Pronouns: She/Her

Joined USA Ultimate: February 2011
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
College: University of Georgia

About: 

As lead for the finance and administration department, I mastermind financial planning and reporting and support the board, the staff and all of the administrative office functions, including human resources, IT, logistics, insurance, etc. I also help out with fundraising and the new Ultimate Foundation.

I worked as an accounting and tax consultant at Ernst & Young before specializing in non-profits.

I played ultimate for 10 years on Atlanta Ozone before moving to Boston, where I joined Brute Squad for one season (although I tore my ACL two weeks into the season – doh!). After moving to Colorado, I played one season with Atlanta Bucket and one season with Boulder Jackwagon but mostly started focusing on coaching.

I like cooking (and eating!), reading, UGA football and spending time with my husband Andy, our daughter Sophie and our dog Maya.

Fun Facts:

1. I have a daughter named Sophie. She’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

2. I have played at 15 UPA/USA Ultimate National Championships – four in college with Georgia (including winning it all in 2001!), 10 in the club women’s division with Ozone and one in the club mixed division with Bucket.

Joined USA Ultimate: January 2001
Hometown: Warner Robins, GA
College: University of Georgia (BS and MS)

About:

I am responsible for overseeing USA Ultimate’s competition and athlete programs, including over 250 events in USAU’s 20 divisions of competition and over a dozen national teams. I also direct programs for coaching, youth outreach, Spirit of the Game, rules, officiating and conduct.

I transitioned into sports administration and event management from parks and recreation. Prior to working at the UPA/USAU, I worked at a regional park in Athens, Ga., and as a raft guide in Ocoee, Tenn.

I played ultimate at the University of Georgia for five years, beginning in the fall of 1993. I played club ultimate for Atlanta’s Chain Lightning (1996-2000) and Boulder’s Johnny Bravo (2001-2006, 2008). I’ve played at three College Nationals, nine Club Nationals, two WFDF World Championships (WUCC) and the IWGA World Games where I was part of Team U.S.A.’s gold-medal run in 2005.

I live in Louisville, Colo., with my wife Melanie and sons Liam and Jack. Outside of ultimate, I enjoy outdoor activities with my family, including mountain biking, camping and snowboarding/skiing. I also enjoy tennis, goaltimate and entertaining myself playing guitar and piano.

Fun Facts:

1. I co-authored the Callahan Rules for college ultimate, along with Charles Kerr, in 1997. These rules introduced many now-standard parts of the game, including the defensive (Callahan) goal, time limits and the current role of observers.

2. When I left college, I held the intramural bench press record at the University of Georgia (for the lightest weight class).

3. While playing pool in a bar, I got into a standoff with a drunk, racist guy. My girlfriend punched him in the face. I married her.

Joined USA Ultimate: September 2008
Hometown: Texas

About:

As event manager, I work with convention and visitors bureaus, sports commissions and local disc organizations to help bring great events to the world. I also manage masters division competition. Prior to working at USA Ultimate, I worked in retail management. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my children, cycling, road trips and hanging out at home. I started playing ultimate in 1983 in Texas. I have captained teams in four divisions at Nationals. I was a long-time sectional and regional coordinator and was recognized as coordinator of the year in both positions.

Fun Facts:

1. In the fifth grade, I was left behind on a field trip at the Fields Museum in Chicago.

2. I can drive longer than anyone at USA Ultimate without stopping.

3. I once won a game of Trivial Pursuit on my first turn.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Joined USA Ultimate: January 2012
Hometown: Springfield, VA
College: University of Virginia

About:

As one of USA Ultimate’s event managers, I get to help plan some of the world’s finest ultimate tournaments. I switched to planning ultimate events from helping people with their retirement planning after about 15 years in the financial services industry. I still play ultimate when I can (though many say I never could), but I also chase plastic on the internet as I am collecting old discs and paraphernalia. I started playing ultimate in college and volunteered for many years and in various roles with the UPA, WAFC and Minnesota High School Ultimate League.

Fun Facts:

1. I have been to Colombia, Brazil and Mexico to serve as WFDF Tournament Technical Director for the Pan American Ultimate Championships.

