The Donor Spotlight campaign highlights supporters of the Ultimate Foundation and its programs and initiatives, giving donors the opportunity to share their experiences in ultimate, why they donated and other related topics.
What is your connection to the sport of ultimate now?
I am a member of the South Bend Ultimate Board and the Goshen Ultimate Board. I am also one of the captains for the local mixed club team, Skyhawks, in addition to being a summer league captain. My husband and I have also organized winter pickup events. Our goal is that winter pickup becomes a winter league (there isn’t one in this area at this time). Lastly, my friend Hannah Scrafford and I run skills clinics in Goshen. This year, I am unable to play because I tore my ACL last fall, but I am trying my hardest to stay involved by doing a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks.
What aspect about ultimate are you most passionate about? Why?
I am very passionate about teaching and encouraging women to play! I am a female who has been playing for five years, and I still remember the struggle of being extremely confused and also having to prove myself in order to get the disc. I don’t want to see anyone get discouraged from playing ultimate. I do my best to share any knowledge I have, along with encouraging people to share the disc with everyone.
How has ultimate impacted your life or the life of someone you know?
Ultimate has given me confidence. As a person who has struggled with confidence and self worth, I feel blessed to have found this sport, which has helped me break out of my shell. A huge factor has been the AMAZING community. My Goshen, South Bend and Valpo (Valparaiso University) teammates have been with me through thick and thin. Their support is unbelievable and their encouragement has made me feel like I can accomplish just about anything. The confidence I have gained on the field has carried over into my everyday life. It is why I have such profound love for this sport and its community.
Why did you give to the Ultimate Foundation?
We made a donation to the Ultimate Foundation because we wanted all proceeds from the wedding hat tournament to go toward building up the community we have grown to love so much.
What is the Ultimate Foundation doing that excites you the most?
I love the clinics that are run by the Ultimate Foundation. I believe that ultimate is a unique sport that unites so many people regardless of gender, race, background, etc. It’s very exciting to see this sport continue to spread, especially to such a young demographic.
Why does this cause matter to you?
This cause matters to me because, ever since I started playing, there has been a shortage of women in addition to a low retention rate. During my first year playing in college, we only had one sub at tournaments and we even played Savage (with no subs) at Nationals. I would love nothing more than to see more girls playing and hopefully continuing to play for years to come. I want the joy and love of ultimate to continue to spread.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would that be?
If I could change one thing about the world, I would get rid of inequality. I believe every person should have an equal opportunity to reach their potential in whatever they desire. We shouldn’t hinder people’s growth because of gender, where they are from, the color of their skin, their beliefs or any other else.