Two seasons ago, the Diablos set the goal of making it to Nationals this season. Last season we began implementing the steps we thought it would take, from more intensive recruitment and fundraising programs to in-depth track and weight programs. This process involved plenty of hard choices, including the decision to replace our head coach at the beginning of this season. It’s been a long road, filled with the sweat and hard work of a long list of great individuals. Unfortunately, this goal was not realized, and the core of leaders that set this goal is leaving the team. However, in their stead, we have what can only be the strongest returning team in ASU history. The vast majority of our best players remain and the rookies we brought on this year will return next year as veterans to realize their immense potential. All indications point to the fact that our team will only go up from here. We’re not disappointed – How can we be disappointed with a top five regionals finish, the highest ASU has ever placed? – We’re just hungry. This year whet our appetite and now we are starving for a Nationals berth.  We will return next year with a vengeance. We don’t care if other teams have put us on the map or not – ASU Ultimate is here to stay.

Thank you to all of those who have supported us this year in a variety of ways – Donations, cheering sections at tournaments, helping out at practice, the works. Without all of these people our potential could never be realized. It takes more than a team to perform well; it takes an entire support structure. So, thank you. Thank you especially to all of our players who may not play that often, but are there at every single practice, pushing everyone else; who are there every time the O-line scores, cheering them on and bringing water; who are there yelling “Up!” on the sidelines, even if they are too injured to play. Thank you to our B-team and their awesome coach, Brett Carr; a group that not only perfects the skills and basic ultimate IQ of newer players to groom them for making an impact on the A-team, but makes things fun and knows how to continue the old Diablo tradition of winning the party. Thank you to our A-team coach, Fernando Lugo; without whom, I’m sure, none of this would have been possible. Thank you to past players and alumni who gave everything they had to get us where we are today; people like Braden Blake who will always be remembered as a true Diablo. And, of course, a huge thank you to our top players, who sacrifice themselves on every point of every game, giving their blood, sweat, tears, various body parts, and hearts to this team.

We bid farewell to five players this season: Captain Kyle "Pope" Popelka, Captain Chris "Girlscout" Waltrip, Captain JD Parker, Andrew "Sally" Salinas, and Michael "Helen" Keller. All of these players have been invaluable to this team in their time here. They will be sorely missed.