#jen brookhart

[chaoticfoxes]

Location: Campus Cafe Date: Friday, September 24 Time: After morning practice (open)

As usual, none of the Brookharts are coming for Parents Weekend, but it's hardly a blip on their radar when Grayson is here. It's so strange to see him back in their dorm but not as their teammate. It was even weirder to leave him to go to morning practice.

It'll be Grayson's first game back at Palmetto, watching from the stands instead of on the court with them. It's not the same playing without him, but he fits a lot more at his ranch than he ever did on the court, and Jen can't wait to join him there.

Long distance isn't easy, but they're making it work. It's just hard knowing that there's still basically two more years of this, because of stupid five year contracts. Before the extra year felt like something Jen should cling onto, which is part of the reason he came back to the Foxes, but now that they have an actual solid future after they graduate it's hard to stay motivated.

After practice, Jen texts Grayson to meet them at the cafe and then gets in line to order both of their drinks. Before they reach the register, a familiar face falls in line behind them. "Hey! What do you want? It's on me," they offer. It's not like they money, but they're in a good mood and want to share it.

[chaoticfoxes]

Jen knows they can do that. They might have left for the Vixens for a year, and they might not love this sport like their teammates, but Jen knows they can score when it counts. Jacob Brookhart put his faith into Jen the one to go the furthest out of his kids, because they're a good striker. Oh, how the tables turn, because Jen doesn't even want to do this longer than they have to.

Sometimes, it's hard for Jen to accept that they're here again. Getting kicked out was supposed to be their chance to do their own thing for the first time, but reality doesn't work that way when you're broke and homeless.

Jen tried again when they joined the Vixens, but, in a weird twist of fate, they missed their old teammates and their grades fell to shit. It seems like no matter how much they try to pull away from Exy, they just sucked right back in.

Their relationship with Exy is a lot healthier than it used to be. It's not their dream, but they really are here by choice this time. Jen's mind changes every day, sometimes every minute, but they know this time they're either seeing this through to the end...or giving up on school entirely. They don't want to though. They want to actually offer something to Grayson other than just being his future trophy spouse.

"Definitely," Jen promises simply with a grin. "Next goal is dedicated to you."

On the court, Olivia's always been a player that thinks. That's her strength: she sees the game unfold around her, and she slows it down; gets one step ahead of the opposition, and turns the tide of the play in her team's favor.

With her father, everything revolved around Exy. Even when she wasn't playing or practicing, she'd watch tape back with her father, pick apart her play or the play of her team around her, or study up on the teams they were due to face. When she was in high school and she'd watch the Big Three teams or the pros she wanted to play on one day, she couldn't just sit back and watch the game. She'd be picking apart their play, too, trying to figure out what made them elite. What she could learn from.

There's a lot about her father's life she doesn't want to repeat. She doesn't want to flame out early. She doesn't want to live with the regrets he lives with. She doesn't want to drink too much. But—she wouldn't mind becoming a coach, like him. She just wants it to be a long, long time from now. After she decides to hang up her racquet, instead of being forced to. After playing a career that she can be proud of.

But, despite the number of years she's dedicated to Exy already, she's still at the beginning of it all. She still has so much farther to go, and so much more to prove.

Tonight, though, she feels like she's taken a step forward. Last season, they lost her first game in spectacular fashion, and she grit her teeth and threw herself out in front of the press just to get it over with, because she didn't want anyone to think that she was hiding, that she was afraid.

Tonight, they won a game, and she's at a party with her teammates and she feels—happy. She feels relaxed.

"How about this: score another one, and I'll believe that it's for me." Not that she thinks Jen needs some kind of wager to score again—no matter what happened before Olivia joined the Foxes, they've been reliable on the court for as long as she's played with them. They have that scoring touch. But there's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition between teammates. And it's been awhile since she's been able to have that. "You think you can do that?"

[tfcrp]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, SARAH!

Thank you for everything you contribute to TFC!

@striker-brayden, @jenbrookhart, @sashahartashby

XOXO, Admin X

[jasperlewis-blog1]

💬(jen)

“Beloved. Stars. Warm.”

[jenbrookhart]

Location: Jane Brookhart’s Dorm Date: March 22 Time: Post-Game (closed for @graysonsharpe​) Jane’s side of the room reminds Jen of her room from home, although smaller. She still has the same lilac comforter and accent pillows on her bed, and the same framed photographs. She’s collected some new things since leaving Georgia obviously, but it’s weirdly familiar for being in a dorm in Nashville. As Jane and Jackson work on grabbing snacks from the ensuite kitchen, Jen takes the time to look at the pictures of Jane and her new friends tacked onto the wall. 

They don’t recognize any of them and the realization is shocking enough to make them feel a little dizzy. They used to be so intertwined in each other’s lives that Jen pretty much knew the names of all Jane and Jackson’s friends, their birthdays, their parents names, etc. Jane and Jackson are still like that, while Jen is off in South Carolina, living a completely separate life from them. Tearing their gaze from the walls, they move to stand by Grayson’s side and give his hand a squeeze. “Thanks for coming with me. Sorry, it’s not going to much of a celebration tonight,” They sigh.

It’s not like Jen’s surprised, though they won’t tell the twins that, defeating the Ravens is a rare opportunity, one that the Foxes or Terrapins almost never get themselves. Still, they hoped the Terrapins might get lucky this time. Jane and Jackson are obviously crushed, but they’re still trying to stay cheerful for Jen and Grayson. Hopefully they don’t get the routine “I’m disappointed in you” phone call from their dad. 

