Three weeks into the 2026 WUL season, the numbers are starting to reveal each team’s identity.
San Diego continues to lead with efficient, low-turnover play, while Arizona’s improved D-line conversion has fueled early success. Bay Area and Colorado are finding rhythm after slower starts, and Oregon’s offensive growth has already led to a historic first win.
From efficiency gains to evolving roles, the stats highlight what’s driving teams—and what to watch next.
In Week 3, Caitlin Fitzgerald delivered a dominant two-way performance across Oregon’s doubleheader to earn Player of the Week honors, leading Soar to a historic first win and continuing to drive their early-season identity. Across the league, momentum began to build as teams found rhythm and separation. In Week 4, the stakes rise—a UT doubleheader and playoff positioning start to take shape as teams look to turn early flashes into consistency.
Week 3 of the 2026 WUL season delivered breakout performances and a milestone win! San Diego Super Bloom continued their strong start with a composed win over Los Angeles Astra, while Bay Area Falcons defended home turf against Arizona in a high-energy matchup.
Oregon Soar secured their first franchise win since joining the WUL in 2025, and turned around less than 24 hours later to challenge Colorado Alpenglow in a tight rematch. Across the weekend, standout individual performances and disciplined team systems have begun to separate contenders from the pack.
In Week 2, Kennedy McCarthy delivered a historic performance to earn Player of the Week honors, despite a tough road matchup in Seattle. Colorado split their Pacific Northwest doubleheader with a win over Oregon and a loss to the Tempest, while standout performances and record-setting moments defined the weekend. In Week 3, teams look to build momentum as early-season identities continue to take shape.
Opening weekend of the 2026 WUL season showcased a mix of returning dominance and evolving team identities. San Diego Super Bloom continued their championship form with a statement win over Bay Area, while Arizona Sidewinders controlled their home opener behind defensive pressure. Across all matchups, roster changes—especially in the handler space—played a major role as teams worked to establish chemistry early in the season.
The 2026 Western Ultimate League season is just days away, kicking off with a 2025 WUL Championship Game rematch between last year’s winners San Diego Super Bloom, and runners-up, Bay Area Falcons. Both teams and the league as a whole have undergone significant changes over the past nine months. Between the return of Los Angeles Astra (and with them, an eight-team league), seismic cross-country roster moves, and everything in between, here is your primer on a very exciting fifth season of the WUL!
by Noam Gumerman, WUL Lead Writer
Full roster drops for the 2026 WUL season are coming soon, but that hasn’t stopped teams from making big moves early in the offseason. From locking in cornerstone players to landing major transfers, the groundwork for 2026 is already being laid. Which teams are leveling up? Who’s changing jerseys? And how will the return to an eight-team league reshape the competitive landscape? Let’s break down the most impactful roster moves so far.
Robyn Fennig Highlights Returning Vets to Bay Area Falcons
After falling just two points short of a first-ever WUL Championship—on home turf, no less—the Bay Area Falcons have re-signed their offensive engine, Robyn Fennig. Fennig helped propel the Falcons to the final, commanding the offense throughout the season. She finished with the second-most throwing yards across the league, earned First Team All-WUL honors, and was an MVP finalist.
Fennig adds a level of verticality to the Bay Area offense that, in recent years, only Colorado—with Ari Nelson—has consistently matched. But she’s also an elite decision-maker who controls the pace of play at a very high level. With another year in Bay Area’s system, she’ll be an even greater threat.
And it’s not just Fennig. Bay Area has also signed five other multi-year Falcons veterans who have been key contributors, signaling a continued commitment to building an experienced roster. Georgia Cardosa (2025 DPOTY finalist, Second Team All-WUL) and Margo Donahue (2024 BPOTY finalist, Second Team All-WUL) headline the returning group. We’ll see if any big-name rookies join the Falcons once again, but even if Bay Area brings back the same roster as last season, they’ll enter 2026 with a strong chance to capture the WUL title.
Kyra Khoroujnikova (UT) and Megan Maxfield (CO) Join Defending Champs
The biggest news from San Diego Super Bloom’s roster announcement (the first of the 2026 team rosters to drop) was the addition of longtime Utah Wild stalwart Kyra Khoroujnikova and standout defender Megan Maxfield, who previously starred with Arizona Sidewinders and Colorado Alpenglow. For a team that—despite their offensive firepower—rode a dominant defensive performance to their first-ever WUL Championship in 2024, the additions of Khoroujnikova and Maxfield feel like a case of the rich getting richer.
