Help Taylor play for Team USA!

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my fundraiser! My name is Taylor Hanson, I am a first-year college student at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. It is with great honor and excitement to announce that I have been selected for the USA U-20 Ultimate Frisbee National team.

In preparation for the World Junior Ultimate Championships in Birmingham, UK, the team has scheduled a practice weekend in Colorado in June, followed by a week of training in Chicago in July. The championship tournament, taking place from July 20 to July 27, allows us to compete against teams from various nations across the globe.

I was first introduced to Ultimate in fifth grade recess at Pelham school. I then played youth SULA, and competed with the Amherst Middle school travel team under Jim Pistrang and Aaron Julien. I attended the National Ultimate Training Camp (NUTC) twice, led by the legendary Tiina Booth. I was lucky enough to play for the Amherst Varsity Open team, crowned by the invaluable guidance of coaches Leila Tunnell and Joe Costello. Additionally, I competed at the Youth Club Championships in Minnesota and Colorado, where I played for the U-20 Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance open team. John Rice, Nathan Wicks, Sarah Nadler, and Jonah Stang-Osborne provided exceptional coaching throughout the tournament. Throughout the summer and fall of 2023, I was an active member of Sprout, an adult men's club team. We competed in Indiana, Vermont, and Massachusetts. During the North East regionals, we showcased a commendable performance that earned us a spot in the game-to-go to Nationals. Despite our best efforts, we faced a setback and fell short of securing a place at Club Nationals. Currently, I am playing for UMass Zoodisc, coached by Rusty Ingold-Smith and Dylan Tunnell. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunities that I have been given, and to all who have made my journey so extraordinary!

Ultimate has become an integral part of my existence, bringing profound joy, love, and significant internal growth. Making the U-20 team, a dream I have had since the age of 12, is an immense personal achievement. However, the cost of participating is extremely high due to the travel demands associated with this opportunity. Donations will directly cover expenses such as plane tickets, ground transportation, hotels, and tournament fees. Any contribution is extremely helpful and appreciated!

Thank you for considering to support my Ultimate Frisbee journey!

With love,

Taylor Hanson