The Ultimate Frisbee team is amping up for what could be their best season yet. Going into their fifth year of play in the GRADA (Greater Rochester Area Disc Association) League, Carpe Discum ,the McQuaid-Mercy Ultimate team, is preparing for a great year.

Despite being possibly the most unknown sport here at McQuaid, the Ultimate Knights have managed to consistently do quite well in the GRADA League over their five years here. GRADA is the organizer for the league in which Carpe Discum plays. The team plays in the B Division and has placed first once in five years. In addition to their wins in the local league, the Ultimate Knights did quite well at States last year despite it being their first time participating.

Carpe Discum also features players from other non-McQuaid schools such as the Harley School and Our Lady of Mercy.  Harley School junior Francesca Sorbello shared her experience learning with the team.

“Our coaches are both experienced players that have taught me a lot about ultimate,” Sorbello remarked. “My teammates have helped me build up my skills by challenging me at practices and working hard as a team.”

Being one of the few co-ed extracurriculars available here at McQuaid, Ultimate is a great opportunity to interact with tons of new people and meet new friends.

Ultimate is not just a sport for veteran players but gladly welcomes new members. With only one team, everything from the basics to more advanced throws and strategies are taught by both returning players and the coaches.

Michael Bowen, ‘19, shared his experience learning Ultimate as a beginner and how his coaches and teammates helped him.

“They’re there.” Mike said, “They’re fun to be around, they facilitate a learning atmosphere.”

The learning environment the team presents is not rigid and strict but need-based and fun, teaching the different players based on what they need to learn at their level.

With most of this year’s team consisting of veteran seniors, this is looking like it could be the best season yet. Current team captain and five year veteran Sam Nix, ‘19,  shared how he thinks this season is going to be.

“It’s going to be a fun season–a lot of athletic kids on the team.  Hopefully we’ll get some new faces as well as see a bunch of old ones.”

With the season coming up soon in April, there will be a handful of practices leading up to the start to try out Ultimate in the hopes of gaining “some new faces” on the team. To find out more about these meetings, stay tuned to the announcements in the coming weeks or see Sam Nix for more information.