Some of you may know what Ultimate Frisbee is but most of you, probably do not. And I say that because before coming to college, I was one of those who did not. It’s a growing sport and therefore isn’t as common as soccer or football.
Ultimate just kind of fell into my lap when I came to college. My freshman year, I actually wasn’t looking to join any clubs or intermurals because I was still getting settled into my new lifestyle. I wanted to adjust to my new schedule before I committed myself to an organization. But some things are just meant to be.
A guy who lived across the hall from me played for the USF men’s ultimate team, Scallywags and his girlfriend played for the women’s team, Scallywenches. They invited me to throw with them one day and I thought, why not? I hadn’t thrown a frisbee in years but I was sure it would come back to me once I got my hands on one. And it did. I threw backhands with ease and it was actually fun. And then I was introduced to something different- a flick. Who knew there was more than one effective way to throw a frisbee??
After that small glimpse into the world of ultimate, I was introduced to the teams at a party the Scallywags were hosting and I had never experienced a more welcoming community of people. I wasn’t even playing the sport yet but they took me in and for that I was grateful. I knew that the following year I was going to become a Wench.
And I did. I joined the team my sophomore year and at first I was a bit shy and didn’t talk to many of the girls, because I’d really only gotten to know the guys team during the previous year. Plus, I never got along with girls as much as I did with guys. But it wasn’t long before a bond was created amongst us.
I think our first tournament was what really did it. It started with a long road trip, where the only thing to do to pass the time was to talk and get to know each other. And that we did. What happens in the car on those road trips… stays in the car on those road trips. So unfortunately, my lips are sealed. But I will tell you this, I never would’ve imagined you could pack that many girls into a small confined place and have drama free air.
The atmosphere was so positive. We all supported each other and kept our spirits high, reflecting the ever positive attitude of our coach. He was definitely the glue that kept us always pieced together.Ultimate Frisbee came to me in a time when I really needed it. My sophomore year was a rough one for me. A few bridges were burned with people who meant a lot to me. But my team got me through. I had a team of girls who cared for me and counted on me and the bridges I made with them will take me to much better places than the bridges that were burned.
In Ultimate, a single player can't score on their own like they could in soccer and football. It literally takes every player on the field to be in the right place in order to score. We all trust and rely on each other and I think that's what breeds the bond we have outside of the game. I love about Ultimate Frisbee because I know I will always have the support of my team on and off the field.
What can you learn from my experience? You will be able to make bonds in the unlikeliest of places. You may be someone that joins a sport they've never heard of. You may be someone that swore they would never rush but finds the perfect fraternity or sorority. Whatever the case, put yourself out there and great things will happen.
If you would like to check out the club facebook pages, here are the links!
USF Scallywenches Women's Ultimate Team:
https://www.facebook.com/USFWomensUltimate?fref=ts
USF Scallywags Men's Team:
https://www.facebook.com/USFUltimate?fref=ts