Jackson comes back in the room with a bowl of popcorn and grin that looks obviously strained and sad. “Jane’s just heating up a frozen pizza,” He explains before plopping down on the edge of his twin’s bed and grabbing a handful of popcorn. 

“But while she’s gone, I need to have a talk with you, Grayson,” Jackson begins and puts on a stern face that makes Jen roll their eyes. “Last time I saw you my little sibling was crying at the banquet, and while I’m real glad that’s all fixed now, I thought I should let you know that if you ever hurt them again, I’ll kill you,” Jackson threatens lowly, but Jen knows him enough to see how forced it all is. They’re pretty sure their brother has never punched someone in his life, unless it was on the court.

“No, he won’t,” Jen tells Grayson with a breathy, nervous laugh. “He likes to pretend like he’s all tough when we all know you’re really a big softy,” Jen turns to Jackson with a pointed look.

[foxespsu]

01 / BASICS

Full Name: Grayson Elias Sharpe Jr.

Nicknames: Gray

Birthday: July 11th

Gender: Cis Male (he/him)

Orientation: Ambiguously Not Straight And In Love With Jen Anyway So Who Cares

Astrological Sign: Cancer sun; Libra moon

Spoken Languages: English

Birthplace: Dubois, Wyoming

Relationship Status: In a relationship with Jen Brookhart

tw death/murder

02 / PHYSICAL TRAITS

Hair Color/Style: Dark curly hair. It’s longer on top than on the sides.

Eye Color: Light brown

Face Claim: Fady Elsayed

Height: 6′2″; he slouches terribly most of the day though, meaning he doesn’t seem nearly as tall as he is. His posture is much better on the court.

Tattoos: N/A

Piercings: N/A

Unique Attributes: Occasional freckles, particularly in the summer after spending most days outside at the ranch. His hands are usually calloused and rough, either from outdoor labor or holding a racket. He also often has at least a five o’clock shadow.

03 / PERSONALITY TRAITS/TYPES

Positive Traits: Loyal, emotional, intense, hardworking, intelligent.

Negative Traits: Insecure, angry, uncertain, moody, private.

Hobbies/Interests: Animal husbandry, woodworking, Exy, and most recently, gardening.

Major/Minor: Agriculture Studies major. No minor.

Insecurities: Grayson has a list of insecurities a mile long, unfortunately, although he’s slowly but surely working on it. The most salient ones are related to his home life—Grayson has a complicated relationship with his father, and there have always been times where he truly worries that his father hates him. Grayson’s also afraid of his own capacity for destruction, fearing that his mother’s murder broke something within him, and because of that he spent the latter half of last year working to relearn Exy without his usual red cards and unnecessary fights.

Quirks/Eccentricities: Half the reason he took up smoking was for something to do with his hands. The other half was because he grew up surrounded by smokers anyway. Now, it would feel strange to quit, no matter how terrible a habit it is for an athlete. 

MBTI Type: ISTJ; “the Logistician”. They are direct, strong-willed, and dutiful. They want to be part of a system that works and do not desire the spotlight. They are stubborn, insensitive, and unreasonably quick to blame themselves.

Enneagram Type: Type 6; the Loyalist. At their best, type 6′s are loyal, self-affirming, independent but interwoven, positive, courageous, and make great leaders. At their worst, they are fearful, desperate for security, defenseless, and slow to make important decisions

Moral Alignment: True neutral.

Temperament: Melancholic.

04 / FAMILY & HOME

Immediate Family: His father, Grayson Sharpe Sr, is alive in Dubois. His mother, Mariam Sharpe, is deceased.

Other Family: Most of Grayson’s extended family lived in Dubois too, but they slowly left town as the rumors grew. As his family dwindled, it was only natural that most of Grayson’s focus would be on somehow changing his relationship (or lack thereof) with his father. He’s one of the few next generation Sharpes anyway, with the family name on the verge of dying out.

How do they feel about their family?: Blood is thicker than water, and for a long, long time Grayson lived by that—no matter how much blood had been shed. Grayson’s dad was the most important person in his life growing up, even with their complicated history. He defended him in Dubois, in Palmetto, in his own thoughts, even if it was hard when his dad wouldn’t even talk to him in return. More recently though, Grayson worries that it’s something much worse behind his dad’s silence. Maybe his father’s unwillingness to look Grayson in the eyes is as much as Grayson Sharpe Sr. as it is about his son. After all, it isn’t just the bored, listless, gossip loving townsfolk of Dubois who doubt his father now. It’s First Degree and their listeners. It’s Jen. Deep down, it’s Grayson himself.

How does their family feel about them?: Fuck, Grayson wishes he knew.

Pets: In Palmetto? None. Back home though, the ranch has a variety of animals, including horses and chickens. Grayson is particularly close with the horses, especially since there are some that have been in the family since their birth.

Where do they live?: Like most of the Foxes, he lives in the dorms during the year. Unlike many of them, he goes home to his family over breaks/summers.

Description of their home: In Palmetto, it’s simply a dorm room. Grayson never moves fully in, living out of bags half the time. Back home, they’ve got the ranch, and all the space that requires. Dubois is gorgeous, and the views from their house are no exception, particularly since they live on the outskirts of town.

