Weeks after Shaida shared her family’s story, a series of events unfolded that shed light on the harsh realities faced by some of the young players on Luma’s soccer team, the Fugees. One evening, while driving Jerome home, Luma noticed him holding his stomach and discovered that he was hungry because there was no food at his home. Jerome’s family relied on food stamps, which often ran out by the end of the month.
Concerned for Jerome, Luma walked him inside his apartment and found his mother, Betty, in a state of despair. Luma offered to help and went to get groceries, assuming that there must be something to eat at their place. However, the cupboards were empty, and Betty seemed oblivious to their presence.
Realizing the dire situation, Luma promised to assist and discovered Betty’s challenging circumstances. She worked long hours as a cleaner at the Ritz Carlton, commuting for hours each day on public transportation. As a single mother of three boys, including Jerome, Betty struggled to make ends meet.
Luma tried to understand Betty’s situation by attributing her difficulties to not working enough or spending money on unnecessary things. However, when Luma revealed that she was from Jordan, Betty’s face lit up, and she felt a sense of connection. Betty shared her own struggles and expressed a desire for her son Biko to join the soccer team. Luma agreed, even though the team was intended for younger players.
Soon, Biko arrived with a group of older boys, including Amadou and Mustapha, newly arrived Liberian refugees. Luma was amazed by Amadou’s skills but noticed a missing finger on his hand. When she asked about it, Amadou casually revealed that it was cut off, leaving Luma shocked.
Luma’s involvement with her players grew deeper as she became their emergency contact and faced various challenges. Amadou’s temper led to altercations at school, Saif’s mother ended up in the hospital due to medication errors, and Sein Win got arrested for robbery. Luma found herself shouldering the responsibilities of coaching, tutoring, and supporting her players in both their academic and personal lives.
Overwhelmed by the weight of her players’ struggles and the demands on her own life, Luma experienced a moment of frustration and sought solace in a night of partying. However, she quickly realized that she couldn’t escape her responsibilities as a coach and mentor.
Despite her initial resistance, Luma’s players and their families continued to rely on her. Luma discovered that many of her players were facing significant challenges in school and life. Lewis, who had advanced several grades, revealed that he couldn’t read, leading Luma to realize that there were two Americas—one of opportunity and privilege and another of deprivation and struggle.
Luma questioned the America that had once embraced her and enabled her own success. She was determined to find a way to bring her players into that America, to provide them with the opportunities and support they deserved.