As ultimate looks toward its future, Shanye Crawford, architect of the Con10ent tour, believes the sport is at something of an inflection point. She sees Merriman as a possible force to shepherd the sport to a more popular and inclusive future.
PHILADELPHIA — AJ Merriman unraveled his 6-foot-2 frame on the turf, tucked his dreadlocks to fit on the disc’s surface and shut his eyes, needing a moment to clear his mind. On this Saturday night, his teammates on the D.C. Breeze, the city’s professional men’s ultimate team, were looking for a win over a regional rival.Merriman competes against players who made their peace with the sport’s financial realities years ago.
The question remains whether ultimate has enough momentum to provide the obsessive Merriman — and others he hopes will follow his path — the same energy in return.There’s joy on their road trip. On the way to Philadelphia last month, his teammates scarfed down premade meals and live-streamed a lower-level ultimate game. On the ride back, they played “guess that player,” naming current and former players from the AUDL’s 24 franchises that even the sport’s most rabid fans may struggle to know.
This is life as a full-time ultimate Frisbee player, and McDonnell knows it well. The 34-year-old, who first developed a niche but passionate following on YouTube, was by many accounts theIt’s why, at times, he fears for his younger teammate who is looking to take the same path.“It’s cool. It’s also a little scary,” McDonnell said. “I know how hard it was for me and how much time I spent on it.
The financial burdens nearly kept her son out of the sport in the first place. Higher-level club teams — which, until recently, were prioritized by top players over the professional leagues — charge athletes thousands of dollars to participate. Merriman didn’t have that sort of money when he first started. Though some teams offer scholarships to reduce costs, he said those opportunities aren’t always advertised, particularly if you’re not in ultimate’s inner circle.
“There are not enough pro NBA or NFL roster spots,” Merriman said. “But if you can make your impact on the world being an athlete, and ultimate can give you that roster spot, then it’s very important that that opportunity is available.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The ultimate guide to all of Selena Gomez’s favorite beauty productsDiscover and shop a selection of Gomez-approved beauty brands, including La Mer, Sephora, and more. Gomez is a fan of La Mer's luxurious serum, using it to remove her makeup in a nighttime routine video.
Read more »
Florence Pugh’s Sheer Bodysuit Is the Ultimate Festival OutfitLess can be so much more. Florence Pugh rocks a head-to-toe pink ensemble, featuring a neon sheer halter-neck bodysuit over a bikini, complemented by a glittery biker jacket. This outfit could be seen as a tribute to Valentino’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, who recently presented a stunning hot pink collection.
Read more »
Watch Porsche’s 911 Dakar Battle Huracan Sterrato In Ultimate Crossover Drag RaceBoth cars are designed to work on loose surfaces but who’s the boss when the grip is good? Carwow sets out to discover the quickest car by lining up a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato against its VW Group cousin, the Porsche 911 Dakar.
Read more »
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ vs. Tesla Model X vs. Mercedes EQS SUV: The Ultimate Face-OffThe Escalade IQ is the range and towing champion, although the Tesla Model X is a speed demon car auto cars
Read more »