Description of their bedroom: Grayson’s bedroom back home is a bit chaotic, and very clearly lived in, even if he spends much of his time outside with the animals. He’s got years worth of things accumulated, from old posters to old clothes that no longer fit him. He usually cleans it before he leaves for Palmetto, but that often simply means throwing things in the closet or under the bed. His dad never goes into his room anyway, so what does it matter if it’s still messy? He takes most of his things for granted, with a few salient exceptions. Grayson stole his dad’s old photo albums when he was younger, including the ones with pictures of his mom, and he keeps those buried in the back of his closet. Since his dad refuses to speak of the past, and more specifically about his mother, these sometimes feel like his only connection to her.

05 / THIS OR THAT

Introvert or extrovert? Introvert.

Optimist or pessimist? Pessimist.

Leader or Follower? Follower.

Confident or Self-Conscious? Self-conscious.

Cautious or Careless? Cautious.

Passionate or Apathetic? Passionate.

Book Smarts or Street Smarts? Street Smarts.

Compliments or Insults? Compliments.

06 / FAVORITES

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Clothing Style/Outfit: Grayson wears a lot of flannel and denim. He’s also a fan of plain dark tee shirts paired with jeans. He tends towards practical clothing, particularly things he’d wear around the ranch, such as boots and worn old jeans. Overall, his clothing is focused on comfort rather than style.

Favorite Bands/Songs/Type of Music: Grayson listens to a lot of folk, indie, and country. He also enjoys older songs. He’s not caught up on current pop culture at all, and often forgets the names of specific songs or musicians.

Favorite Movies: Grayson’s seen Big Eden about 12 times at least.

Favorite TV Shows: They don’t have cable back at the ranch, nor did he have much free time with everything that needed doing. As a result, Grayson didn’t grow up watching much TV, and to this day he doesn’t follow any specific shows.

Favorite Books: He read a lot of classic fantasy growing up—Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, The Once and Future King. These days, Grayson mostly reads nonfiction for class.

Favorite Foods/Drinks: Grayson is a vegetarian, much to his father’s displeasure. Other than that, he’s not picky, although in his natural habitat he tends towards plain food and drink—with the major exception being that he’s picked up a habit for sugary drinks from Jen.

Favorite Sports/Sports Teams: He follows the other Class I Exy teams, although he’ll never be as fervent as some of his teammates. He also grew up watching the rodeo back home.

Favorite Time of Day: Morning

Favorite Weather/Season: Fall

Favorite Animal: Horses

[graysonsharpe]

Location: Statesboro, GA, parking lot outside the court Date: November 16th (closed @jenbrookhart)

His car is old, beat-up, but he’s repaired it enough times to know it’ll run. Grayson’s good at that. Making old things new, making them work long past their deadline. He’s always been good at fixing things, as long as those things don’t truly matter. It’s his job around the ranch, but it extends to this too.

And if he focuses on all these little details, Grayson won’t have to think about the fact that he and Jen will be alone in the car together for the next few hours. 

That wasn’t the plan originally. At first, he’d only intended to crash here on his own, catch a connecting flight out to Dubois tomorrow. But somehow that’s turned into this, a trip to Jen’s hometown because they’re so close, they’re already in Georgia, and Grayson’s not about to say no when Jen asks.  

So he slides into the driver’s seat, ignoring all the things they haven’t spoken about yet—the beach, the kissing booth, his press duty disaster—and lets himself acknowledge that for the next two hours at least, he’s quite literally got nowhere to run. And it’s heavy, going back to Jen’s hometown like this. Grayson’s met Jacob Brookhart, he knows what Jen left behind. He steals a glance over at them, trying to read their expression, and then breaks the silence. “So, uh...do you want music or anything?”

[chaoticfoxes]

Jen's not a football fan. Their house was always so focused on Exy that the Brookhart's didn't really spare time for any other sports other than occasionally putting a game on the TV. Maybe at some point, Jen wouldn't have minded cheering for a football team, but it would've made them feel like a fraud to cheer for a sport they don't understand. That cheerleading dream is mostly dead now anyway.

They glance at the cheerleaders on the sidelines, feeling a little jealous of their cute uniforms and fun choreography, but they tried that already, and just came running back.

It's hard not to compare this crowd to the one they usually get at their own crowds, and it feels a little like a betrayal. Jen knows the Foxes haven't given the school much of a reason to root for them, but it would be nice if the students showed a little more support for their own school's team.

Needless to say, Jen would much rather be at a party than this--watching a boring game and having their lack of popularity shoved in their face.

Well, at least there's alcohol. Jen gives River a grateful smile and takes a sip from the flask, wrinkling their nose from the straight liquor. Jen chases it with the soda they have with them before passing on the flask.

"Are you following any of this?" Jen asks as they gesture helplessly at the field. "Football's so boring. At least punch each other or something." Jen isn't usually a supporter of violence, but they aren't the one playing right now and can't get kicked off the court, so someone should go for it.

Location: Football Stadium Date: Friday, September 10th Time: Mid-Game (open​)

Back in Indiana, River wouldn't have said they had anything against football: in a town where everything revolved around football and Exy games, it gave them a reason to be out of the double wide that was less likely than anything else to get them in trouble. They took advantage of that, because they had no reason not to. River was a jock in Indiana—at least they were for most of the time they lived there, before they had enough self-awareness to realize all the ways that they were different. The ways they didn't fit.

It feels different here, though. Here, the football team is beloved in a way that Foxes aren't. They have the whole University behind them, they draw crowds that are actually cheering for them, rather than just waiting to see how they're going to fuck up next.

