Scobel Wiggins Photography

Centex is more than a tournament; it's an experience. By making Centex a Women's only event this year, it really allowed the focus to be on competition and improved bonding between teams. While previously a heavy critic of the famed dance-off, I can now honestly speak to its importance, not just in developing camaraderie between teams, but within them, too. My team, Maryland, loved the extra hours we spent together choreographing and learning a dance to the Flight of the Conchords song "Too Many Dicks." Collectively, we enjoyed the crazy acrobatic antics of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and the costumes of St. Louis. The dance-off allowed teams to take pride in themselves and participate in true community, the heart of Centex.

Many people say that Women's Ultimate is a lesser sport than Men's Ultimate, but really, it's just different. Tangible factors, like the increase in parity among regions, demonstrate the growth and development of the Women's division. The Metro East, historically considered to be a weaker region, had 3 top-12 finishers at Centex. However, Women's Ultimate is still in its infancy. The discrepancy between the disc skills of elite teams like Wisconsin and UBC and up-and-coming teams remains obvious. Unforced errors in throwing and catching turn a very close game into a blow-out. But being young also has its advantages. Relatively new programs, like Western Washington and Wake Forest, have made a name for themselves in just a few short years.

Georgia Bosscher (Wisconsin) and Brianna Cahn (UCSB) bid for a disc in the endzone

Additionally, as competition increases, more teams seek coaches, and the role of coaches becomes increasingly important. Here's an anecdote from UCLA: during a huddle in which they had just given up a three-point run, coach Alex Korb pulled them aside and said, "You guys are awesome. You pivot awesome. You cut awesome. You catch and throw awesome. But if you choose to not display that awesomeness, then you can get in trouble. So let's get back out there and show them how awesome we are." Coaches make a big difference for teams hoping to compete at the highest level. From the silent power of Kayla Burnim (Northeastern) to the active involvement of Frankie Rho (USC), almost all of the top programs have coaches associated with them.

It goes without saying that Centex provides the best competition of the season. Centex is the warm-up for Nationals. Centex is the chance to prove your worth as a team, to move from Tier 2 to top 10. But more than that, Centex is the sweet Five Gear Dartmouth gave to the most spirited player after their games. Centex is the fantastic Disney song that USC made up. Centex is heckling your rookies during the Rookie All-Star game and gasping as the North team cheers, "We won the Civil War so suck it!" Centex is awkwardly trying to talk to people from other teams at the Friday night social, but missing them when it's time to say goodbye on Sunday. But more than anything else, Centex is knowing that you'll see them on the fields again.

Changes are happening in the Women's division. Tournaments like Centex raise the bar for quality and push our sport forward. Thanks to Michelle Ng for putting together a wonderful experience.

Charlie Mercer is a co-captain of the University of Maryland team.