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Introducing your 2018 D3 National Women’s Collegiate Ultimate Champions

Introducing your 2018 D3 National Women’s Collegiate Ultimate Champions

Last weekend the St. Olaf Vortex won the D3 Collegiate National Ultimate Championships in Rockford, Illinois, in an inspiring display of teamwork and grit. I was lucky enough to be one of the spectators and I can tell you that it was one of the most exciting weekend of sports I’ve ever seen.

Also, apparently Vortex loves the grind.

Coming into the tournament as the 7 seed, Vortex arrived in Illinois and got to work. You can read more about it here, but from a spectator’s perspective, it was a beautiful thing to watch these athletes work.

My daughter started playing ultimate in 10th grade, after playing soccer and softball in her formative years, and for a mom who had no idea what the sport even was back in the day, I’ve just been blessed to be a witness to it.

After grinding their way all the way to the championship game, my daughter caught the winning goal, receiving the throw from her roommate, team captain and friend, Tulsa Douglas.

What a way to end your collegiate career. Seriously. These women have become dear friends of Aidan’s. This is a memory I cannot even place a value on. For her, or for me.

Watching them in line before the medal ceremony was a joy.

These seniors—Swannie, Lise, Tulsa, Sami, Anna, Aidan and Marit—and the entire team, are remarkable women. Athletes, students, activists for gender equity in this sport… this is the future, friends, and the future is now.

That just makes me feel a whole lot better about everything.

Thanks, Vortex, for a thrilling weekend.

(And thanks for letting me stand on the sidelines and take pictures.)

Love,
Aidan’s mom

p.s. want to see more photos? Check out the album here.

Want to see the championship game? It starts a few points in, and there are a few technical difficulties, but oh, was this fun to re-watch!

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Comments

  1. Sandy_in_MD says

    Congratulations to Aidan and her teammates! It is wonderful that you were able to attend to watch their win!

    Reply

  2. Jennifer Henson says

    So glad you got to brag about your girl. 🙂 And so glad you have this time with her!! Slips by too quickly! Loved the IG updates, too! Happy hugs!

    Reply

  4. Cynthia Baldwin says

    This is wonderful! Congrats to them. There’s nothing better than seeing your kids excel at something that they love.

    Reply

  7. DorothyCC says

    Congratulations! The first time I saw a championship-level Ultimate game, I was amazed at how much fun it was to watch. Your daughter and her team have accomplished a lot. So happy and proud for you.

    Reply

  10. Luly G says

    Congrats to Aidan and your whole clan!! I know that my son’s made amazing friendships through their college pursuits( swimming and marching band) and what a FANTASTIC way to end her career!

    Reply

  13. Julie says

    Congratulations ladies! From 7th to 1st – That is such a great accomplishment.

    Super photos Cathy.

    And my, the girls have such interesting (to me) names.

    Reply

  21. Marilyn says

    I’m not enough of a techie to send the link, but the WSJ just sent out an essay: A Clueless Dad’s Strange Trip to the Ultimate Tournament. Your favorite part will be about how St. Olaf won. “The sideline watched in disbelief as St. Olaf rolled ahead to a 13-7 victory [against Williams],” and how they then went on to win the tournament. Amazing, what those girls did. Just amazing.

    Reply

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