Redefining Excellence in Sports
USA Ultimate and its players have proudly embraced and celebrated Spirit, honoring individuals who have positively contributed to the sport as well as teams who exemplify fair play in competition. Each year, peer-nominated players are recognized in the club and masters division while Team Spirit awards are given at all USA Ultimate championship events. Beyond awards and formal recognition, the ultimate community also displays Spirit in a variety of unique and creative ways, often times filling a void left by other sports. The culture of Spirit is woven into the entire spectrum of ultimate, from grassroots, recreational players up to elite-level competition.
2024 Club Division Spirit Awards
2024 Kathy Pufahl Spirit Award
Kaela Helton
San Diego Flipside
Named for Kathy Pufahl, the women’s division spirit award honors the athlete who best exemplifies both the ethos of Spirit of the Game, along with a personal commitment to giving back to the sport. Each team at the National Championships casts a vote for one of the nominees, selected by their individual teams, taking into account who has exhibited personal responsibility, integrity and selfless contribution to ultimate, combined with a high standard of playing ability. From San Diego Flipside, Kaela Helton.
2024 Peter Farricker Spirit Award
Byron Liu
San Francisco Revolver
Named for Peter “Wheels” Farricker, the men’s division spirit award is given to the player at the National Championships adjudged to have exhibited personal responsibility, integrity, and fairness combined with a high standard of playing ability. Each Nationals-qualifying men’s team nominates one player from their own team for the award as the person who best represents Spirit of the Game. From San Francisco Revolver, Byron Liu.
2024 Spirit & Equity Award (Women)
Liz Carbajal
Austin Disco Club
The mixed division’s Spirit and Equity Award is given to two mixed division players each year. The winners are determined by Nationals-qualifying mixed teams and honor athletes who have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Austin Disco Club, it’s Liz Carbajal.
2024 Spirit & Equity Award (Men)
Caleb Denecour
Minneapolis Drag’n Thrust
The mixed division’s Spirit and Equity Award is given to two mixed division players each year. The winners are determined by Nationals-qualifying mixed teams and honor athletes who have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Austin Disco Club, it’s Caleb Denecour.
2025 Masters Division Spirit Awards
2025 Marty Bakko Award
Terry Gaither
Naptown
Established in 2010, the Marty Bakko Spirit Award is presented to a player in the men’s masters division at the USA Ultimate Masters Championships who best exemplifies SOTG. The award was created in honor of the late Marty Bakko (Minneapolis Surly). The masters division spirit award honors players that embody the best attributes of ultimate. Like Marty Bakko, these individuals: have an infectious sense of humor; possess a long-term passion for the sport of ultimate; display a commitment to fair play, integrity and respect for their opponent; are shrewd, tactical innovators on the field; show an intense, competitive Spirit; and are leaders who inspire others to act. From Naptown, your 2025 Marty Bakko Award Winner is Terry Gaither.
2025 Women’s Masters Spirit Award
Anri Brod
Winded City
Each qualifying masters women’s team nominates one player from its roster as the person who best represents the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Winded City, your 2025 Women’s Masters Spirit Award Winner is Anri Brod.
2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award (Mixed)
Elena Schwam
Slower
Each qualifying masters mixed team nominates two players from its roster as the people who best represent the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Slower, your 2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award Winner is Elena Schwam.
2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award (Mixed)
Matt Jaffe
Apres Club
Each qualifying masters mixed team nominates two players from its roster as the people who best represent the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Apres Club, your 2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award Winner is Matt Jaffe.
The Culture of Spirit
Opposing Teams on the Same Sideline
Both teams share the same sideline, leading to in-game dialogue and interaction between opponents and a unique dynamic that strengthens communication and community.
A Penchant for Celebrating
Despite frequent scoring, teams celebrate goals with creativity and enthusiasm.
Spirit Gifts
Especially in international competition, teams exchange Spirit gifts after a game, usually a small but meaningful token that’s indicative of a country’s culture.
Dancing
Some teams do choreographed dances, often inviting their opponents to join.
Spirit Games
Even amidst a competitive tournament, players often embrace the idea that ultimate should be fun above all else, inventing and playing games on the sidelines between rounds.
A supportive and vocal sideline
From the sideline, players lift up and support their on-field teammates with words of encouragement, sometimes including quirky chants and cheers.
Engaged and passionate fans
Spirit spills over to the sidelines and stands as fans, friends, parents and other supporters back their favorite team in creative and fun ways.
Celebrate and Support Your Opponent
High fives and other gestures acknowledging a goal or a win aren’t just reserved for teammates. Players often show similar support for their opponent too.
Festive Tournaments
Not all events are serious affairs. Fun recreational tournaments – some even with themes and costumes – are common and highlight the lighter side of ultimate.
Lending a helping hand
Offering assistance to a fallen or injured opponent is a common sign of respect that occurs frequently throughout the course of a game.
Traditions
Unless otherwise prohibited by tournament rules, a good luck charm or other items representing a team tradition might make an appearance, keeping the mood light and the focus on fun.
Quotes from the Community