Both players add depth, range, and versatility to a defense that stifled every offense in the league last season and seamlessly shifted between zone, person, and hybrid looks. Perhaps even more notably, it’s a talent-stealing coup for San Diego. Both the Wild and Alpenglow will look noticeably thinner without Khoroujnikova and Maxfield and will have to adjust to life without two players who consistently did the little things right for their teams.
San Diego Super Bloom Enter New Era Without Dena Elimelech
Despite the flurry of signings, perhaps the most significant news of the pre-signing period is the departure of Dena Elimelech from the defending champion San Diego Super Bloom to the PUL’s Atlanta Soul. Elimelech has been a cornerstone of Super Bloom’s core for several seasons and was a critical contributor to their championship run a year ago. Among her many accolades, she is the WUL’s all-time leader in both blocks and receiving yards.
Khoroujnikova and Maxfield will help fill some of the gaps, and Super Bloom has also signed Cam Helm and Naomi Guzman from Los Angeles Astra, along with 2025 USAU College Callahan Award winner Laura Blume. Still, none of those players—at least so far—replicate exactly what Elimelech brought to the field. Who steps up to fill the void left by one of the greatest players in league history will be the central question facing the Super Bloom roster in 2026.
Kristen Reed, Kez Gesell Make Returns To WUL With Arizona
Arizona has endured a challenging couple of seasons, but the Sidewinders have made several moves aimed at stabilizing the roster and pushing toward the franchise’s first-ever winning season. Chief among them are the return of a healthy Kez Gesell and the addition of offensive powerhouse, Kristen Reed.
Gesell and Reed both address one of Arizona’s biggest struggles in recent years: scoring goals.
Reed, a proven goal-scorer at every level she’s played, immediately raises Arizona’s offensive ceiling. In her lone WUL season with Colorado in 2023, Reed finished with 21 goals—third-most in the league—including an unforgettable seven-goal performance against Bay Area that showcased her ability to completely take over a game. Known for her elite timing and natural instinct for finding space in the endzone, Reed has consistently been one of the most difficult downfield matchups in the league. Her résumé beyond the WUL only reinforces that reputation, having led top club programs (namely Molly Brown) as a primary scoring threat.
Paired with Gesell—2023’s Breakout Player of the Year and a relentless cutter—Reed gives Arizona something it has lacked in recent seasons: a reliable, high-volume finishing duo capable of converting possessions into points. If the Sidewinders can complement that firepower with even modest improvements in throwing depth and offensive consistency, Gesell’s and Reed’s return could be the catalyst that finally allows Arizona’s offense to operate with confidence and pace.
As full rosters for the 2026 WUL season begin to take shape, these early moves offer a glimpse into how teams are positioning themselves for the year ahead. From defending champions doubling down on depth, to returning stars reshaping offenses and departures forcing new leaders to emerge, the ripple effects of the offseason are already being felt across the league.
With eight teams back in the fold and more signings still to come, this is only the beginning. The next few months will reveal which teams have built on their momentum—and which still have work to do—before the opening pull of the 2026 season.
Get ready for a historic showcase—the WUL vs PUL All-Star Game takes place this Saturday, August 23 at 2pm PT as part of the UFA Championship Weekend in Madison, WI.
For the first time, the Western Ultimate League and Premier Ultimate League All-Stars will face off in a game that highlights the talent, passion, and power of professional women’s ultimate. Expect breathtaking plays, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of community and inclusion at the highest level.
🎟️ In Madison? Be part of the action in person and witness this landmark game live. Get tickets here.
📺 Watching from home? Stream the game free on WUL YouTube, or watch with your UFA.tv subscription.
This is more than an exhibition—it’s a moment in ultimate history. Don’t miss it.
Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow
A dynamic cutter with speed to burn, Thorpe stretches the field and creates scoring opportunities every time she’s on the line. She’s a rising star whose relentless work rate makes her a constant threat, and she has the accolades to back it up.
Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons
A seasoned veteran from the PUL turned field general in the WUL, Fennig brings unmatched vision and leadership. Her ability to control the pace of play and deliver pinpoint throws makes her one of the most dangerous players in the game.
