How Ultimate Frisbee Changed my University Experience

Emily is a second year Neuroscience and Mental Health student and a member of the women’s ultimate frisbee team.

It made me realize my athletic career wasn’t over.

I have been a competitive athlete since I was in elementary school. Sports have always been a huge part of who I am. Moving away to start university meant that I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue my involvement in competitive sports, and honestly, I wasn’t quite ready for my entire life to be consumed by school.

Trying out for the Women’s Ultimate team at Carleton was the best decision I could have made. Not only do I have five years of eligibility to play in the Canadian University Ultimate series, but it opened up the world of Ultimate Frisbee to me. Ultimate is a sport you can play at a competitive level…basically until you can’t walk anymore. Besides playing at Carleton, I can try out for local competitive teams in Ottawa on our off season, and even the Canadian National Team in years to come. I thought coming to university meant my athletic career was going to be pretty much over, but now I realize it’s just getting started.

My teammates are my best friends.

The Women’s Ultimate team at Carleton is by far one of the most friendly and welcoming group of ladies I have had the pleasure of being a part of. Moving to Ottawa for the first time all the way from B.C., I knew pretty much no one here. I now have 20+ motivated, like minded teammates that I can call my friends on and off the field (one of them is even my roommate this year). Whether it’s grabbing bellinis at Milestones, staying in sketchy motels during our tournament trips or diving face first into a mud puddle on the field to make that catch, these girls are always having a good time.

It forces me to exercise.

I personally love exercising, but when homework piles up, the weather gets cold or maybe I just don’t really want to go try to squeeze in between the 40 guys grunting through their bicep curls at the gym, it’s easy to put fitness on the back burner. The great thing about being on a competitive sports team is you actually HAVE to exercise. Not only does our coach Paula make us work our butts off in practices and fitness sessions (I’ve been on this team for one year and I’m in the best shape of my life), but I’m that much more motivated to hit the gym on my own time to improve my game on the field. Plus teammates = gym buddies!

If you’re interested in joining our team for the 2018/19 season, we’re holding open tryouts Tuesday, September 4th & Thursday, September 5th 7:00-9:00am at the Raven’s Field. All experience levels are welcome! Sign up on our website or check out our Facebook page for more info!