Who are the best players in the Great Lakes region? This is an open thread to discuss All-Region nominations, All-Freshman nominations, coaching awards, and more. Stay positive and keep it civil.
Davenport all region:
Lanie O’Neill is a dominant force on and off the field. She has led this team from the very start to two back-to-back nationals right out the gate. Huge hucks, quick movement, and amazing layouts, Lanie is an all-star.
Leilani Lepe was Freshman of the Year runner-up last year after she walked on to the nationals fields with 4 practices under her belt. She is fast and can change direction on a dime. No one is safe when Lepe is on the field.
Jocelyn Richison is the future of DU ultimate. She started last year as a freshman, and this year she is already running the offense and leading on the field. She has a quick first step up line and will bid for anything out of reach. Look for her to be a big name in ultimate.
Yasmin Bañares is one of the best players on any field. While she is injured and unable to play this spring, she still deserves this honor. She will work until she can’t move anymore, cutting in the handler space then busting deep to make a gravity-defying grab in the endzone.
Butler all-region:
Jess Hutzel #15: Captain of Butler. Strong player who works in the cutter and handler spaces. Dominant thrower and handler for Butler and offense typically filters through her. Power thrower for Butler. Good hands in cutting space with great field awareness. Generates turns with run through Ds.
Ella Sibbersen #22: Captain of Butler. Strong handler that filters offense through her and is a primary initiator in handler space. Excellent throws and field awareness. Difficult to shut down. Plays effective handler defense.
Lauren Fields #23: Hybrid player for Butler. Strong cutter with excellent continuation throws and good field awareness. Good hands and good in the air. Power thrower in the handler space. Generates Ds in the deep space.
Kalamazoo all-region:
Marissa is a senior who has been playing frisbee for 1.25 years, but you’d never guess it watching her on the field. She’s a relentless cutter who can run for days and somehow always finds the open space. Known for her quick feet, even quicker comebacks, and injuries, Marissa brings energy, laughs, and laser focus to every game. Whether she’s chasing down discs or hyping up the sideline, she’s a force you want on your team.
Virian is a sophomore at Kalamazoo College who’s been lighting up the frisbee field for two years now. They started out as a speedy cutter and are now stepping into a handling role—because why not master it all? No matter where they are on the field, Vien brings nonstop energy, good vibes, and a whole lot of fun. Their infectious enthusiasm keeps the team smiling and the spirit high, win or lose.
Tara is one of the fearless captains of the Kalamazoo College ultimate frisbee team, and it shows. A seasoned player who’s been slinging discs since high school, she’s a rock-solid handler with a killer flick and field vision to match. Whether she’s breaking ankles or breaking zones, Tara leads with confidence, skill, and a whole lot of heart. Catch her anchoring the offense and rallying the squad with her signature calm-in-the-chaos vibe.
Knox:
Michiko Ueda -either for all region or all freshmen
Michiko is a brand new cutter this year, with experience playing basketball beforehand. You’ll see her all over the field, catching high and low (even in the splits!). Her speed, determination, and spirit are out of this world! Not to mention all her handblocks!
Brooke Bellmar
Brooke is a senior and a force to be reckoned with in a zone. Her mid-mid is scary, bewildering and unrivaled. You can see her directing the field when she has the disc, and watch out for her flick! If you throw her a disc, you can be sure it’ll be caught with one hand, two hands, or knees. You can catch her cackling and calling sideline chants, making the whole team’s experience more fun.
Madeline Hart
Madeline is our most dedicated senior who is a calm and consistent presence on the field. Her leftie throws can hit any cutter with precision and grace. As a former spirit captain she still brings the ruckus to the sideline. Her goofiness and incredible frisbee skills will be sorely missed next year.