The nominees for the 82nd Academy Awards were recently released to the masses. However, the list lacked an important category and its accompanying nominees.
The category of Best Supporting Cast has been largely ignored by the esteemed panel of Academy Award voters, for reasons beyond the scope of this blog. Recent events, however, have revived the category for greater inspection as the nominees for this reward are released, as well as the list of nominees for the award of Best Supporting Cast on a Collegiate Team.
Stefanie Gilbreath of the Women of Troy's Injured Squad, by way of Katy, Texas, could give Dick Vitale a run for his money for the Best Sideline Analysis award. As a virtual fifth coach with constant words of encouragement on the bench, Stef's leadership, even during the most turbulent times in her recovery, has been unshakeable. Days after her latest ACL injury, Gilbreath rocked her ACL surgery scar for the players to see in late September, and the sight of Gilbreath sitting in the sidelines of practice with her knee secured and locked in a clunky leg brace uplifted the practice.
Michelle Jenkins' demeanor is as vibrant as her blonde hair. Her character alone can fill and uplift a room, as she sits on a sideline seat during practice, while twirling her hair on her index finger. In late December, on the day of Michelle's ACL surgery, the mood at practice was tension-filled, and the Women of Troy were subdued. As soon as news was received of Michelle's successful surgical procedure, as related by a text message from the operating doctor to a trainer's cell phone, the relief was palpable.
In contrast, Vicky Tagalicod's demeanor is inscrutable. However, the ball that is always in her grip is an indication of this player's love of the game. When a Women of Troy player glances at the sidelines during a water break, Vicky can be seen dribbling the ball between her legs. Or the ball will be swirling through the air as Vicky practices putting her "hand in the basket," a phrase coach Ervin Monier uses to describe the bent wrist of a basketball player's shot.
As a recent graduate of the Injured Squad cast, Jacki Gemelos has certainly already put in her award-winning efforts as a supporting cast member. Jacki is the Women of Troy's biggest inspiration. Her story could be tragic, if she weren't so strong, so courageous, and so determined. How could the Women of Troy not be inspired by their teammate? When other players would have quit, or been despondent at being away from the game so long, Jacki has been relentless in her support of her team and in her determination to join them on the floor.
These players are not just an entourage that follows the Women of Troy. They are the backbone of the team; the cast of people the players lean on even on their good days. With that said, give them the Emmy, give them the ESPY. The Women of Troy give them their gratitude.