2. I got to coach ultimate to scores of great kids at Edina High School in Minnesota.

3. Many people think I am slow because of all of the knee surgeries I’ve had, but no, I am truly naturally slow.

Pronouns: He/Him

Joined USA Ultimate: May 2022
Hometown: Holland, MI
College: Kalamazoo College, Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University

About:

I am the club division manager at USA Ultimate, so I am responsible for all club division programs and events, primarily the Triple Crown Tour, as well as adult National Teams.

I began playing ultimate on the quad at Kalamazoo College when Jimmy Carter was president. I taught the ultimate class at Kalamazoo College and have captained teams, been a tournament director and a sectional coordinator, and served on local ultimate boards. I still get out and play league and GGM/legends ultimate as often as I can.

Outside of ultimate, I was an education professional (teacher, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator), primarily for Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan. I retired from education in 2013, and “unretired” in 2022 to take the position with USAU.

Fun Facts:

1. I started working on my lefty flick in 1986. It is almost game ready.

2. I’ve been to Elvis Costello Concerts in five different decades.

3. If you need directions to a secluded beach in west Michigan, I’m your guy.

Pronouns: He/Him

Joined USA Ultimate:
Hometown: Miami, FL
College: Florida A&M University (BS) – Florida State University (MS)

About:

I proudly serve as the Competition and National Team Programs Coordinator at USA Ultimate. I bring a fierce work ethic, unwavering determination, and an unmatched passion for sports to everything I do.

I began my career in sports as a Sports Performance Intern at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Where I learned about strength and conditioning, and from there, I worked as an Athletic & Rec. I was an assistant at Florida State University, where I supported the maintenance of sports facilities and the setup and breakdown of home sporting events. I then served as an Event Coordinator at Alliance Sport Marketing from May 2023 to January 2024. My duties involved staffing and fulfilling event metrics, planning, and coordinating, amongst other tasks.

Fun Facts: 
1. Outside of my professional roles, I serve as an Assistant Coach at Fountain-Fort Carson School for my favorite sport, wrestling.

2. My favorite superhero is Spiderman.

3. I also have three dogs, Bentley, Nami, and Bair. I am a fan of the New England Patriots, Miami Heat, and Florida State Seminoles. I also enjoy working out, watching movies, and traveling.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Joined USA Ultimate: November 2023
Hometown: Charlotte, VT
College: Colgate University

About:

In my life, I have been a teacher, coach, volunteer, organizer and leader in the fields of education, ultimate and coaching. Some highlights of my career include coaching Memorial Ultimate from 1997-2015, teaching economics for 18 years, founding many of the youth playing opportunities that exist in Madison, WI, being part of the Coach Development Program since 2003 and then being able to work at USA Ultimate as the manager of youth and education programs. Through these experiences, I have had many opportunities to work with amazing people, helping to build environments allowing young adults to experience joy while growing, learning and building community.

With my new position at USA Ultimate, my focus will be working with communities to provide them the support and resources they need to grow youth ultimate.

Outside of ultimate, I love spending time with my family, playing board games, taking walks and watching sports.

Fun Facts:

1. I graduated high school and college twice and also married my wife twice.

2. I have lived in both Taipei, Taiwan and Naoetsu, Japan.

3. I am adding to my hobbies and taking up woodworking.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Joined USA Ultimate: October 2019
Hometown: Rome, GA
College: University of Georgia, Appalachian State, Georgia State

About:

The main focus of my role is working on coach education and youth programs to make ultimate even better!

So far, my biggest career highlight was probably being heavily involved in sport science research projects at the 1996 Olympic Games.

I am a runner, although less competitive than in my younger days. These days, I am content running the amazing trails around Colorado Springs and spending summer days on the Arkansas River kayaking, rafting and SUP-ing.

Fun Facts:

1. I have been to every craft brewery in El Paso (CO) County.

2. I love to whitewater kayak but have not gotten my roll down…yet.

3. I have solo parachuted twice – looking to do it again!

Pronouns: He/Him

Joined USA Ultimate: September 2022
Hometown: Chambersburg, PA
College: Slippery Rock

About:

My main job at USA Ultimate is to help make the sport of ultimate more diverse and to ensure that we are engaging the next generation of young athletes.

