[stextbox id=”alert” color=”050505″ bcolor=”6cc3f8″ bgcolor=”ffffff” big=”true” image=”null”]School Name: Cal Poly Pomona
Team Name: Lucky Charms
Captains: Lauren Silverman, Michelle Andrews
Year Founded: 2009
Jersey Colors: Pink & Green
Website: www.cppultimate.com
2010 Record: 4-7
Score Reporter
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Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get involved with Ultimate at your school?
Michelle Andrews: I was a former soccer player who had many opportunities to play in college. I was more focused however, on the quality of the school. I figured I could fill the soccer void with intramural sports until I encountered Ultimate Frisbee. I played on the guys team, as there was no girls team in existence. I traveled with the team, got the opportunity to play at Sectionals and even Regionals. It was/is an amazing experience and I feel so fortunate to play such a wonderful sport.
How did your team do last year? What was the highlight of your season?
Michelle: The Lucky Charms had a great start last year. One of our greatest moments was our game against Stanford B at Santa Barbara Qualifier. We lost on the final point but played great as a team.
Who is your favorite team to play against? Tell us about a memorable game.
Michelle: Last year, we had a great time playing Oxidental and Redlands. Both teams are at the same level and both have great spirit.
What player is most likely to make a huge play as a thrower? As a receiver? On D?
Michelle: Haley “Nigel” Smolinski will most likely make the huge play as a receiver. She comes out of nowhere. As evidenced by the last tourney at UCLA, Angelah Mah will most likely make a huge play on D. Jen “Docta” Cutler will never hesitate to make a big huck down the field.
It’s easy to see when someone throws a huge huck or gets a layout D. Who’s a player you have to watch more carefully to see how valuable they are to your team?
Michelle: Luladey “Toast” Ayalew is a great asset to the Charms. She doesn’t always come up with the huge noticeable plays, but she’s an extremely reliable cutter and thrower. If we need to score, Lula is on.
How does your team bring new players up to speed?
Michelle: Experience is key. We try to practice throwing as much as possible. The team often meets up to throw during University Hour on campus, a time dedicated to co-curricular activities for students. Sometimes, you can’t explain the sport, you just need to take a leap and get out on the field and play. It’s the best way to learn. The more I play, the better I am. We also try to make the ultimate experience well-rounded, both in learning the sport and learning about each other to become great friends.
What has your team been doing this fall to prepare for the spring season?
Michelle: Practiced twice a week and fundraising!
What does your team do to get pumped up for a big game?
Michelle: We have many unique cheers that are yelled and screamed out loud. Arms around each other and jumping is always involved.
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