After reviewing more than 460 applications, the U.S. National Team coaching staff selected a total of 216 players to participate in one of two tryouts – a west tryout in Dublin, Calif., November 8-9 and an east tryout in Charlotte, N.C., November 22-23.

Following the tryouts, coaches will select a total of 72 players – 24 each to the mixed, open or women’s squads.

The open and women’s teams will again be led by head coaches Reid Koss and Deanna Ball, both of whom have been at the helm of their respective teams since 2018. Koss led the open team to gold medals in the last three editions of the tournament (2018, ’22, ’24), while Ball guided the women’s team to a pair of world titles in 2018 and 2022 and a silver medal in 2024.

Martin Aguilera returns to the sidelines as head coach of the mixed team after leading his squad to a world championship last summer. It was the first iteration of the mixed division at the tournament since it began in 1988.

On the open team, Koss will be joined by assistant coaches Andy Nielsen and Stan Birdsong and selection coach Christie Lawry.

Tulsa Douglas and AnnaMaria Pape will join Ball as assistant coaches of the women’s team along with selection coach Judy Jarvis.

In the mixed division, Aguilera will run it back with assistant coaches Clarie Revere and Ken Porter with Alexia McCaskill returning as a selection coach along with Ari Lozano.

Individuals interested in helping to provide long-term strategic direction, set policy or oversee effective corporate governance for a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit amateur sports organization are encouraged to formally express their interest by Sunday, November 2.

Potential candidates may express interest in one of two types of board seats for the 2025 election – At Large or Elite Athlete. At Large and Elite Athlete seats are elected by USA Ultimate members.

Terms will commence on January 1, 2026 and expire on Dec. 31, 2028.   

At Large representatives are elected by the general membership of USA Ultimate. Any current member in good standing that fulfills the basic requirements outlined in Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of USA Ultimate’s bylaws is eligible to run for election in the At Large category.

Elite Athlete representatives are elected by their peers. To run for the board as an Elite Athlete, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements and definition of an Elite Athlete as described in Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of USA Ultimate’s bylaws.

For a detailed description of the board’s scope of responsibilities and full eligibility requirements, please read Article V of the USA Ultimate Bylaws.

TO APPLY

To be considered, eligible candidates should express their interest by filling out the USA Ultimate Board of Directors Expression of Interest Application. Applications are due by Sunday, November 2.   

In addition to the eligibility requirements, the nominating committee will consider the following, which aligns with the process the board uses in considering potential board candidates:

1. The candidate’s potential contribution to the effective functioning of USAU and their ability to work cooperatively with and in support of the CEO and professional staff;

2. Any potential or impending change in the candidate’s principle area of responsibility with their company or in their employment;

3. Whether the candidate brings relevant expertise and experience to the board;

4. Whether the candidate has the ability to attend meetings and fully participate in the activities of the board;

5. The candidate’s reputation for personal integrity and commitment to ethical conduct;

6. The candidate passes a mandatory background check and complete SafeSport training; and

7. Whether the candidate has or may develop any relationships with other organizations, or if circumstances may arise that make it inappropriate for the candidate to continue serving on the board.

In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, qualified candidates shall possess the highest personal values, judgment and integrity consistent with the organization’s mission and vision while exhibiting an understanding of athletic competition, Olympic ideals and familiarity with the business, financial and other challenges and issues inherent to national governing bodies of amateur sport. Often, they have strong professional backgrounds in fields such as finance, fundraising, governance, strategic planning, marketing, audit, management, communications, law, equity, diversity and inclusion, or other sport-related issues.

Following the application period, the nominating committee will conduct a formal review of eligible applicants and determine a final slate of approved candidates. Approved At Large and Elite Athlete candidates to be included on the official ballot will then be required to draft and submit a formal campaign statement for publication by November 23.

USA Ultimate members are invited to provide their thoughts on the proposed rule changes by Tuesday, Sept. 30th via this survey.

Prior to submitting feedback, members should first review the proposed changes by looking at the resources below – the Substantive Changes document, which highlights major changes, and the full rules with all edits tracked.

The D-I Championships will be held May 22-25 at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two athletic complex and the D-III tournament will take place May 16-18 at Waukegan’s Greg Petry Sports Park. Both events will be co-hosted by Illinois Ultimate.

USA Ultimate’s College Championships represent the culmination of the college ultimate season as more than 600 colleges and universities across North America compete for one of 72 invitations and a chance to compete for one of four national titles. The D-I tournament will host 40 teams (20 each in the men’s and women’s divisions), while the D-III tournament, which caters to smaller schools with undergraduate enrollment of less than 7,500 students, will host 32 teams (16 in each division.) All totaled, roughly 2,000 student-athletes will compete over the 10-day span.