River's been a Fox for long enough, now, to have a chip on their shoulder about it. To not like the way the Foxes are being trotted out for Palmetto Athletics solidarity now that they've won something, in a way they hadn't been last year. They're being put up on the video screen today to wave at the crowd, but they know that if the Foxes don't keep it up, they'll be right back where they started, with the University threatening to cut the team entirely.

At least there's a flask going around. If they're going to have to spend their Friday night here, instead of out in Columbia or in the Vixen Den, then there better be. They haven't really been following the score, but they do look up at the videoscreen for long enough to make sure it's focused on the action on the field below. Once they know they're not about to be broadcast drinking underage to a whole stadium of people, they turn themself away to take a few furtive swallows, grimacing slightly as the liquor burns its way down their throat.

"Looks like the coast is still clear," they say, wiping the back of their hand across their path and passing it on. "You want some?"

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: JANUARY 21-JANUARY 27

ONLINE:

“The first game of the Championships for the Palmetto State Foxes and the UC Davis Aggies was a nail-biter: with only two goals scored by either side in regulation, it went to the shootout, where after a strong showing in goal by Fox Captain Grant Rollins and a game winning goal by Carter Maddox—both fifth years—the Foxes eked out their first victory of this year’s Championships. The game might have been short on goals, but it definitely wasn’t short on hits, with both teams bringing their best physical play. And after a hard-hitting game from both teams, one thing is for certain: the Championships have definitely begun—and it’s only going to get rougher from here.”

“Early in the game, the Aggies—already down their leading goal scorer Marisa Bowers—lost another striker, fifth year Jacob Wilder, who had to be helped off the court after a hit from senior backliner Sterling Walsh. In the second half, former Penn State Lion and dealer Olivia Finch had to leave the court after a trip from Aggies dealer Katelyn Wilkins left her bleeding from a cut to the chin. Walsh wasn’t assessed a penalty on the play, but Wilkins was given a yellow card. Wilkins’ yellow card was the only one for the Aggies for the night, but both Carter Maddox and Sasha Hart-Ashby had yellow cards for the Foxes.”

“The injury to Finch was minor, and we expect to see her back on the court next game. Wilder, however, isn’t as lucky. While the Aggies haven’t shared the exact nature of his injury, he’s done for the season—however long that may be for the Aggies. And for a team that’s already down their best striker, it’s a devastating blow. “’Do we wish there had been a penalty called on that play? Yeah, sure,’ said Aggies Captain Cadence Huffman. ‘But the refs didn’t think it was a penalty, and maybe they’re right, so what can you do? We tried our best to keep fighting, but it just didn’t go our way tonight.‘”

“With their shootout victory, the Foxes are halfway to securing their place in the second round: they’ll attempt to lock it in with a victory against the Breckenridge Jackals in two weeks—an opponent they’re already fallen to once this season—while the Aggies will look to stay alive against their home state rivals, the UCLA Bruins.”

“Elsewhere in Class I:  The Ravens, the Trojans, and the Lions all secured their first wins of the Championships, but the Ohio State Buckeyes got off to a rough start, losing to the Belmonte Terrapins—leaving them with a lot of ground to make up after their first first-place finish in their district.”

- COLLEGE EXY ONLINE, “FOXES CLINCH FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPS VICTORY IN SHOOTOUT.”

“We don’t know who caught the Exy game on Friday, but we have to say the unexpected star of the night was not a Fox, or even an Aggie: it was this dad (?) and his prime dad-antics right in the front row. Will whoever this man belongs to please come collect him? We’re cringing, but we’re also confused—we didn’t think this team had enough parents to go around.”

“If there’s one thing we learned this weekend it’s that Davis, California is rather—quaint. And by quaint we mean full of barnyard animals for one country boy to break in and visit on some kind of romantic excursion. Does a petting zoo put you in the mood for some heavy petting?  We’d say we aren’t judging, but we totally are.”

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

The Foxes return to Palmetto victorious, and to a campus that is more than ready for Championships season. But that has less to do with the Foxes—though they’re getting a tentative embrace—and more to do with football: on Saturday, January 26, the football team will play their first playoffs game in front of a massive stadium crowd.

The fervor can be felt all week: on Thursday, January 24 there’s a pep rally that draws in almost the entire orange-clad campus—and this time, the Foxes are part of it, though all they have to do is wave to the crowd when their name and number is called. It’s much more demanding for the Vixens, who have once again been thrown into practices with the football cheerleaders in preparation.

But Palmetto Unity didn’t end last semester, and Wymack breaks the news to the Foxes after the pep rally: the University is paying for the Foxes and the Vixens to go the football game in Charlotte, North Carolina—and no one is getting out of it.

So on Saturday, the Foxes load onto their familiar buses for an unfamiliar purpose and make the drive to Charlotte. At the game, the Vixens are on the field, waving their pom-poms on the sidelines during play, though they’re left behind when it comes time for the football squad’s high-flying halftime performance. The Foxes have prime seats in the stands, and expected to smile and look engaged whenever the cameras are turned on them. 

(OOC information related to the football game under the cut)

Hey Foxes!  We’re going to do something a little different this time:

To keep the suspense flowing, the outcome of the football game won’t be posted until later in the update, so keep your eyes out for it! Until then, anything surrounding the pep rally, the trip to Charlotte, and the Foxes watching the game is fair game for threads, as long as you don’t presume the outcome!

