The Frisbee Family and why I play

For me Ultimate Frisbee is about family, and why I play centers around that belief. The short answer is because it's fun. I love to play and the people I have met along the way. But this would be a real short story if that was it. The long answer starts back in high school.

I started playing Ultimate thanks to the encouragement of my parents and sister as a way to get a shy freshman out of the house. Imagine that, being told to play by your parents like it was a chore or something. I had never seen the sport and like many new players could barely throw. I could run though, and after feeling like the least athletic kid in school for years I finally had something. 

Back then I knew little about the strategy of the game except to find an opening and to get there fast as I could. So, that’s what I did. Any chance I could get I was off and running, and so was my unofficial career in the sport.

As I gained more experience my skills improved and my passion grew as well. I played throughout high school and into college. It was always a fun hobby and of course great exercise. I attended practices and pick-up games as much as I could, but that was the limit of what I did. Work and school kept me from doing much else.

It was not until I moved out on my own and started living in Iowa that Ultimate took on a greater meaning. I found the local group in the Quad Cities, and was quickly welcomed. For such a small community the Ultimate scene was amazing. There were entire families that came out and everyone was included regardless of age or gender. No one was turned away. It was one big Frisbee family and I felt at home. 

We bonded on the field and off it as well, and supported each other. Over the years as many of us moved away, including myself, the QC Frisbee family is something I took pride in being a part of.

Eventually I went from being a young player soaking up information to a teacher. I will always enjoy playing, but now I enjoy sharing my experiences with others. One of my fondest memories is winning a league title with a team of players that I watched grow and learn the game first hand.

Frisbee continues to be about family and friendship. I would not be the person or player I am today without the people I have met because of the sport. Even though I am usually sore after games and the speed isn't what it was I still love it.  My goal now isn't just to keep playing, but to continue to teach others about the game. 

That means showing them how to play while also helping new players understand that this sport, our sport, is about the connections you make. Anyone can be a good Ultimate player. It takes a unique person to be a good player and person. That's the lesson I learned and the one I hope to pass on.