In a time when trans visibility in media remains both urgent and under fire, Emmy-nominated actress and filmmaker Rain Valdez is answering the call, loud and clear. Her latest project, One for the Team, is a fresh, heartfelt teen drama centering a trans-masculine athlete who’s not here to play games, unless it’s lacrosse.
Meet Nico Ramirez
The series introduces us to Nico Ramirez, a gifted trans lacrosse player whose place on the boys’ team is constantly questioned: by coaches, teammates, and society at large. Faced with the threat of losing his Ivy League scholarship, Nico is forced to transfer schools, igniting a new chapter filled with privilege, pressure, and the pursuit of authenticity.
The pilot, which just premiered at Dances With Films, stars newcomer Kassian Drake, whose real-life experience as a trans man deeply informs the show’s emotional core.
“I grew up never seeing characters like Nico on TV,” Drake told Gayety. “This story would’ve meant the world to me as a kid, and honestly, I still need it today.”
Representation That Hits Home
Directed by Rain Valdez (Razor Tongue), who made history as the first Asian-American trans woman nominated for an acting Emmy, One for the Team is far from a trauma-ridden story. Instead, it plays like the best of the high school coming-of-age dramas we all loved, just finally centered on someone who hasn’t historically been in the frame.
“I grew up watching these kinds of stories,” Valdez said. “And I knew I had the vision to bring one to life from a trans perspective, with all the heart, grit, and charm of the genre.”
Valdez took over directing duties from Silas Howard and brought her actor-first sensibility to set, shaping performances with emotional complexity and unfiltered honesty.
A Team Effort On and Off the Field
Backed by creators Kyle Puccia and Darryl Stephens of Lit House Ink, One for the Team is deeply intentional about inclusion. With over 90% of its cast and crew identifying as BIPOC and/or queer, it practices what it preaches.
“For once, I didn’t have to explain myself,” Drake shared. “The community on set made it easy to be vulnerable.”
The series also doesn’t shy away from the broader implications of trans inclusion in sports, a hot-button topic in today’s political climate. But instead of pontificating, the show simply lets Nico live, love, fail, and thrive.
“When people get to know a character like Nico,” Drake said, “it becomes so much harder to reduce us to headlines and stats.”
Beyond the Pilot
Should the series get picked up, both Valdez and Drake are eager to keep the momentum going. And yes, more lacrosse scenes are on the wishlist.
“I hope viewers, especially young trans kids, walk away feeling seen,” Valdez said. “Like there are people out there still fighting for them.”
Drake echoed the sentiment: “Trans characters deserve joy and belonging, not just survival.”
With One for the Team, they’re not just asking for space. They’re claiming it, and inviting all of us to cheer them on from the sidelines. Now, after its debut at Dances With Films, One for the Team is hoping to find a home and bring Nico’s story to screens everywhere.