Separated by just 70 miles, Waukegan and Rockford are adjacent to several ultimate hotbeds, including Chicago, Minneapolis and Madison, making championship-level ultimate easily accessible to the midwestern fan base.

“Illinois Ultimate is proud to be hosting the 2026 College Championships,” commented Illinois Ultimate Director of Operations Jacob Nuxoll. With the support of our Chicagoland community, we look forward to welcoming teams and fans back to our state for these premier events.”

Rockford previously hosted the D-III Championships in 2018 and 2015, as well as USA Ultimate’s Club National Championships in 2016. The D-I Championships return to Illinois for only the second time in its 42-year history, having been hosted by Champaign-Urbana in 1995.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the D-I College Championships to our community,” said Go Rockford Sr. Sales Manager Kara Davis. “Bringing an event of this caliber to our region is not just a win for sports – it’s a celebration of teamwork, passion and the vibrant energy that collegiate athletics brings. We are honored to host some of the most talented young athletes in the nation, and I can’t wait for our local fans, families and businesses to experience the excitement and camaraderie that ultimate fosters.”

“On behalf of Visit Lake County, we are excited and honored to welcome USA Ultimate to Waukegan,” added Teresa Lewis of the region’s CVB. “We are proud to support events that showcase the athletic spirit and energy of out communities. As USA Ultimate brings its passion and talent to the fields of Waukegan, we look forward to providing a warm and memorable experience for all participants, families and fans. With our outstanding facilities, welcoming communities, and passion for sports, we are ready to deliver an unforgettable tournament.”

The 2026 College Ultimate season kicks off in January with a 13-week regular season as teams compete to earn bids to nationals for their respective geographic regions. Following the regular season, teams qualify for nationals through a series of conference and regional tournaments in the spring. Defending champions include Carleton College (D-I Men), University of British Columbia (D-I Women), Lewis & Clark College (D-III Men) and Wesleyan University (D-III Women.)

As this process continues, and we engage in dialogue with various partners, stakeholders and community members, we would like to reiterate our ongoing and steadfast commitment to our gender inclusion policy and our efforts to create, maintain and promote welcoming and inclusive spaces for all members, including our transgender athletes.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, the series of free, one-hour instructional clinics are intended for middle school-aged kids (10-14) and feature a curriculum that is focused on simple, fun and engaging activities meant to familiarize newcomers to the sport with the basics. Participants will receive an introduction to ultimate, learn some basic skills and drills, and take part in a variety of disc games and small group activities.

DISCover Ultimate Day clinics will be offered in communities throughout the country in partnership with USA Ultimate’s Local Disc Organizations (LDOs) and other organizers. As part of this initial phase, USA Ultimate is currently seeking organizers to offer clinics through a simple, nationwide submission process.

As the experts in their geographic areas, local disc organizations will staff and manage activities in their communities, helping to create and cultivate relationships with new players and families, while USA Ultimate will support their efforts at the national level with programming, targeted marketing and outreach support and more.

“DISCover Ultimate Day will become a nationwide celebration of what makes our sport unique – community, inclusivity and the basic joy of play,” said USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer Kevin Erlenbach. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for local organizations to introduce new players to the game, build connections and highlight the spirit of ultimate. We’re excited and proud to partner with local leaders to grow the sport and share the values of ultimate with more people in an easy and fun way.

For more information on DISCover Ultimate Day, including how to host an event in your community, visit www.discoverultimateday.com.

Dear USA Ultimate Members,

First, I want to thank the community for being so welcoming as I’ve begun my career with USA Ultimate. In conversations with various stakeholders, I’ve received inquiries about the role of a National Governing Body—especially within our ultimate community. Now that I’ve settled into my role, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts on what membership in USA Ultimate means.

As a member of this vibrant, passionate community, you are more than just a participant in a sport—you are a builder of a movement. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, organizer, volunteer, or fan, your membership with USA Ultimate carries meaning beyond individual games and tournaments. It’s a commitment to the Spirit of the Game, to equity and inclusion, and to the growth of a sport we all love.

Your support as a member makes a real difference. It fuels national programs that introduce youth to ultimate for the first time. It empowers athletes to play in safe, structured, and spirited competition. It supports local leagues and tournaments. It sustains coaching and observer development, national team success, and advocacy for greater visibility and respect for our sport.

