Among the Women of Troy, tears are not acceptable. Not only are they a sign of weakness, but quite frankly, it isn't very ladylike. Composure, poise and pride are instilled among the players, even during practice. However, it was excusable on Thursday, Feb. 4, as the Women of Troy faced the California Bears in Berkeley. The tears were unabashedly shed in response to the announcement that Number 23 would be entering the game. That number has been waiting proudly on the game uniform of Jacki Gemelos, formerly of the Women of Troy's "Injured Squad."
Current Injured Squad member Stefanie Gilbreath instructed Gemelos not to glance at the USC bench as she took the floor because of the likelihood of tears in Stef's eyes. They were the tears of a injured player so proud and overwhelmed with joy at seeing her rehab partner recover from years of ACL injuries to finally play for the Women of Troy after a four-year hiatus. It was more than sportsmanship. It was love. Pure love for the player who recovered from such devastating injuries from one of the few players on the team who could understand the pain, time, and emotional upheaval recovery can be. Welcome back, Jacki!
