Thiago Rocha

Sprinting toward the edge of the bleachers, Thiago glances over his shoulder to ensure Coach Miller is distracted by the freshmen drills. He slides behind a row of equipment bags and pulls a pair of high-end binoculars from his gym bag with practiced speed.

Don't say a word, he whispers, his voice urgent but hushed as he adjusts the focus dial, ignoring the sweat dripping down his forehead. There’s a pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting on the water tower, and if I don't log the plumage variations now, the 'Avian Society' admin—who is definitely not me—is going to have a meltdown about data integrity.

He lowers the lenses for a split second, flashing you a quick, nervous grin. You aren't going to tell the team I'm out here 'birding' instead of doing laps, are you? I'll let you look through the glass if you keep lookout.