Over the course of my career, I have interned and worked for nonprofit organizations at the local, national and international levels, assisting with program development and outreach initiatives. Those experiences, combined with my passion for diversity and inclusion work, is what led me to my position with USA Ultimate. My goal as EDI Manager is to see our young ultimate players grow as athletes and take that same confidence as they grow personally and professionally.

My love of sport stems from being raised by teachers and coaches and competing alongside my cousins. That love led to my first job as a tennis instructor in middle school. In my spare time, I still enjoy playing tennis as well as staying as active as possible!

Fun Facts:

1. I am a geography wiz and can name every country in the world and their capitals.

2. I share a birthday with Roger Federer.

3. When I’m not in the office, I’m in the kitchen wrist twistin’ like a stir fry! Seriously though, I do love cooking.

Joined USA Ultimate: May 2010
Hometown: Delafield, WI
College: University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

About:

At USA Ultimate, I am responsible for establishing the organization’s overall marketing, communications and public and media relations strategy and directing the department’s day-to-day operations, including television and media partnerships, sponsorship and licensing, branding and business development.

Prior to my relatively recent introduction to the sport of ultimate, I served in a similar capacity for USA Cycling (2003-08) after spending several years as an assistant director and global operations and media relations manager for Saturn Cycling – one of America’s longest-running and most successful professional cycling teams. As a sports marketer on the agency side with Team Sports, Inc., I also planned and implemented mobile marketing tours and athlete-brand relationships for several A-list clients in the action sports space, including Tommy Hilfiger, Volvo, Timex, Saturn, Cannondale and Rollerblade.

My experience in the Olympic world began with one of the most exclusive internship programs at the U.S. Olympic Committee as a sports management undergrad at UW-La Crosse. Since then, I had the privilege of serving on three U.S. Olympic Team delegations as a press officer in Athens (2004), Torino (2006) and Beijing (2008), as well as an athlete/media liaison at 18 World Championships and Pan American Games for Team USA.

When not working, I enjoy cycling, snowboarding, traveling, eating, watching the Green Bay Packers, mowing the lawn and spending time with my wife Julia, our daughter Sophie and our dog Maya.

Fun Facts:

1. A fanatic of Led Zeppelin, along with my childhood friend since the age of eight, Mike, we’ve attended 95 live performances by the surviving members of the band since 1995 across 26 states, the U.K. and China, including the legendary 2007 reunion concert in London where we camped out for three days to be the first two people in line, scored front row seats and witnessed the final, private rehearsal for the show as VIP guests of the band.

2. I was a record-holding NCAA collegiate high jumper with a 42″ vertical and a college dunk contest victory to my name.

3. As a travel enthusiast, I’ve been to 49 states – all but Alaska – and 25 countries.

Joined USA Ultimate: November 2022
Hometown: Appleton, WI
College: Marquette University

About:

I manage USA Ultimate’s communications, working with social media, public relations, editorial content, website upkeep and more.

My incredible parents both played pick-up ultimate in college, so I consider myself a legacy player. I first fell in love with ultimate in college, playing and captaining for Marquette University’s Birdhouse and in club ultimate for Timber and MKE. I’ve been around sports for a long time, working for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Marquette’s athletic program, March Madness and more.

I graduated with a major in journalism and worked in media for the Marquette Wire, Versiti Blood Center, the Milwaukee Business Journal and in several other roles.

In my free time, I’m usually staying active playing basketball or ultimate, hiking or being competitive in some way. I also enjoy visiting breweries, spending time with family and watching any and all sports.

Fun Facts:

1. I’ve hiked down and up the Grand Canyon.

2. My family and I are visiting every MLB stadium.

3. My friend Nick and I used to do a sports radio talk show called Cookies! We’re still waiting on season two.

Pronouns: She/Her

Joined USA Ultimate: February 2013
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
College: Appalachian State University

About:

My main responsibilities are managing the sport’s growing infrastructure through USA Ultimate’s state-based organization and affiliate programs; serving our nearly 60,000 members; and overseeing our technology, event sanctioning, and outreach programs; and more.