Membership is also how we ensure that the values of ultimate—respect, fairness, integrity, and joy—are preserved and advanced. Together, we are building a sports culture that challenges the norm: one where self-officiation is not just possible, but powerful; where players are leaders; and where inclusion isn’t just talked about, it’s acted upon.

As the sport continues to grow nationally and globally, USA Ultimate is your voice in shaping the future. Your membership gives you that voice. It gives you the right to vote, to lead, to advocate, and to help steer our sport in ways that reflect our shared values.

Being a member isn’t just about playing—it’s about belonging. It’s about investing in a future where ultimate is accessible to more people in more places, with fewer barriers and greater opportunities. That future depends on all of us.

Thank you for being a part of it.

In Spirit,
Kevin Erlenbach
CEO, USA Ultimate

The new guidance was unanimously approved by the USA Ultimate Board of Directors at its Q1 meeting earlier this month and replaces the organization’s previous Event Hosting and Transgender Sports Legislation Policy that was adopted in March of 2023.

The updated guidelines will be codified in USA Ultimate’s championship event bid documents for its six major tournaments (Beach Championships, D-I and D-III College Championships, Masters Championships, U.S. Open & Youth Club Championships, National Championships) and are designed to identify and establish partnerships with potential host communities and local disc organizations through a more granular examination of opportunities to offer an inclusive and welcoming experience for all event participants.  

The guidance was developed in consultation with a variety of resources, including USA Ultimate’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, sports equity and advocacy groups and other national governing bodies of amateur sport, to better understand their experiences, learn more about best practices and identify challenges and opportunities.

The new guidance issued today by USA Ultimate reinforces its steadfast and continued commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as its existing policies and procedures that promote safe and welcoming spaces for all participants. More specifically, USA Ultimate remains committed to its Gender Inclusion Policy and the belief that athletes of all gender identities should have the freedom to participate in the competitive division in which they feel most comfortable. Accordingly, USA Ultimate will continue not to discriminate based on gender identity (or other protected classes) and maintain and uphold its values while respecting and adhering to all applicable laws.

“The updated event selection framework reaffirms our unwavering commitment to inclusivity while refining our approach to evaluating bids and awarding championship events,” explained USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer Kevin Erlenbach. “By prioritizing safety, community engagement, and proactive measures to promote inclusivity, we are ensuring that all athletes, regardless of identity, feel welcome and supported. This evolution reflects our dedication to fostering a more diverse and accessible ultimate community.”

For more details, read the complete event guidance submitted and approved by the board of directors.

Following a pair of tryouts that hosted 78 of the nation’s top ultimate players from around the country, Team USA coaches settled on a final roster of 20 athletes, including six alternates, that will prepare and train for the world’s most prestigious ultimate competition. As a mixed-gender sport, Team USA’s roster is evenly split between men and women.  

With a substantial presence of veteran players, this year’s squad features nine athletes with ties to previous World Games rosters, including four players who have represented the United States at the past two editions.

Carolyn Finney (Oakland, Calif.), Dylan Freechild (Portland, Ore.), Chris Kocher (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Grant Lindsley (Ogden, Utah) return for their third trip to the World Games after previously playing for Team USA at the 2017 and 2022 events. They are joined by fellow returnees Claire Chastain (Denver, Colo.), who played at the 2022 World Games and served as an alternate on the 2017 team, as well as Kaela Helton (Coronado, Calif.) and Claire Trop (Washington, D.C.), who competed in the 2022 edition.

Kami Groom (Durham, N.C.) and Raphy Hayes (Portland, Ore.) are also included on the 14-person roster that will travel to Chengdu, China this summer. Groom has twice served as an alternate (2017, ’22) and Hayes was a replacement player in 2022.

The balance of the roster that will make the trip overseas includes first-time World Games participants Marques Brownlee (Closter, N.J.), Dawn Culton (Chapel Hill, N.C.), Henry Ing (Portland, Ore.), Michael Ing (San Francisco, Calif.) and Anna Thompson (San Francisco, Calif.).

Coaches also named six alternates who will travel with the team to various training camps leading up to the World Games, as well as an early-season prep tournament, the London Invite. Those players include: Christian Boxley (Washington, D.C.), Brett Hulsmeyer (Madison, Ala.), Kirstin Johnson (Oakland, Calif.), Jonny Malks (Arlington, Va.), Lindsay McKenna (Malvern, Pa.) and Olivia Player (Cambridge, Mass.).

Most recently, 16 of the 20 athletes named to the World Games team represented Team USA at the 2024 WFDF World Ultimate Championships in Brisbane, Australia, where the open, mixed and women’s teams all won world titles.

