Throughout many of the sports that students participate in at BSM, many go unseen and are brushed aside. Ultimate Frisbee has not only gained popularity at BSM but has grabbed the attention of many schools from across the country.
Ultimate frisbee, once viewed as a recreational hobby, has worked its way back into the campus life of BSM. “I got here six or seven years ago, the girls’ team had six players and now we have over 50, and the boys team had 16 or 17 players, and now they have about 25,” girls’ ultimate frisbee coach and math teacher John Groess said.
Unlike traditional sports, ultimate frisbee accepts players of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to the game, there’s a place for you on the field. “The nice part with frisbee is that it’s something new…I think also with it being a frisbee, it’s more approachable and most people have thrown a Frisbee in their life,” Groess said.
The nice part with frisbee is that it’s something new…I think also with it being a frisbee, it’s more approachable and most people have thrown a Frisbee in their life.”
— John Groess
While competition is inherent in sports, Ultimate Frisbee offers a unique approach, victory is not solely determined by the final score, but rather by the skills mastered and the bonds formed. “We very purposely on both the boys and the girls’ team have tried to focus on learning and having fun, less than forcing us to try to win, which I think makes it less intimidating to join a new sport,” Groess said.
Benilde-St. Margarets is full of sports, clubs, activities, and many more, and promoting these things to the student body is extremely important. “The biggest thing for any activity is making it known and trying to make it so that it’s approachable and easy to do…I think it’s really important to foster more sports and options for students because I think the more people are involved just the happier they are,” Groess said.
Not only does the school have an impact on the promotion of Ultimate Frisbee, but the teachers who run and promote it do too. “Mr. Groess has definitely contributed to the success and growth of the ultimate frisbee team,” junior Scarlett Lira said.
There are not many veterans on the team, however, the few that are have seen a great change in the team. “The ultimate frisbee team only started a few years before I came to BSM and ever since then it’s just been growing and growing,” senior Sloane Dokman said.
As Ultimate Frisbee continues to gain momentum at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the future looks bright for the sport. “I hope it continues to grow and I hope more people try to do it. Ultimate Frisbee helped me and changed my life and who I met, and I hope more people do it here,” Groess said.
Participation in after-school activities facilitates social connection and community building among students. These extracurricular opportunities bring together individuals with shared interests and goals. “My dream would be every student does something after school for the Red Knights every season, and I think people will be drawn to ultimate frisbee,” Groess said.