I spent my first seven years at USA Ultimate in the marketing and communications department, managing the organizations publications and communications efforts. Prior to joining USAU, I spent four years working for the North Carolina School Boards Association in Raleigh in communications and education policy. I started playing ultimate at Appalachian State and continued to play at the club level in the Triangle Area after graduating, mostly in the mixed division. I even got to play at Club Nationals once with wHagonweel before joining USAU. In addition to still playing ultimate, I love all things Colorado: hiking, camping, backpacking, rafting, good beer and great music, as well as reading and traveling as much as possible.

Fun Facts:

1. I took baton-twirling lessons as a kid. Yep, that’s a thing.

2. Before picking up ultimate in college, I was a band dork. I played the clarinet.

3. I grew up in a town most people think is made up – Soddy Daisy, Tenn.

Pronouns: She/Her

Joined USA Ultimate: May 2015
Hometown: Easton, MA
College: Emerson College

About:

I started at USA Ultimate as the Manager of Event Sanctioning in May of 2015. I oversaw all sanctioned events and worked with event directors to plan and execute tournaments, clinics and practices. In 2018 I moved into the role of Manager of Community Services and Development where I continued to support our affiliate program and the community in growing ultimate. I am currently the Manager of Community Development & HR and am happy to connect with our membership and affiliates and be a resource for them as well as a resource for our staff as the HR Manager.

I’ve been playing ultimate since 2008 and club since 2014. I love playing ultimate and have been fortunate enough to play in great communities and meet wonderful people all across the nation.

When I’m not working I’m outside enjoying the Rocky Mountains! I love to mountain bike, climb, hike, ski and explore!

Fun Facts:

1. I have been vegan since 2012!

2. I worked as a story assistant on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo!

3. My ultimate nickname is DK!

Pronouns: She/Her

Joined USA Ultimate: March 2018
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
College: Colorado Technical University

About:

As the online technology manager, I am responsible for the technical aspects of the online presence of USA Ultimate. I have worked for over 15 years in software development. My career path started with Lockheed Martin and, most recently, has moved into the non-profit sector.

I moved out to Colorado as a kid and have enjoyed all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer. I enjoy spending time outside with my family, skiing, hiking and listening to live music at Red Rocks.

Fun Facts:

1. I have two standard poodles. One looks like and is named after Rowlf from the Muppets.

2. I’ve been to 30 concerts and counting.

3. I’ve attempted to hike up two different 14ers to watch the sunrise….missed the trail and hiked up a different mountain both times.

Pronouns: He/Him

Joined USA Ultimate: December 2023
Hometown: Dallas, TX
College: University of Texas

About:

As the web application developer, I am responsible for maintaining the website of USA Ultimate. I have worked for over 20 years in software development. I have worked in many sectors, including finance and chip design. Working in the non-profit area is a passion.

I have been lucky enough to coach my own kids in sports as they went through school. I also have enjoyed playing multiple sports as a youth and adult.

Fun Facts:

1. I have jumped out of an airplane and loved it.

2. I have jumped off of a boat and liked it.

3. I have jumped out of a car and, it was ok. 😊

Pronouns: She/Her

Joined USA Ultimate: April 2022
Hometown: Bloomington, IN
College: Macalester

About:

I am responsible for our Event Sanctioning program. I work with tournament directors, team managers and league coordinators to create event pages on the website and make sure players are rostered and events run smoothly.

After graduating from Macalester College in 1998, I worked in a research lab at Stanford, worked at a biotech company in South San Francisco, got a Masters of Education from the University of Alaska SE and taught high school in Colorado Springs. I then spent 6 years at home with my kids before joining USA Ultimate.

I started playing ultimate with the Purse Snatchers at Macalester College. Since then, I have played in the Bay Area for Feral Cows, Heroine and Skyline; in Juneau, AK on The Capitals; and in Colorado with Ripe, Rare Air, Swingline, Spikes Peak, Springs Mixed Ultimate Team and Spikes Peaked. I also played with the masters team Hey Babe out of Minnesota.

Besides ultimate, I enjoy rock climbing, rafting, reading, playing board games and spending time with my husband and two kids.