Project Description

A charismatic trans teen transfers to a new school in hopes of securing a lacrosse scholarship and becomes fast friends with two outsiders. But when he suddenly falls in with the popular kids, he gets so caught up in his own hype that he risks losing his new besties, his spot on the team, and his entire sense of self. 

Season One of ONE FOR THE TEAM follows trans lacrosse star Nico Ramirez as he navigates the complex social dynamics of a new high school during his final semester. Questions around his sense of self arise as he is introduced to new cliques that challenge various aspects of his identity.

While outsiders Talulah and Ashley offer him a warm welcome, they are also guarded and demand loyalty. Even as Nico’s still figuring out where he fits in, he’ll find himself struggling to be the ride or die friend they need. Brett Prescott is the team captain and alpha dog. The other guys on the team, including Kevin and Joe, don’t dare challenge him. And when Nico is pushed to confront him in defense of his friend Ashley, the tug of being accepted as “one of the guys” paralyzes him.

Has he found his new crew with a pair of outsiders? Will he embrace the locker room talk and toxic masculinity of the jocks? Will the queer kids succeed in making him the poster boy for LGBTQ liberation? Or will secret sparks with his lab partner lead him to betrayal? 

Written by Kyle Puccia and Darryl Stephens

Directed by Rain Valdez

Pilot Stills

Collaborators

  • Silas Howard

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    Silas Howard is an acclaimed transgender director, writer, and producer known for his groundbreaking work in television and film. With a career spanning over two decades, Howard has directed episodes of popular series like Pose, Transparent, and Dickinson, where his nuanced storytelling highlights underrepresented voices. He co-directed the indie hit By Hook or By Crook, a queer cult classic, and continues to advocate for authentic trans representation in Hollywood. Howard’s work bridges the gap between activism and art, earning him recognition as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ media and an influential voice in shaping inclusive narratives onscreen. 

  • Rain Valdez

    DIRECTOR

    Rain Valdez is an Emmy-nominated transgender actress, writer, and producer known for her dynamic presence both in front of and behind the camera. She gained recognition for her role on Razor Tongue, a web series she created, wrote, and starred in, earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. Valdez has also appeared in hit shows like Transparent and Lopez. As a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry, she advocates for authentic trans representation in media, using her platform to uplift diverse stories and challenge Hollywood's traditional narratives.

  • Kyle Puccia

    WRITER / PRODUCER

    Kyle Puccia is a multi-platinum songwriter and award winning composer, celebrated for his contributions to TV, pop music, and theater. His music has been featured in popular shows such as Pretty Little Liars and Lucifer, while his work with artists like Kygo and David Archuleta highlights his versatility in the pop music world. In theater, Puccia has been honored as a recipient of NAMT, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, and Johnny Mercer Writer's Grove, seamlessly blending emotion and storytelling through music. With a keen ear for catchy melodies and a talent for elevating narratives, Puccia continues to make his mark across multiple genres and media platforms.

  • Darryl Stephens

    WRITER / PRODUCER

    Darryl Stephens is a celebrated actor best known for his groundbreaking role as Noah on the hit series Noah's Arc, which became a cultural touchstone for LGBTQ+ audiences. With a career spanning television, film, and stage, Stephens has earned acclaim for his honest portrayals of complex, nuanced characters. In addition to acting, he is an accomplished writer, having authored the motivational memoir Required Reading: How to Get Your Life for Good. Stephens continues to advocate for authentic representation of queer Black voices in Hollywood, using his platform to tell stories that challenge stereotypes and inspire change.

  • Liesl Wilke

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    Liesl Wilke is an accomplished writer and producer with a versatile career spanning television, film, and literature. Known for her sharp storytelling and creative vision, Wilke has contributed to various projects that blend drama, mystery, and emotional depth. As a writer, she’s been recognized for her compelling narratives and complex characters, earning her a Writer’s Digest Award in 2015. As a producer, she’s supported a number of short films that push boundaries, like recent film festival darling “The Rebel Girls.” Her new stage-musical Stalled will premiere off-West End in early 2025. Wilke's commitment to storytelling continues to shape her work, making her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

  • Sarah Carter

    PRODUCER

    Sarah Carter is a Canadian-born producer, writer, actor, director, musician, and CEO of Cheshire Moon Productions. Her directorial debut, In Her Name, which she also wrote and produced, won the Audience Award at Tribeca Film Festival in 2022 putting Cheshire Moon Productions on the map as a recognized house. CMP’s second narrative feature A Pity a film by brothers Kevin Barth and Alec Barth continues to collect accolades on the festival circuit while In Her Name was picked up for worldwide distribution with Tribeca Films, Giant Pictures and Drafthouse streaming now on all major platforms. Well-known in Hollywood for her work as an actor, she has starred in several popular TV series namely Falling Skies, Shark, Smallville, Rogue, Hawaii Five-0, Entourage, and The Flash and films The Vow, Haven, and Final Destination. Working with and shadowing top directors like Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, she discovered her own passion for writing and filmmaking and the social impact of original storytelling. Her first official invitation into the writer’s room was from Judd Apatow and Seth Rogan to develop her character’s arc on Undeclared opposite Charlie Hannam back in 2001. Since then she has continued to pursue story as a way to connect dots, draw meaning, and share in the beauty, absurdity, and tragedy of the human condition.