There is something for everyone in the world of Clemson sports. Whether as a spectator or a player, Clemson offers all students the opportunity to get involved. While many members of club sports continue their athletic careers after high school, that is not the case for the Tiger Lilies club Ultimate Frisbee team, which began its athletic career in college.
According to President Eliza Haines, the Tiger Lilies play at the “highest level of collegiate ultimate possible,” she told The Tiger. The team travels to tournaments throughout the academic year to compete against other USA Ultimate DI collegiate women’s teams.
Last season, the team competed in USA Ultimate (USAU) sanctioned tournaments in the spring and qualified for the Sectionals and the 2024 Atlantic Coast DI College Regionals, where they placed fifth in a highly competitive 15-team tournament.
“One aspect that has helped our team grow over the last few years is that we now have not one, but two great coaches who have seen our potential and have decided to volunteer their time to help us develop as players and improve our ‘Frisbee IQ,'” said Haines. “One of our coaches is a former Tiger Lilies player and the other is a former Clemson men’s team player. Both currently play ultimate at the club level.”
Disney Medeiros, one of the captains of the Tiger Lilies, had high praise for her experience as part of the team:
“I knew next to nothing about Ultimate Frisbee before my first practice with the Tiger Lilies, but I immediately fell in love with the sport! I always look forward to throwing with my friends at practice, playing car games on the way to tournaments, diving for discs in the end zone, and going on adventures that bring the team together,” Medeiros said. “Plus, it’s so cool to represent Clemson and compete against other universities.”
“My teammates and this sport have shaped my college experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
This year the team hopes to return to the Atlantic Coast DI College Regionals, recruit more freshmen, and continue to foster a team atmosphere of friendship and fun.
“Last year we got together for camping trips, paintball excursions and other fun team-building activities,” Haines said. “And we hope this season will bring even more road trips, Frisbee practice in Halloween costumes, holiday parties, smiles and laughter.”
The team encourages newcomers not to be afraid of falling behind when they decide to join the team. In fact, most people start their Ultimate Frisbee careers in college. Anyone interested in joining the team can find the team at Tiger Prowl, and all prospective players are welcome to attend all practices, which are held at the Championship Fields on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-10 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.
“We are keen to recruit more newbies this year and would love for YOU to join our team or tell your friends who might be interested in joining,” said Haines.
But the team doesn’t just need the support of new players. All Clemson students can contribute to the team’s success by following the team on Instagram @tigerlilies.ult to stay updated on the team’s tournaments, practice times, merchandise sales, and other fundraising events, including a tournament that is open to all.