Team Captains: Justine Cherwink & Allysha Dixon
WUL All-Star Captains Justine Cherwink (Utah Wild) and Allysha Dixon (Colorado Alpenglow) set the standard for this WUL All-Star squad. Both are fierce defenders who have earned league-wide recognition for their impact, and both lead with a mix of intensity, composure, and an unwavering drive to improve. Cherwink and Dixon embody what it means to compete at the highest level—pushing themselves, their teammates, and the game forward.
Coaches: Chelsea Putnam & Jonathan Helton
Coaches Jonathan “Goose” Helton (San Diego Super Bloom) and Chelsea Putnam (Oregon Soar) will lead the WUL All-Stars in this historic match-up. Fresh off guiding San Diego to their first championship, Goose brings a wealth of professional playing and coaching accolades to the role. Putnam adds deep experience from years of shaping the Oregon ultimate scene, known for her steady leadership and strategic insight. Together, they’ll steer the WUL squad as they face off against the PUL.
WUL and PUL have slightly different rule sets so the game will be played as a hybrid of the two.
Timed 4 quarter game using PUL ruleset
10 second stall (not 7 seconds like WUL games)
No precheck and no buzzer beaters
40/60 seconds between pulls; 70 sec timeouts
2:30 min between quarters
A Historic Weekend in Ultimate, A Shared Commitment to Inclusion
The Ultimate Frisbee Association, Western Ultimate League, and the Premier Ultimate League will come together for the first multi-league-wide weekend, August 22-23, 2025, in Madison, WI. The UFA will host its championship games, and the WUL and PUL will face off in the inaugural All-Star Game.
The leadership for the three leagues would like to invite our athletes, coaches, and staff to share the vision that our host city’s ultimate organization, the Madison Ultimate Frisbee Association (MUFA), has for the protection of transgender people in light of the challenges to their rights:
“The executive order barring transgender women and girls from participating in sports has left our friends and teammates once again targeted by legislation created to drive discriminatory and hateful policies that weaponize harmful stereotypes in an attempt to erase transgender athletes from these spaces. MUFA categorically rejects these attempts to drive a wedge through our communities and the hurtful effort to remove opportunities from people that deserve them as much as anyone. MUFA remains proudly committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for athletes of all gender expressions. Sport is an essential part of people's lives. It provides a physical, mental, and emotional outlet and can offer camaraderie in a time when many find themselves increasingly isolated. MUFA believes in empowering all of our players to safely participate as their authentic selves. Agender, gender non-conforming (GNC), genderqueer, or gender fluid players remain encouraged to join MUFA leagues and match up with the players that they feel most comfortable playing with and marking. This statement has represented our leagues in the past and will remain our commitment going forward. MUFA’s full gender inclusion policy can be found here.
MUFA is proud to have fostered a community where people across all spectrums can play and thrive as their best selves, and we commit to continuing to work to make our community a better place for those from marginalized backgrounds through our policies and actions. In the face of a wave of discrimination and hate, we will work tirelessly to reinforce MUFA as a community for all.”
The leadership of the three leagues stands behind the MUFA statement, and we would like to share some resources to engage with to raise awareness and to deepen understanding of the issues facing transgender people.
ACLU Action: Transgender Rights | American Civil Liberties Union
Human Rights Campaign: Human Rights Campaign
Transgender student athlete bill tracker: Take Action | transathlete
The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.
Georgia Cardosa (BAY)
On a Falcons squad returning much of the league’s top-ranked defense from 2024, it was almost inevitable that a Defensive Player of the Year finalist would emerge in 2025. What no one expected—at least outside the Southwest—was that it would be Georgia Cardosa. Entering the season with just a single game and two points played in her WUL career, Cardosa wasted no time making her presence felt: she racked up four blocks against Arizona in Week 1 and delivered three jaw-dropping foot blocks versus Seattle in Week 2. From there, she became a staple of the Bay Area D-line, locking down handlers and generating yards with aggressive under cuts after turnovers. Her breakout season earned her a DPOTY finalist nomination and a well-deserved spot on the All-WUL Second Team.
Jackie Riley (OR)
A product of Oregon’s storied youth scene, Jackie Riley brought exactly what the Soar needed in their inaugural WUL season: dynamic young talent with a high ceiling. From the first few games, it was clear Riley would be a force on Oregon’s D-line—jumpstarting break opportunities with big throws and clutch catches. They made an early statement with four goals and 299 receiving yards in Soar’s opener, followed by three goals and 327 receiving yards just two games later. But Riley’s biggest impact came on defense. Over the final three games of the season, they averaged a staggering three blocks per game, finishing with 12 on the year—tied for second-most in the league. That disruptive presence earned Riley a spot among the DPOTY finalists and a place on the All-WUL Second Team.
