This past weekend, I received the Pufahl Award. I can’t even begin to describe what a shock and honor it was. I had no idea my team had nominated me until we received the list of nominees. And then when I saw the list of nominees, I was floored because some of my biggest frisbee role models were on the list, namely Peri, Miranda, and Lindsey. Reading everyone’s bios was very humbling. I don’t think people have any idea how much those three (and others) have done for our sport— the (little) work I’ve done doesn’t even hold a candle to it. I can honestly say that I would be happy if I am able to accomplish even half of what any of them have done. Peri has done an incredible amount for every aspect of our sport. Miranda was my first frisbee idol and does so much for youth and women’s ultimate in the Northwest. She’s moving to China next summer and is going to do HUGE things there. And Lindsey is always one of the first people I go to whenever I need frisbee advice. She should have gotten the award solely for what she has done with Phoenix this year.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this past season and about my frisbee career in general. I never thought that ultimate would become such a big part of my life. I’ve had a really hard time this year off the field in my personal life and I feel like I’ve fought that by pouring every ounce of energy into frisbee. I am so grateful for my friends who have reminded (forced) me to take time for myself and who have supported me and loved me when I needed them most. Yesterday, I was with a bunch of A-Pod people for my birthday and they all went around and shared funny / special memories of me, and told me what they love most about me. I think it’s really interesting how people’s perceptions of me are so different than how I feel about myself sometimes. I feel like I have a lot to live up to. 
