Submission Date

8-6-2025

Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Department

English

Faculty Mentor

Katie Henson

Comments

Presented during the 27th Annual Summer Fellows Symposium, July 18, 2025 at Ursinus College.

Project Description

Out! Just Over the Line is an introspective and witty memoir written by former high school tennis player Rach Wascoe, exploring her tumultuous journey climbing the achievement ladder only for everything to be flipped upside down. Through her struggles with grief, trauma, and conflicting narratives spurred on by coaches, she was simultaneously at the height of her tennis career while at the lowest point in her life. As a wide-eyed freshman eager to gain the attention of her coaches, she was met with persistent indifference. Through her renewed dedication, which grew to an obsession, Wascoe began to manifest the success she was craving, oblivious to the shaky foundation it was built on. Having reached the coveted first singles spot, new challenges pushed her mental health over the line and everything began to collapse. Left exploring her self-worth without tennis, Wascoe’s storytelling highlights the unpredictability of high school sports, the importance of finding a supportive community, and serves as a powerful reminder that nobody can force you to smile.

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