Kat Songer (UT)
One of the league’s steadiest and most reliable handlers, Kat Songer once again anchored the Utah Wild offense with unshakable poise and precision. While she may not dominate highlight reels like some of the league’s flashiest throwers, Songer quietly does everything right—hitting open receivers, making smart decisions, and keeping the offense humming. She’s the kind of player coaches should show their young handlers on film.
In 2025, Songer threw 11 hucks and completed eight—a 73% completion rate, second-best in the league among players with at least 10 attempts. And that efficiency is no fluke: she went 10-for-14 in 2024 and 4-for-5 in 2023. Her year-over-year numbers reflect remarkable consistency:
2023: 11 assists, 1,679 throwing yards, +3.2 completions above expected
2024: 15 assists, 1,539 throwing yards, +1.9 completions above expected
2025: 16 assists, 1,518 throwing yards, +3.1 completions above expected
The one major change in 2025? Even with a career-high in touches, Songer committed five fewer turnovers than in either of the previous two seasons. And she never let up—her 104 points played led the entire league. An iron-willed leader at the helm of the Wild O-line, Songer’s All-WUL Second Team nod is a testament to years of quiet excellence.
Kaitlyn Weaver (SD)
On a team as stacked as San Diego, even big-name signings can raise questions—how will they fit? Will they stand out? In the case of 2023 MVP finalist Kaitlyn Weaver, the answer was clear from the start: contribute everywhere, elevate the team, and make a deep impact on both sides of the disc. In her first season with Super Bloom, Weaver seamlessly stepped into a high-usage role, finishing second on the team in points played (95) and earning both a DPOTY finalist nod and a place on the All-WUL Second Team.
Weaver’s presence took pressure off San Diego’s longtime stars Keala Helton and Dena Elimelech, allowing them to thrive deeper into games. But make no mistake—Weaver wasn’t just a role player. She was Helton-esque in her all-around production:
942 receiving yards (3rd on the team)
12 assists (3rd)
8 blocks (3rd)
7 huck receptions (1st)
She routinely initiated the offense, whether by stretching the field with big cuts or grinding out yardage underneath. In the red zone, she was just as comfortable taking charge—often throwing the final pass to cap drives. With her versatility, stamina, and playmaking instincts, Weaver gave Super Bloom exactly what they needed to finally break through to a gold at Championship Weekend.
Kelli Iwamoto (SD)
Kelli Iwamoto’s shift from First-Team All-WUL and MVP finalist in 2024 to Second Team in 2025 isn’t a drop-off—it’s a reflection of just how complete and balanced the Super Bloom roster became this season. As San Diego evolved into a more cohesive, championship-caliber unit, Iwamoto remained the steady force at the heart of it all.
Iwamoto once again delivered the kind of poised, efficient handler play that doesn’t always make headlines—but absolutely wins games. Across just five appearances, she tallied 5 goals, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and over 1,000 total yards—despite logging 75 fewer touches than she did in 2024.
But Iwamoto’s impact can’t be measured in numbers alone. She remains a trusted leader—someone her team turns to in critical moments, whether for a key break throw or a possession saving layout on an overthrown dump – sometimes simply to reset the energy and execute under pressure. Her calm presence and elite decision-making helped guide Super Bloom through their most successful season yet—and her Second Team selection is a testament to the power of consistency, leadership, and knowing exactly what your team needs, exactly when it matters most.
Melissa Dunn (AZ)
Melissa Dunn broke through in a major way in 2025, becoming one of the most reliable and dangerous offensive threats in the league. She finished tied for 2nd in goals (14) and 2nd in receiving yards (1,265)—a massive leap from her previous career averages of just 3 goals and 420 receiving yards per season.
Her breakout moment came in Week 7, where she delivered a career performance: 4 goals, 4 assists, and a staggering 341 receiving yards—the most ever recorded in a single game by an Arizona Sidewinder. With that effort, she became just the sixth player in league history to register at least 4 goals and 4 assists in the same game, underscoring her emergence as a true all-around playmaker.
