The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is home to 24 club sports teams, and the UWL Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, Galaxy, is one of them. With a team name almost as fun as they are, Galaxy provides a welcoming environment for all who want to learn and play the sport.
Galaxy plays in the United States of America Ultimate (USAU) conference at the Division I level. Coached by Bill Stafford, Sally Manninger and Marite Olmstead, the team meets three times a week for practices and plays in around three tournaments per semester. At these tournaments Galaxy finds themselves competing with teams all around the Midwest, such as UW– Milwaukee, UW–Madison and the University of Minnesota.
Last year, the team took fourth place at their conference tournament, qualifying them for regionals. While Galaxy has demonstrated their skills, Rebecca Dray, fourth-year student and one of Galaxy’s team captains, assures anyone looking to join the team that the main value is fun.
“There’s a little competitive side…[but] we’re here to have fun, we’re not super serious,” Dray said.
Galaxy maintains the fun on and off the field through their relationships with one another. Throughout the year the team holds game nights, ice-cream socials, painting parties, hikes and a tradition called “Hucksgiving” where a traditional Thanksgiving feast is served on frisbees. Galaxy is a club that not only offers competitive play, but camaraderie as well.
Similar to other sport clubs, Galaxy sets aside time for newcomers to learn ultimate before competition begins.
“The fall’s a lot more just like fun and getting to know how to play and the spring is more competitive,” said Megan Fahey, fourth-year student.
Galaxy is not a club sport that holds tryouts; anyone interested in participating in the club can simply come to practice. The team welcomes new recruits with open arms and assures everyone it only takes one practice to get hooked.
“We don’t ever have closed doors; you can join at any point,” said Dray
For anyone looking to join UWL’s Ultimate Frisbee team you can message their Instagram: @galaxy_ulty or reach out via MyOrgs.
The team has a home tournament Nov. 1 at Roger Harring Stadium for all those who want to watch Galaxy in action.
