This year was my last year of college. Maybe I’ll go back later, but my eligibility will have run out. It was bittersweet this year. Yes, I love SOL as a collective because it gave me my first experiences with ultimate. But at the same time, I’m ready to move on to a team where I can personally grow as a player. Nothing is more frustrating than coming back from club to play college ultimate where only a few can stay on for more than one point at a time. I get it, that’s how it is, but it is also the reason why I left competitive swimming after 12 years. I was fed up with the drama, cliques, and the personality conflicts. Maybe it is because I am 23 and most of our team was made up of 18-19 year old freshman this year. SOL has so much potential and depth, but it was not completely realized throughout the entire season. The pressure of a goal to make nationals left a few great players behind on the sidelines. It is a constant frustrating battle between keeping your star players on to win and letting the younger less experienced players get the experience they need. Even when they got to play, I saw more frustration than excitement. I fully believe there is a way to balance that out. I haven’t seen it with SOL yet.
This summer I’m hopefully going to play with a new awesome team in the Twin Cities. I’m really excited because the opportunity came through friendly connections. And I will get playing time. That’s what I’m the most excited about. And finding people who can help me with my development. Like most athletes I need feedback and some coaching. I want to find out how I can get better as things move along. I didn’t get that on SOL.
I’m taking my experiences in college ultimate to heart. Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast along the way. In the end, I want to do big things in the ultimate world. I love this sport. It changed my life for the better, so I want to help make it better in return.