And let me know if you have any questions!

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: JANUARY 7-JANUARY 13

ONLINE:

“The start of the Spring Championships is just around the corner, and the schedule for the first round has been revealed. In the first round, teams are matched up within their brackets for three games. The teams that win the fewest games, one or none, will face an early exit from the Championships.”

“The Palmetto State Foxes may have drawn the short straw in first round scheduling, with two lengthy trips to play away games in California: first they kick off the Championships against the UC Davis Aggies on January 18; and then they return home to face off a familiar opponent from their own district—one they lost to 6-2 back in September to begin their season—when they take on the Breckenridge Jackals on February 1; and then it’s back to California to close out the first round against the UCLA Bruins on February 15. For all teams in this subset of matchups, the Jackals will be the team to beat as they try to win the evens bracket and make it to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.”

- COLLEGE EXY ONLINE, “WELCOME TO THE SPRING CHAMPIONSHIPS: FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS.”

“We’re back for 2019, and not a moment too soon. Sound the trumpets and let us say: we told you so, because it seems like the Fox-Vixen pair we’ve had our eyes on all year has decided to finally cut the bullshit—and get caught hot and heavy all over Palmetto while we were all enjoying our holidays at home. After all this waiting, it’s a Christmas miracle.”

“You might have thought that the Foxes’ Captain broke out into hives or turned into a pumpkin anytime he got too far away from an Exy Court—we certainly did. And that’s why we were shocked to see him gallivanting around the Big Apple with the Foxes’ resident Hollywood Star. Only time will tell, however, if this duo is silver screen material.”

“And while some people the question might be ‘what does the Fox say?’ we can tell you that we said ‘what the fuck’ when we saw this Vixen out and about with an acoustic guitar and some choice accessories: some ears and a tail. Is this the new Vixen uniform? And does this guitar-strumming cheerleader take requests? Because we have one, and it’s not Wonderwall: it’s, please god, never again.”

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

With the holidays behind them, it’s time for a new semester: the start of new classes, and the return to their regular practice schedule—but this time with the added intensity that comes from the looming Championships. But before the Foxes can get into the swing of Championships, there are a few things they have to go through:

First, a required meeting with Team Psychiatrist Dr. Betsy Dobson. The Foxes first met with her over the summer, and it’s time to check in again for the second semester. During the week, each Fox is exempted from one practice session during the week to meet with Betsy for an hour-long session. These appointments are as formal or as informal as each Fox wants them to be: they can be an in-depth discussion or a simple check-in about how they felt about last semester and how they’re feeling heading into the Championships.

And then, the University has a surprise for them: the board has mandated that the Foxes undergo media training before the increased attention that comes from the Championships comes crashing down. And though Wymack knows this won’t be popular with his players, when he breaks the news that they have to give up their Saturday to do it, he isn’t entirely apologetic: the less stupid shit you say, the less time I have to waste answering phone calls, he tells them. And, with the Vixens in hot water alongside the Foxes a few times last season, they’re on the hook as well.

And so, on Saturday morning, they all show up at the court for media training, including a presentation on general guidelines for talking to the press and posting on social media, and then followed by a number of practice interviews—which are recorded and played back, to review both the substance of their responses and their body language and delivery. 

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT TASK: You have two options: write a self-para of any length detailing your character’s appointment with Betsy. (This is a Fox-specific task: Vixens can meet with Betsy if they choose to, but it’s not mandatory for Vixens the way it is for Foxes.) OR as part of media training, you can write out a practice interview for your character, using the questions below as guidelines (though you are welcome to tweak them or come up with more of your own!)

(Resources for media training and suggested interview questions are under the cut!)

For some general media guides for student athletes, check here and here!

The focus of media training is primarily: avoiding common pitfalls, crafting a message and staying on it, and changing the subject away from uncomfortable or overly personal questions.

“Where are you from? How did you start playing Exy?"

“The Foxes are a very unique team. What is it that makes you a Fox?” 

“What are your professional aspirations?”

“How do you feel about the Championships? Are you worried about going up against other, better teams?” 

“How are you preparing for the Championships? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player, and what are the Foxes’ strengths and weaknesses as a team?”

Imagine you’re talking to reporters after a loss in which you didn’t perform well. The interviewer asks: "What happened out there? Are you worried about facing the rest of the team after a performance like that?”

Imagine you’re talking to reporters after a game in which one of your teammates was injured as the result of a play. The interviewer asks: “Do you think that was a deliberate play by the other team? What do you have to say to them after a game like that?”

Imagine you’re talking to reporters after a game in which one of your teammates received a red card, and your team lost. The interviewer asks: “Does it frustrate you, to see that kind of play from a teammate? Do you think it cost you the game?” 

Imagine you’re talking to reporters and they bring up a personal subject, whether it’s your family, other relationships, or other sensitive topics that are of reasonably public knowledge. How do you respond, and how do you get back on message (Exy)?

[tfcrp]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, JEN BROOKHART!

to jen,

I hope these can contribute to all your fashion icon needs

happy christmas!

secret santa 😁

FROM, YOUR SECRET SANTA

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: DECEMBER 17-DECEMBER 23

ONLINE:

“Are you all studying? We certainly are—if by ‘studying,’ you mean ‘studying various Exy players’ social media for clues about what went down at the Winter Banquet.’ And, lucky for you, when it comes to gossip we always get an A-plus.”

