Ultimate in North Carolina facts for kids
Ultimate is a super fun and fast-paced sport that's getting really popular in North Carolina! It's played with a disc (like a frisbee) and combines elements of soccer, basketball, and American football. In North Carolina, there are many Ultimate teams for all ages and skill levels. You can find teams for young players, college students, adult clubs, and even professional players. Over 1,000 people in North Carolina are part of USA Ultimate, which is the main organization for the sport.
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Youth Ultimate Teams
Young players in North Carolina have their own teams and leagues. The main group is the TYUL (Triangle Youth Ultimate League) Triforce, which is based in the Research Triangle area.
- The under-19 boys' team from TYUL did really well in 2015. They finished as runners-up (second place) at the National Youth Club Championship!
- TYUL has two teams for boys under 19 and two teams for boys under 16.
- They also have one team for girls under 19 and one team for girls under 16.
College Ultimate Teams
Universities across North Carolina have both men's and women's Ultimate teams. These teams compete at different levels, like NCAA Division I or NCAA Division III.
North Carolina college teams have won many national championships! As of 2021, men's teams have won eight national titles, and women's teams have won four.
Men's College Champions
Here are the North Carolina colleges that have won the USA Ultimate Men's College Series:
| College | Times Won | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| UNC-CH | 4 | 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022 |
| ECU | 2 | 1994, 1995 |
| NC State | 1 | 1999 |
| UNC Wilmington | 1 | 1993 |
Women's College Champions
Here are the North Carolina colleges that have won the USA Ultimate Women's College Series:
| College | Times Won | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Wilmington | 2 | 1992, 1996 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | 2 | 2021, 2022 |
Club Ultimate Teams
After college, many players join "club" teams. These teams are made up of adult players who compete at high levels.
Men's Club Teams
- Ring of Fire is a top men's club team based in the Raleigh-Durham area. They compete against teams from all over the country and even internationally.
- Ring of Fire won the 2021 USA Ultimate Championship, which is a huge achievement!
Women's Club Teams
- The main women's club team in North Carolina is Phoenix.
- Phoenix also competes nationally and internationally. They finished third at the 2021 USA Ultimate Championship.
Mixed Club Teams
- Mixed teams have both men and women playing together.
- Toro, from Durham, NC, and Cahoots, from Asheville, NC, are two mixed club teams in North Carolina.
- Toro was ranked 27th in the nation at the end of the 2016 season.
Professional Ultimate Team
North Carolina is home to a professional Ultimate team!
- The Carolina Flyers play in the AUDL.
- The Flyers won the 2021 AUDL Championship, showing they are one of the best professional teams.
- Another professional team, the Charlotte Express, used to play in the AUDL but stopped competing in 2016.
