America ReFramed Season 4 Episode 21 In the Game

In the Game, an episode from the fourth season of the documentary series America ReFramed, tells the story of a girls’ soccer team in a struggling, inner-city neighborhood in Chicago. The documentary follows the team, the Kelly High School girls’ soccer team, throughout their 2008-2009 season, as they battle to win a championship. The story not only focuses on their soccer triumphs, but also on the obstacles that they face off the field.

The Kelly High School girls’ soccer team, also known as the Lady Trojans, is made up of a diverse group of girls, mainly Latinx, African American, and Polish. The team is coached by Stan Mietus, a former Polish immigrant who himself faced challenges when he arrived in the U.S. The Lady Trojans are what most would consider an underdog team; they don’t come from privileged backgrounds, and they play against teams that do. Despite their disadvantage, the Lady Trojans have heart, determination, and a love for the game.

The episode shows the girls attending classes, going to soccer practice, and bonding as a team. It also shows the girls’ struggles with poverty, gang violence, and racism. The girls’ stories are raw and real – they talk about their experiences with gangs and violence in their neighborhood, losing loved ones to gun violence, and the racism they endure in school and on the soccer field. One particular standout moment is when one of the players, Elizabeth, recounts how a referee called her a racial slur during a game. These painful experiences are what the girls bring with them onto the soccer field.

On the soccer field, viewers are treated to exciting and intense games as the Lady Trojans fight to win the state championship. The games are well-shot and edited, and the viewer can easily become wrapped up in the action. The tension is palpable as the team faces off against other high school dynasties that have won multiple championships. The Lady Trojans’ victories on the field become a symbol of hope for the girls, their families, and their community.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from the realities of the team’s situation. The Lady Trojans train on a field that’s in disrepair, with burnt-out streetlights and exposed electrical wires. They don’t have access to a gym or a weight room, so they have to make do with what they have. The team also lacks resources, with players having to share uniforms and equipment. In one memorable scene, the girls dig through a pile of donated soccer gear, searching for shoes in their size. Despite all these disadvantages, the Lady Trojans fight hard and play with a fierce determination that is inspiring to watch.

In the Game is not just a story about soccer; it’s a story about the resilience of young women in the face of adversity. It’s also a story about a coach who believes in his players and who sees them as more than just soccer players. Stan Mietus is a mentor to these girls, and he helps them navigate the difficulties they face both on and off the soccer field. He also encourages them to believe in themselves and to never give up.

Overall, In the Game is a compelling and inspiring documentary that showcases the power of sports and how it can transform lives. The Lady Trojans’ story is a reminder that anyone can achieve greatness, no matter their circumstances. Viewers will cheer the Lady Trojans on as they fight to win the state championship and will be left with a renewed sense of hope and admiration for these young women.