“There were so many Fox-Fox and Fox-Vixen couples that we can’t keep track, but you let us know, who were you surprised to see together? We might have said our favorite recurring soap opera, if only it had a happy ending—but judging by the tears on this Vixen’s face, happily ever after isn’t in the cards.” 

“And another Vixen, caught looking mighty ragged in the lobby of the Foxes’ hotel, might have fallen flat on their face as well—though at least this time it wasn’t in front of a screaming crowd. What’s the matter? Did your date not go well? There’s more dirt here, we just know it.”

“But while some people cry, others throw punches—or, at least, they come close. We’re not surprised there’s no love lost here, but we’re kind of disappointed in the lack of follow-through. There was one Fox involved who’s known more for breaking heads than having a cool one. We think he picked the wrong time to turn over a new leaf.” 

“But, don’t fret, punches were definitely thrown at the banquet—they were just friendly fire, one Fox goalkeeper taking a Vixen down. You couldn’t have settled this one behind closed doors? We don’t know why we bother asking: we should know by now that Foxes—and Vixens—will always choose the messiest and most embarrassing path. Why would we ever expect anything different?”

“So what’s the tally? Tears? Check. Punches? Check. Why not go for the trifecta and add in a drunken family reunion? We thought that was what Christmas was for, but I guess Christmas came early for one Fox, who was spotted outside of Castle Evermore with his brother, looking none too steady.”

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

The Foxes return to Palmetto just as finals fervor really sets in across campus: and the Foxes, even with their lighter courseload and five-year path to graduation, aren’t immune—they still have to maintain their grades to maintain their spot on the team. For the Vixens, who don’t have the same five-year luxury, their study schedules are even more jam-packed.

 As students wrap up their finals, the campus begins to thin out for the upcoming break, but the Foxes and the Vixens have time for one last party: their holiday party, and the exchange of Secret Santa gifts. The Vixens decorate the Den in between finals in string lights and paper snowflakes, a Christmas tree with ornaments for the Vixens that will stay over break, ready for the party on Friday, December 21, with Christmas cookies provided and ugly sweaters encouraged.

For some of the Foxes, and some of the Vixens, it might be the closest they get to Christmas: while campus will close over the weekend and the rest of the students will leave, Wymack has received special permission from the school for any Foxes who want to to stay in Fox Tower over break.

(Stay tuned for Secret Santa gifts!)

[tfcrp]

TFC HALLOWEEN COSTUME COMPETITION RESULTS!

At the conclusion of the voting at the Vixens’ Halloween party, the following winners are announced and prizes handed out: winners are given gift cards to Sweetie’s in Columbia and a hand-written certificate, while the second-place finishers in every category but the grand prize are only given a certificate.

FUNNIEST COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): SYDNEY McCRAY as MOTH WITH LAMP (HONORABLE MENTION: BRAYDEN SYKES as CAT)

SEXIEST COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): LEO DUARTE as (SEXY) WINTER SOLDIER (HONORABLE MENTION: CASEY HENDRIX as THE RIDDLER BUT SEXY)

MOST ELABORATE COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): SYDNEY McCRAY as MOTH WITH LAMP (HONORABLE MENTION(S): RIPLEY VAN SANT as MALEFICENT, MEREDITH COTES as THE BLACK SWAN, and ARLO BOOTH as THE BLACK DEATH)

BEST CLOSET/LOW BUDGET COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): NEEL AVERY as LIT MAJOR (HONORABLE MENTION: GRANT ROLLINS as REFEREE)

BEST THROWBACK COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): ALIS TAN as THE AMERICAN DRAGON (JAKE LONG) (HONORABLE MENTION: ROSIE TOMMASI as KIM POSSIBLE)

BEST COUPLES COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): BRAYDEN SYKES and STERLING WALSH (HONORABLE MENTION: JEN BROOKHART and CARTER MADDOX)

GRAND PRIZE: BEST COSTUME ($25 GIFT CARD): SYDNEY McCRAY as MOTH WITH LAMP RUNNER-UP: BEST COSTUME ($10 GIFT CARD): GRANT ROLLINS as REFEREE)

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: NOVEMBER 5-NOVEMBER 11

ONLINE:

“The Wilkes-Meyers Hornets will come to Palmetto on Friday night to take on the Foxes, and this game will be a reunion of sorts: junior Fox goalkeeper Emmett Ashford spent part of a season on the Hornets—though you’d be forgiven for forgetting, as he never made as much a splash on the court with them as he did off of it before leaving the team and the school midway through his freshman season.“

“The game will also be another installment in the saga of freshman dealer Raphael Peruggia: not on the court, but on the bench, where he’s spent the majority of his first season. After a red card against the Edgar Allan Ravens earlier in October, the ERC stepped in and suspended Peruggia for one additional game, sending a message to a young striker who has already shown a disturbing intent to injure on the court.”

“Almost one month since an AC separation took him off the court, all eyes are on sophomore Fox striker Akira Sato, whose return to the court should be imminent. Will he come back against the Hornets? We’ll find out on Friday. But for junior striker Leo Duarte, injured in the same game, recovery looks to be further away.”

“The Foxes may have pulled off an impressive win against the Dolphins in Florida, but it’ll take much more than one win to prove that this year’s Foxes are the real deal. The Hornets are eager to bounce back after a tough loss against the Terrapins, and the Foxes have yet to string two wins together this season.” 

