Despite a 1-2 start, the ultimate Frisbee team feels positive about the future. Led by coaches Dr. Andrew Fenton, Mr. Jeremy Fus, and Ms. Theodora Naqvi, the team blends seasoned players with enthusiastic newcomers, fostering growth and camaraderie on and off the field.
The season began with some early struggles, as noted by team captain Sixth Former Aaron Bonaparte, who has emerged as a standout leader.
“Our season started off a bit rocky, but we’re definitely heading in the right direction. It took us some time to find our rhythm, especially with so many new players joining the team this year,” Bonaparte said.
The influx of Third Formers and first-time players, including standout Third Former Beno Goldstein, has brought fresh energy to the squad. Players like Sixth Form captain Ali Sial, who has played all four years, and veterans Fourth Former Ezra Walters, and Fifth Formers Jay Tyson and Thomas Nye are also making their mark.
Coach Fenton emphasized the team’s growth. “We have a couple of younger players who have never played before but are starting to come together,” Coach Fenton said.
He highlighted Bonaparte’s journey as a prime example of ultimate’s unique appeal.
“Aaron really started his sophomore year and wasn’t into it at first,” Coach Fenton said. “He got bit by the bug and is now very, very good. He’s a team leader. That’s one of the things that makes ultimate distinctive—lots of people start in high school and can become very good. It’s not like other sports where you have to start earlier.”
Coach Fenton then shared his coaching philosophy.
“It’s an extension of my teaching philosophy,” he said. “Lots of learning and growth as well as lots of fun.”
Coach Naqvi extrapolated upon the team philosophy.
“One of the big challenges is making the leap from individual skills. How well an individual can throw, catch, or defend. Implementing team-wide strategies. That is the goal of drills. Specific drills where you practice the way you move and how to receive catches. Not getting in the way. Also Victory at any cost,” Coach Naqvi said.
The team is gearing up for a few more games. Coach Naqvi sees a bright spot in the opponents themselves.
“We have three or four more games, and a couple are with teams we have played before. We can compare our performance with our earlier performance. We can actually see how much we have grown. The weather will be warm. I am really optimistic,” Coach Naqvi said.
“As we move into the second half of the season, our training will become more focused. We’ve played enough games to identify our weaknesses, and we’ll concentrate on those areas until we see improvement during competitions.”
Aaron bonaparte ’25
Bonaparte gave a more focused look into the back half of the season and the problems the team faces.
“As we move into the second half of the season, our training will become more focused,” Bonaparte said. “We’ve played enough games to identify our weaknesses, and we’ll concentrate on those areas until we see improvement during competitions. Offensively, we move the disc downfield with ease, but we often choke up near the end zone. On defense, we’ve struggled to defend deep cutters on the opposing team.”
As a result, they have dedicated most of their practice time to end-zone drills and deep-cut exercises. If they remain consistent and communicative, Bonaparte is confident that “Fords Frizz” will have a successful remainder of the season.
Coach Fenton said, “We are just training. Just practice every day. And the love of the game.”
