The Art of Ultimate
October 5, 2018
Written By: Mikayla DiSarle
When proposed with the idea of playing a college club sport that I had never before played, let alone heard of, my immediate answer was “absolutely not.” I said those two words just three weeks before starting my freshman year at Liberty University. That’s why I was elated when it was raining the day of tryouts. The only reason I considered showing up to tryouts was out of respect of giving my word to the girl who invited me just several weeks prior. I texted her and asked if tryouts were still on. “Yep! We play rain or shine. See you there,” was the reply. My stomach flew to my throat. I thought of every excuse I could as to why I wouldn’t be able to make it but, finally, I grabbed my stuff and made my way to the field.
What sport was I terrified of, you may ask? A sport that combines grace and grit. A sport full of competition and fun. A sport on the rise. A sport none other than Ultimate Frisbee. The minute I stepped on the field at tryouts, I felt accepted. The Ultimate community is what drew me to the sport and has kept me coming back ever since. Whether I’m playing here at Liberty or back home in South Florida, I have been given encouragement and constructive criticism to help me reach my full potential. One small critique can completely change the way you play Ultimate. That’s why our team verse is Luke 16:10, “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much,” or as we like to say, “Faithful in the little things.” As a team, we believe that if you are diligent in how you practice and strive to perform your best, your hard work will pay off in the long run.
Ultimate is built off a few things: respect for the game and for each other, athleticism, and communication. Our coach constantly reminds us that “Communication is the key in life, marriage, and Ultimate.” Before playing, I knew sports to be refereed by an outside source. That way, if a call was made, it would be based on someone proficient in the sport who saw the bigger picture. Ultimate, however, is a self-officiated sport. Players abide by the “Spirit of the Game” which involves the golden rule – meaning you will treat others as you want to be treated. This concept blew my mind. Not only can I practice my communication skills in class or at work, but now I can practice a different aspect of communication on the field. I have learned how to articulate my position, respectfully express the rules of the game, and to stand my ground when necessary. These skills are as much a part of the grace and grit of the game as athletic ability.
As a Christian school, our team at Liberty strives to show the love of Christ in our sport. After every game, we invite the opposing team to join us in a group spirit circle. We thank them for playing, highlight any strengths we see in their team, and then ask if we can pray with them. They are all given the option, and no one is forced to stay. Most players will join in our word of prayer. No matter who won the last game or what calls were made, as representatives of Jesus Christ and Liberty University, we show respect to our opponents knowing that we are all united under the love of God.
As we walk to the end zone line to start the point, I look to my left and to my right and think about where we all started – as individuals. I was someone who came into the sport not wanting to play, skating along as the player that shows up to practice, does what is required, and leaves right after. Now, as I look at our team, I see a family. This is the family that I have needed as mine has been so far away. This is the family that has taught me winning is not everything, but it is pretty sweet. This is the family that always points me back to God, and He shows us what it truly means to win. As the disc is launched from the opposite end zone, we take off running, ready to take on whatever comes our way. Together. So, if you see some frisbee happening on our campus fields, come join in the experience and see where the disc will take you. Who knows, it may even guide you to your future family as it has with me.