- COLLEGE EXY ONLINE, “HORNETS AT FOXES: PREVIEW.”

“Did any of you brave the Fox Halloween Party? Did any of you brave the kissing booth? Buckle in, because we have a Very Special Halloween Edition of Foxwatch to share with you...”

“Which Vixen do you think got the most action at the kissing booth? We’ve got our money on a certain redhead, who certainly seemed to take to it with gusto. Among her victims? A bambi-eyed blonde. Hey KP, what’s the sitch? Or maybe we should say: Mamma Mia! Though only time will tell if it’s a ‘Here We Go Again’ kind of deal.”

“We know one person who didn’t brave the party: the Foxes’ own Vice Captain, spotted sneaking through the back door of the Vixen Den without a costume—and then not seen again. What’s the matter, can’t stand the company of your own teammates? We can’t say we blame you, but we’re not sure if that’s exactly leadership material. And what about the Vixen who let her in? We call collusion, and we can’t imagine his Captain would be too happy about it, either.” 

“But more than one Vixen seemed to have their fun at the kissing booth, including one of their newest and youngest. This Juliet seemed to be drawn to one of the Foxes like, well, a moth to a flame. Or lamp. But this is one moth that sure seems to get around: she seemed to spend most of the night with a—well, we’re not exactly sure how to describe it—BDSM kitty cat? And doesn’t she have a history with Juliet’s step brother? Shakespeare must have forgotten about that one.”

“And, finally, let this be a lesson to us all: if you don’t make a move, there’s one Fox who will. And we’re not talking copout cheek kisses here, either—this is one lion who definitely isn’t cowardly, and who doesn’t need two hands to steal your girl. A certain someone else should take notes—but who are we kidding? He probably won’t.”

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

With the fun of Halloween behind them, the Foxes return to practice: if they want to keep themselves in Championships contention, they need to start stringing wins together, can’t afford to slack off for one game—or, as their Coach and Captain would have it, for one practice.  

It’s a rare double-header for Palmetto State Athletics: not since homecoming have both the football and Exy teams been scheduled to play at home on the same weekend, and the town is bustling more than usual with orange-clad fans. Despite the buzz, the Foxes stick to their familiar routine: a short practice in the morning on Friday, November 9, followed by a full day of classes.

For both teams, it’s an important weekend: the football team’s place in their own playoffs is far from secured, after their strong start to the season turned into a losing skid, just as the Foxes are starting to build momentum.

(OOC information related to the game under the cut)

The results of the game against the Hornets will be posted on Friday night and, in order to put it together, there are a few things I need from you:

Due to the size of the roster, there is a chance that not every player will get to play in every game, so if you want your character not to play in the game (for reasons that could be related to being late to practice, poor performance in practice, mouthing off to Wymack/Grant/Claudia, or any other reason you can think of!) please let me know. While you can still let me know if you want your character to get a red card during the game, no one is required to be benched for this game: with our current roster and the number of red cards and injuries, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to play everyone!

If there’s anything exceptional you want to take place during the game (fights, red cards, injuries, exceptionally poor play, etc.) please let me know, and I’ll do my best to work it in. This will work on a first-come-first-serve basis, if the game is getting too packed with details, you might have to wait for the next one;

After each game, two players will be selected to answer questions from the press. If you want to volunteer your character for press duty, please message me! This will also be on a first-come-first-serve basis. And if you volunteer for press duty, please only do so if you expect to be able to play out the thread with your partner in a timely fashion. Press duty slots for this game are already filled, so hang on until next time!

Remember, you only have to reach out to me if there’s something very specific you want me to work in!

And, as always, I welcome any feedback!

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: OCTOBER 15-OCTOBER 21

ONLINE:

“Matchups between the Foxes and the Ravens are always heated—and, as they met on Friday night, those sparks weren’t just confined to the court. Coming off of a 5-1 loss—which included red cards for Fox players Raphael Peruggia, his second in only two games played as a Fox, and former Raven Leo Duarte; and presumed injuries to Fox striker Akira Sato and Ravens backliner Max Delacruz—the Foxes, particularly fifth-year striker Brayden Sykes, who called the hit on Sato that took him out of the game an ‘assault that was obviously planned,’ had a lot to say.”

“But if the Foxes want to know who the dirty players really are, all they have to do is look in a mirror. If they want to see an assault, they can look at the two hits that Peruggia has laid on opposing players in only two games, both of which had nothing to do with any Exy play. The Foxes have gone only one game this season without a red card. And they can cry referee bias all they want, but fights and hits against opposing players who are not in possession of the ball are illegal, cheap, and unambiguous.”

“The Ravens, on the other hand, are a team that plays hard but within the rules. It’s unfortunate that Sato will be missing games, but in a physical game like Exy even legal hits can result in injuries. It doesn’t retroactively make the hit illegal, nor does the fact that the opposing team doesn’t like it. Instead of harping on history that’s over ten years in the past, Sykes and the Foxes would better off looking at the team’s present: one that follows the rules, and wins games. It seems like the Foxes could use more of both of those things."

- COLLEGE EXY ONLINE, “OPINION: IN FOX LOSS TO RAVENS, FOXES BLAME EVERYONE BUT THEMSELVES."

