlived. Back with Las Vegas in her second season of WNBA, Bell hasn’t been able to lock down totally consistent rotation minutes, but for a second-year player on a loaded squad such as the Aces, she’s done well to fight for minutes. She’s shown enough potential to be an option off the bench for Becky Hammon in certain match-ups and is only improving.

Cayla George has done it all in Australian basketball – won WNBL championships, a WNBL MVP, represented the Opals on countless occasions, highlighted by Olympic and World Cup campaigns – and now she is trying to add a WNBA championship to her resume.

George hasn’t seen consistent court time for the Aces this season. She has struggled with her long-range shooting (23.4% shooting from deep), which is vital to her game considering over 60% of her shots this season have been from beyond the arc. With that being said, she’s the type of player that has remained ready and is very clearly a positive personality to have on your bench.

Speaking of positives on the bench, Sandy Brondello has done a fantastic job balancing the many mouths to feed on a Liberty squad boasting ridiculous star power. She will be aiming for her second WNBA championship, after leading Phoenix to the 2014 title, with fellow Aussies Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips members of that squad.

Brondello has long been known as a defensive-minded coach and while the Liberty owned the third best defensive-rating this season (101), their offence was even stronger, finishing second with an offensive rating of 111.8.

Incredibly, as per ESPN, Brondello and Becky Hammon facing off will mark the first time in WNBA history that two former WNBA players will meet as head coaches in the Finals.

This truly is a meeting of the juggernauts and all I can say is, sit back and enjoy!

WNBA Finals schedule

Game 1: Monday, 9 October @ 6am AEDT

Game 2: Thursday 12 October @ 12pm AEDT

Game 3: Monday 16 October @ 6am AEDT

Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday 19 October @ 11am AEDT

Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday 21 October @ 12pm AEDT