If you’re new to Ultimate Frisbee, you might ask “where’s the ref?” The answer is: everywhere. That’s because every person on the field is their own referee who trusts every other player to also be their own referee. A game that relies so heavily on self-awareness, internal mediation, and advocacy is a natural fit for Hyla, which explains why it has been a beloved school tradition for many years. 

This year, we joyfully welcome new coaches into that tradition. Alongside Cooper and David, three high school students -Trey Field-Bennett, Carson Cramer, and Spencer Freeman – are back on the field to welcome veteran players and rookies alike. “I loved stepping back,” said Cooper, “to let these passionate kids use their own voices to share the fundamentals of Hyla that they still carry with them and then choose to bring back to younger students because it means so much to them. It was truly a beautiful Hyla thing on the first day of Ultimate to watch them pass the torch of spirit, sportspersonship, and dedication to each other.” On the first day of practice, Cooper watched the new coaches give lessons in technical throwing and strategy while also covering the ethics of the game. “They talked about how to treat your teammates, how to treat players on the other team, and that while competition is good, the spirit of the games rules over it all.” 

While new leaders emerge on the field, new students are also invited into a sport in a way that is approachable. “We all have a lot going on in our lives,” says Cooper, “so if a student has a commitment on a day when we have Ultimate practice, to me that is no reason to not join Ultimate. Instead, we make sure students know they can choose 2 out of 3 practices a week.” Whether new or returning, Ultimate gives all players a different way to think about competition and teamwork. “It takes a lot of guts for a 6^th grader to show up and stay, and it also takes tremendous generosity in 8^th graders to be inclusive enough that the 6^th graders know they belong.” As older players support younger ones, they are proving that what matters is more than your own athleticism – how you show up to motivate and engage others determines how the game goes. Turns out, the same is true in life.