A versatile hybrid with the ability to fill any role asked of her, Dunn paired big-yardage performances with steady efficiency, posting an 89.7% completion rate and committing just 3.5 receiving errors all season—on a team that often had to battle through adversity. Dunn’s rise helped stabilize Arizona’s offense and showcased her evolution into one of the WUL’s most complete offensive players.
Paige Kercher (UT)
No player has defined consistent production in the WUL quite like Paige Kercher. This season, she cemented that legacy by becoming the first player in league history to surpass 10,000 career regular season yards—a milestone that speaks to both her longevity and her unwavering impact on the field.
Even as Utah experimented midseason by shifting Kercher to the D-line for three games, her yardage output never wavered. She continued to generate offense with her signature poise and precision, ultimately finishing the year with the fewest turnovers of her career. As a veteran leader on a young Wild squad, Kercher brought calm to chaos—running the offense with patience, connecting seamlessly with fellow Second Team honoree Kat Songer, and mentoring emerging talents like Lily Terpstra and Carly Atwell.
Whether she’s driving downfield with big unders or resetting the tempo as a handler, Kercher remains the rock of Utah’s backfield. And as long as she’s on the field, the Wild offense is in expert hands.
Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2025 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.
Contributors include:
Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician
Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician
Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager
Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director
The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.
Abby Thorpe (CO)
Each year Abby Thorpe has played in this league, she has been nominated for Most Valuable Player (including winning both MVP and the title in 2024). Thorpe is zeroed in by her teammates even if she is not open at that time, and there is a reason for this – she will make it happen. Thorpe scored a single game record of eight goals in Colorado’s 2025 semifinal against Bay Area, demonstrating that even in their toughest matches, Thorpe is the fuel that keeps Colorado chugging forward. She ran for almost 1000 receiving yards during the 2025 regular season (playing in just 5 of 6 games), then notched an additional 600 receiving yards over Championship Weekend. She was the only player in the league with over 800 yards in both receiving and throwing yards, and one of just three players in the league to finish top five on her team in goals, assists, blocks, throwing yards, and receiving yards . Her teammates say “Abby Thorpe makes the impossible possible.”
Ari Nelson (CO)
Ari Nelson followed up on their 2024 Offensive Player of the Year campaign with a perhaps even more impressive season this year, becoming the first player to win back-to-back OPOTY awards. During the regular season, Nelson led the league in nearly every notable stat – assists, throwing yards and total yards with 2,740 (300 more than the next highest). Those 2K total yards are also good for the third most in a single season, and the most by a player who played in less than eight games. Nelson averaged 417 throwing yards per game, but set a single game record in Week 1 with 622 throwing yards. With a league leading 20 assists and 2,506 throwing yards, Nelson has carried the Alpenglow offense to the postseason over the past two years, and opponents have not yet figured out how to slow down their powerful arm. An opposing coach said about Ari – “I can’t get over how much of the offensive load Ari takes on for their team, they are just a force with the disc”.
Dena Elimelech (SD)
One of the WUL’s preeminent receivers and block getters, Dena Elimelich completed yet another season in which she was a regular near the top of statistical leaderboards, finishing 2nd in the regular season in both goals and blocks. Perhaps most impressive this season was her throwing range, as she completed eight out of ten hucks, the highest completion percentage in the league among players who threw at least ten hucks. Now a 3x All-WUL First Team selection, Elimelech has been a regular on end-of-season Player of the Year awards lists as well, including a win for 2024 DPOTY. She is a force on either side of the disc with jaw dropping skies, full field hucks and unbelievable layout catches. Her teammates say “She is a game changing player on offense and defense” and her level of play throughout the 2025 season was one of the biggest factors in San Diego taking home their first championship.
Kaela Helton (SD)
The 2025 WUL MVP finally capped off a stellar pro season with a championship for San Diego Super Bloom. Helton, now a 3x MVP, has been the heart and soul of this Super Bloom team since its inception, and that was the case once again this year. Across five regular-season games, she had 772 throwing yards, 1104 receiving yards, 11 assists, 16 goals, nine blocks, and not a single receiver error – something no other player in her impact and usage stratosphere managed. Helton’s presence warped the defense towards her whenever she stepped on the field, and in doing so opened up more opportunities for her teammates than ever before. This was wonderfully exemplified in Super Bloom’s postseason run, where Helton turned in two dominant performances into San Dieg’s first-ever WUL title.