“I appreciate the time, effort and preparation by all the athletes involved in this process,” said head coach Matty Tsang, who returns to the sidelines for his fourth World Games. “The competition was high at these tryouts, and so was the camaraderie and commitment to building a team that we can all be proud of. The collective work by the athletes in the tryout pool set a great foundation for these 20 athletes to build upon in preparation for China.”

Occurring every four years, the World Games is an international, multisport event that features sports and disciplines that are not included on the Olympic program. They are managed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) and operate under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This year’s iteration will be the 12th edition since the inaugural event in 1981. Ultimate was added to the World Games program in 2001 and the United States has won the gold medal in each of the last five editions (2022, ’17, ’13, ’09, ’05), recording a record of 25-3 during that span.

The 2025 World Games take place from August 7-17 with the sport of ultimate scheduled for August 12-16. Competing countries include the host nation, China, as well as six other qualifiers: Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany and Japan.

Team USA will be led by head coach Matty Tsang and assistants Miranda Knowles and Nancy Sun.

^*Alternate

USA Ultimate members elected Alexia McCaskill (Boulder, Colo.) to an at-large seat and reelected Ben Van Heuvelen (New York, N.Y.) to a second term as an elite athlete representative.

The board of directors also appointed Terry Kalna (Pittsburgh, Pa.) as an independent member and reconfirmed current board president Dave Klink (Minneapolis, Minn.) as an appointed member. All four individuals will serve a term that runs from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.

Kalna replaces outgoing independent member, Leslie Gamez (Leadville, Colo.), who served two consecutive three-year terms, while McCaskill fills the at-large slot vacated by Chris Novielli (Westchester, N.Y). McCaskill won the at-large election ahead of Novielli and Joe Strong (Salt Lake City, Utah).

As an appointed member, Kalna possesses a 26-year history of revenue-generation experience in the areas of corporate partnerships, ticket sales, broadcast agreements, venue naming rights and endemic brand sponsorships. His sports business acumen is further complemented by significant experience in strategic planning, culture building and other marketing initiatives.

Most recently, Kalna served as the chief revenue officer for Canucks Sports & Entertainment where he led the revenue-producing team that oversees partnerships, ticketing and business intelligence for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, The Rogers Arena and professional eSports teams, the Vancouver Titans and Seattle Surge.

Prior to his time in Vancouver, Kalna served in a similar capacity for his hometown Pittsburgh Penguins where he spent two years as chief revenue officer, focusing primarily on consumer sales, corporate partnership sales and service, and radio and television. Before that, he was the Penguins’ senior vice president of sales and broadcasting for five years.

Before transitioning to the hockey world, Kalna spent 14 years at NASCAR, most recently as its managing director of partnership sales and marketing where he led a 26-person team in partner sales, marketing and activation, media sales, and insights and innovation for the organization’s 13 racetracks and various business units.  

As a volunteer, Kalna has sat on USA Hockey’s marketing committee since 2011 and currently serves as its chair. He also served on the board of directors at VisitPittsburgh and the National Aviary.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the sport of ultimate and a professional background in law and higher education, McCaskill brings a plethora of knowledge and perspective to the board. Currently supporting students and alumni as a career adviser, McCaskill serves as senior director for professional development at the University of Colorado Law School where she works as a program manager and policymaker. Earlier in her 15-year tenure at the university, McCaskill served as director for government and public interest careers, leading the department in support of students pursing careers in public service.  

Before transitioning to a career in higher education, McCaskill practiced law as in-house counsel for labor unions, including Communications Workers of America, International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers and the American Federation of Government Employees.

In addition to her career as an ultimate player in the women’s and mixed club divisions, McCaskill is also a longtime coach at both the youth and club level, most notably coaching Denver Molly Brown to a national title in 2022. Her introduction to ultimate came as a local league player in Washington, D.C. and continues today, playing in local leagues in Boulder. McCaskill has coached in the girls’ and mixed divisions at the high school level and has filled a variety of key roles in the sport, including volunteer positions as USA Ultimate’s girls’ outreach coordinator and serving on its BIPOC Advisory Council. She has also served as a selection assistant for the U.S. National Team and volunteered on subcommittees for Altitude Ultimate.

Complementing the addition of two new members is the return of incumbents Dave Klink and Ben Van Heuvelen.

Klink was previously appointed to a three-year term (2022-24) after previously serving on the board as an elected elite athlete member (2016-18). He was elected president in 2023.