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Lighting The Torch

The first professional ultimate game...ever!

On May 12th, 2018, a significant step is being taken towards the inception of a professional women’s ultimate league. The Austin Torch—one of the professional women’s teams created in the United States in efforts to promote women in ultimate—is set to square off against the Medellin Revolution, one of the favourites to win WUCC after an impressive performance at the US Open last year.

Torch vs. Revolution Hype Video

Although both teams are looking for a victory, winning isn’t the goal of the game. Dre Esparza, co-owner and captain of The Torch, highlighted the importance of this event: “Making this happen has been first and foremost about getting the Texas female ultimate players the recognition they deserve. Through this platform, and with the overwhelming support of the community, these athletes get to showcase their talent to the people of Austin and beyond.”

But it doesn’t stop at just one game for Dre and The Torch: “Ideally, this event will lead to an entity stepping up to become a full-time financial backer so that we can rely on funds on a more permanent basis, instead of having to fish out of the community for every game. Our long-term goal is just that: to build a sustainable league.”

Mauricio Moore, the head coach of Revolution, shares Dre’s enthusiasm: “It’s the first step for us in the professional ultimate world. It’s a door opening for a new women’s ultimate culture, and it’s an honor to represent one small step for Revolution that will become a giant leap for women’s ultimate.” When asked what the overarching goal of this game was for Revolution, Mauricio simply said that creating a new paradigm for women’s ultimate was key.

Medellin Revolution set to take on The Torch May 12th

A tremendous feat of kindness by The Torch made this all possible: the Austin team is paying for Revolution’s plane tickets to and from the game. $3500 has been paid so far, but the team is hoping to raise money to help cover the rest. If you’d like to donate, visit their PayPal at PayPal.me/GiveATorch .

“None of this would have happened without the help of the community,” says Dre. “UPLA, members of the Austin Sol, and the general public have been incredibly supportive of this endeavor. We hope to put on a good show for them. Lastly, a very special thanks to Adriana and VC Ultimate for sponsoring our uniforms and keeping us looking sharp.”

To that, the team at VC wants to say thank you, Dre, The Torch, and Revolution. Thank you for showing the world that there is a market for professional women’s ultimate and that all we need are a few people willing to take action and instigate change. The Future Is Female and it will be clear this weekend.

Tune in on YouTube at 5 PM Central on Saturday, May 12th, to see these two talented teams make history, and don’t forget to donate to help support this event.

Tune in to the livestream at 5 PM Central on Saturday!

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