Robyn Fennig (BAY)
During our season preview, we anointed Robyn Fennig the Bay’s X-factor for the 2025 season, speculating how much control the Falcons coaching staff would hand to their prized signing. The answer was, of course, full control, which paid dividends right away as Fennig lit up the Arizona defense to the tune of 6 assists and 493 yards in her WUL debut. On the season, Fennig accumulated 2,471 yards - second in the league - and led the league with 18.7 completions above expected (the WUL’s throwing proficiency stat that measures the consistency and difficulty of a player’s completions to the average player). Her chemistry with cutters Malina Wiebe and fellow handler Han Chen grew throughout the season and played a big part in Bay Area’s semi-final victory over previously undefeated Colorado. In short, Fennig’s rookie season was incredible and her impact should only grow as she further integrates into the team in the coming years.
Rory Veldman (CO)
Every year she’s been in the league, Rory Veldman has taken big strides forward for Colorado Alpenglow. Last year, she was a critical piece in Alpenglow’s championship puzzle. This year, Veldman fully emerged as a superstar force on the best regular-season team in the league. Veldman set career highs in goals (12), receiving yards (785), throwing yards (1205), and tied her career high with 12 assists, not to mention adding six blocks for good measure. Veldman is a nightmare matchup on both sides of the disc, and forces opposing offenses and defenses to be operating at their peaks if they want to get anything done while she is around. A 2025 MVP nomination and first team All-WUL nod is the least she’s earned for breaking into the top players in the league in 2025.
Sadie Jezerski (SEA)
Months ago during the early weeks of the preseason, the WUL stats team discussed what Seattle’s floor and ceiling were this year for the 2025 season preview. And the consensus became clear very early that Tempest would go as far as Sadie Jezierski could carry them. While the season didn’t end with a title, Jezierski’s dominance on Seattle’s D-line was a huge reason they worked their way back into Championship Weekend. Jezierski led the league with a stunning 16 blocks in the regular season, to go along with 17 assists, five goals, and over 1,600 yards as the D-line anchor – and earning her the title of 2025 DPOTY. Time after time, Jezierski provided a spark on defense at a critical moment, only to turn around the throw a huge huck for a break that shifted momentum to Tempest during this 2025 season, and added another goal, four assists, and four blocks as Seattle secured third in the postseason as well.
Note: Selections were based on voting results for the 2025 WUL Awards, but the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.
Contributors include:
Ben Sadis (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician
Noah Gumerman (he/him), WUL data collector and statistician
Kaetlynn Daoust (she/her), WUL Media Manager
Aly Steinfeld (she/her), WUL Marketing Director
The All-WUL teams recognize the all-around top players in the league for the 2025 season. The teams were decided based on a combination of voting results for the Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards. The top seven vote getters are recognized on the All-WUL First Team, and the next seven are recognized on the All-WUL Second Team. The players on each team are listed in alphabetical order.
All-WUL First Team
Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow
Ari Nelson - Colorado Alpenglow
Dena Elimelech - San Diego Super Bloom
Kaela Helton - San Diego Super Bloom
Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons
Rory Veldman - Colorado Alpenglow
Sadi Jezierski - Seattle Tempest
All-WUL Second Team
Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons
Jackie Riley - Oregon Soar
Kat Songer - Utah Wild
Kaitlyn Weaver - San Diego Super Bloom
Kelli Iwamoto - San Diego Super Bloom
Melissa Dunn - Arizona Sidewinders
Paige Kercher - Utah Wild
THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM | SAN DIEGO STRIKES GOLD AT LAST
San Diego Super Bloom pose with the WUL Championship Trophy after earning their first ever gold medal finish. Photographer: Rodney Chen, Ultiphotos
Bay Area came out firing in front of their home crowd, jumping to a quick two-goal lead—but San Diego stayed composed. Super Bloom evened the score by the end of the first quarter and followed with a 3-point run into the second to take control. Bay battled back to stay within striking distance, but San Diego’s discipline and depth proved too much. With a final score of 12–10, Super Bloom closed out their historic title run and claimed their first WUL championship.
After falling short in 2022 and 2023, San Diego finally reached the top—led by standout performances across the board, including newly crowned league 2025 WUL MVP Kaela Helton (WUL MVP in 2022 & 2023).
Bay Area capped off their most successful season ever with outstanding performances across the board, a second-place finish and a bright future ahead.
