Scobel Wiggins Photography

The Centex Captains and Coaches Clinic was a great experience for our team, especially being new to the tournament and eager to see what works for competitive Women's teams at the highest level. We signed up to have a couple younger players come to sit in on the clinic to make sure these ideas weren't forgotten with outgoing leadership and to motivate strategic thinking. Specifically, I think we found the most helpful advice in how to capitalize on player and team strengths. Moreover, we learned that there are a lot of different ways to play and be successful, and often analyzing and re-evaluating what your team is best at can help get you there.

Each of the topics discussed by Cara, Lou, and Alex were helpfully distinct and relevant. I think all the teams in attendance could find aspects of the discussion to adapt and apply to their own programs. It was also exciting for us to hear one of them explain a point and be able to say, "Great, we already do that!"

So throughout the weekend these thoughts were in our minds, and they helped give us a more positive mentality.  We left with a few new drills, strategies, and ways of communicating to encourage improvement.

As a senior and second-year team captain, my previous captains acted as models for providing team strategy and protocol, and from time-to-time I would contact them throughout the year asking for advice based on their knowledge of past years.  I don't feel like there are many resources provided specifically to aid the College Women's game, so ones like the clinic and manual are especially appreciated.  Hydra loved their Centex experience, and the intense sense of community amongst Women's players that we were able to embrace.

What should college captains do with a resource like the College Women’s Ultimate Resources Manual?  How can captains translate the articles into change that has a real impact on their team?

Captains and future team leaders should read it and take notes! Pick out the most helpful and viable points and implement them into your program. Many teams will see similarities between theirs and the stories discussed in the manual. Seeing these success stories is important for captains. The manual not only shows that it is possible to take programs to the next level, but it tells you basically everything you need to know to do so. Especially Zip's Tips on eating sandwiches.

Why have written resources like this been so slow to develop?  What's the next step?

Written resources have been slow to develop because Women's Ultimate is still in its growth stage. New teams need resources like the Manual and coaching from experienced club players in order to grow as a program. Women's Ultimate will also grow with increased connection with good teams across the country. Tournaments such as Centex foster such connections and will help women's ultimate grow as a sport.

Brittany Taylor, current University of Virginia captain