“It was a resoundingly disappointing weekend for Palmetto State Athletics, as the Exy Foxes did, well, what everyone expected them to do against the Ravens: crash and burn. But for those hoping for the Football Foxes to bring some sorely lacking dignity to our campus, we’re afraid you’re going to be sorely disappointed, as they extended their losing streak to two games, throwing their playoff chances into jeopardy. Do you hear that? We’re sure that somewhere there are a few Vixens cackling with glee. We’re not taking sides here, but we’ve heard that karma is a bitch.”

“And if you’re making or taking bets on what the Foxes are getting up to off the court, we have some updates for you: it seems that our favorite Fox-Turned-Vixen is back to fraternizing with a former teammate; and another Buckeye Fox still seems to be getting cozy with the Foxes’ undisputed best hair champion. How long will either last? We don’t know—we don’t make the gossip, we just report it.” 

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

With another loss bringing their season record to a dismal 1-3, the Foxes head into an off week demoralized and down several Foxes as they prepare for their next game against the Jacksonville Dolphins, due to injuries to Akira Sato (shoulder) and Leo Duarte (hand), and a red card to Raphael Peruggia, removing him from their next game—and potentially longer, as rumors begin to swirl about the ERC sending a message.

With spirits low and no game on the schedule this week, several Foxes and Vixens spearhead a team and squad-wide effort to drag as many people as can be persuaded, cajoled, or bribed into going to Columbia and to Eden’s Twilight on Friday, October 19 to blow off steam. 

[tfcrp]

THE FOXHOLE COURT: SEPTEMBER 10-SEPTEMBER 16

ONLINE:

“The Palmetto State Foxes’ first home game of the season will be a grudge match: last season, in the Foxes’ surprising ascent to the upper ranks of the Southeastern District, they ran over the Belmonte Terrapins, pushing them outside of Championships contention for the first time in several seasons. Also during last season, games between the Foxes and the Terrapins were a family affair, with siblings from the budding Brookhart dynasty on both sides of the half-court line. This time, however, Fox Jensen Brookhart will not be on the court to face off against siblings Jackson and Jane Brookhart—the promising dealer isn’t playing this year at all.”

“While it’s much too early in the season to say who will be a Championships contender and who won’t, the Terrapins will no doubt want to send an early message: that, this year, they’re not losing to the Foxes again. And, judging by both of their performances in their first games of the season, the Terrapins look like they might be right: they soundly beat the Georgia Southern University Eagles in the Eagles’ first Class I game in history, while the Foxes took a 6-2 beating from the Breckenridge Jackals. Will the Foxes be able to turn their season around, or will they dig themselves deeper into a 0-2 hole? We’ll find out on Friday night.”

- COLLEGE EXY ONLINE, “TERRAPINS AT FOXES: PREVIEW”

“Clean your rooms and hide your contraband, because The Parents are coming to town. Forget Christmas—this is the most wonderful time of year, when families overrun Palmetto’s brunch spots, and your fellow students try and pretend that they don’t drink too much and go to class too little while wasting their parents’ precious money away. We know this gossip’s going to be good, so keep your eyes and ears peeled—and don’t let us down.”

“But, before we get carried away, it seems like someone decided to leave a message for the PSU Football squad—and a mess to be scrubbed off before mommy and daddy arrive. We’d give you three guesses, but really, we think you only need one. We knew this rivalry wasn’t going to quiet down anytime soon, but we’ll just say this: it’s about time. Question is: can anyone prove it?”

- FOXWATCH, YOUR SOURCE FOR GOSSIP AT PALMETTO STATE UNIVERSITY

ON CAMPUS:

The Foxes’ first game of the season left little to celebrate. And so, to boost everyone’s morale, the Vixens decide that before the game—and before the arrival of whoever’s parents might be showing up for parents weekend—is the best time to hold a party, opening the doors of the Vixen Den to the Foxes on Wednesday night. 

On Friday, September 14, as parents and alumni make their way into town for the weekend’s festivities, during which both Palmetto’s Exy and Football teams will play games, there’s a pep rally during the afternoon. Wymack has long since learned that it’s not worth it to try and force his players to participate, and so it falls to the Vixens to represent the Foxes—next to the football team and the football team’s cheerleaders, who feel like they know exactly who to blame for the vandalism of the cheerleaders’ house, and don’t want to accept tit for tat as an excuse, hissing insults under their breath while they smile and pretend to play nice while school officials are watching.

For the Foxes, there’s nothing to do but wait for Friday evening, when the game—and the chance to get their season on the right track—will begin, in front of what is sure to be a sold-out crowd of students and parents—and, for some of the Foxes, their parents, with seats reserved in the front row.

(OOC information related to the game under the cut)

The results of the game against the Terrapins will be posted on Friday night and, in order to put it together, there are a few things I need from you:

Due to the size of the roster, not every player will get to play in every game. For this game, this particularly includes dealers, so if you want your character not to play in the game (for reasons that could be related to being late to practice, poor performance in practice, mouthing off to Wymack/Grant/Claudia, or any other reason you can think of!) please let me know;

If there’s anything exceptional you want to take place during the game (fights, red cards, injuries, exceptionally poor play, etc.) please let me know, and I’ll do my best to work it in. This will work on a first-come-first-serve basis, if the game is getting too packed with details, you might have to wait for the next one;

After each game, two players will be selected to answer questions from the press. If you want to volunteer your character, please message me! This will also be on a first-come-first-serve basis. And if you volunteer for press duty, please only do so if you expect to be able to play out the thread with your partner in a timely fashion;

Remember, you only have to reach out to me if there’s something very specific you want me to work in!

And, as always, I welcome any feedback!