Photographer: Rodney Chen, Ultiphotos
See the entire gallery on Ultiphotos.com
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The annual WUL Awards honor outstanding players and coaching staff who have made significant contributions to the league and their teams. Each nominee exemplifies excellence in their respective roles and was honored with an awards ceremony during Championship Weekend.
Most Valuable Player:
Kaela Helton
The league’s most decorated player, Helton delivered yet another electric season with San Diego Super Bloom. In 2025, she tallied over 1,100 receiving yards without a single receiving error—a feat unmatched by anyone else in the league, with the next closest player under 700 yards. Helton was one of only three athletes to rank top five on her team in goals, assists, blocks, throwing yards, and receiving yards—a testament to her dominance on every inch of the field. An opponent put it best: “Helton has reached another level this year.” A two-time MVP in 2022 and 2023 and a finalist in 2024, Helton now earns her third league MVP title, further solidifying her legendary status. Her Week 1 performance—11 combined goals and assists, 300+ throwing yards, 300+ receiving yards—marked her second career game with that stat line, something no other player has ever achieved even once. With career totals of 56 goals, 77 assists, and 55 blocks, Kaela Helton remains simply unstoppable.
Offensive Player of the Year - Ari Nelson
Colorado Alpenglow’s offensive engine, Ari Nelson, delivered another record-setting season in 2025—cementing their place as one of the league’s most formidable throwers. Nelson led the league in assists (20), throwing yards (2,506), and total yards (2,740), outpacing the next closest player by more than 300 yards. Averaging 417 throwing yards per game, Nelson set the single-game record in Week 1 with an astonishing 622 yards through the air. An opposing coach summed it up best: “I can’t get over how much of the offensive load Ari takes on for their team—they’re just a force with the disc.” With their unmatched field vision and cannon of an arm, Ari Nelson earns their second consecutive WUL Offensive Player of the Year title—and it’s easy to see why.
Defensive Player of the Year - Sadie Jezierski
With a league-leading 16 blocks this season, Seattle Tempest’s Sadie Jezierski proved once again that she’s one of the most disruptive forces in the game. Known for punishing opponent mistakes and instantly flipping momentum, Jezierski consistently turned defensive stops into offensive opportunities—racking up 17 assists, the second-highest in the league. Her 16 blocks not only led the WUL but also tied her for the fourth-most ever recorded in a single season. A fierce competitor and clutch playmaker, Jezierski anchored Seattle’s postseason push and elevated her game to new heights in 2025. Simply put, she was everywhere—and her impact was undeniable.
Breakout Player of the Year - Brittany Stettmeier
Week after week, Brittany “Britto” Stettmeier delivered elite-level performances while taking on one of the heaviest offensive loads in the league. Leading all players in offensive points played, Stettmeier matched that volume with poise and efficiency—posting an impressive 91% completion rate.
Statistically, she was unmatched -- leading the league in both goals and receiving yards, with 17 goals and 1,337 receiving yards.. But it wasn’t just the numbers that stood out. Her game-saving layouts, end zone bids, and clutch resets showed a player with grit, vision, and intensity that lit up the field. Stettmeier didn’t just break out—she broke through, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the Sidewinders and a rising star in the league.
Coaching Staff of the Year - Colorado Alpenglow
Head Coach Madison "Badger" Oleson, Defensive Coach Lena Goren and Offensive Coach Thomas Echols
The Colorado Alpenglow coaching staff proved themselves as one of the most disciplined and effective units in the league. Colorado went undefeated in the regular season (6-0), led the league in goals scored and offensive efficiency, and tied for the highest point differential at +36.
Their leadership turned a talented roster into a dominant force, earning the respect of players across the league. Alpenglow athletes said it best: “They are a hardworking group that always found a way to keep pushing us forward.” This staff didn’t just coach a team—they built a culture of excellence.
Photography Credit: Rodney Chen, Ultiphotos
Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer
A thrilling day of action saw San Diego Super Bloom reach their third title game with a 17-16 win over Seattle Tempest, and Bay Area Falcons reach their first with a 19-16 upset over previously undefeated Colorado Alpenglow. Catch a recap of all the action from yesterday here. Today is the grand finale. Seattle and Colorado will play for the first time all year to get us started, then San Diego and Bay Area will each play for the chance at their first title.
3rd Place: Seattle Tempest vs. Colorado Alpenglow – 12:00 p.m. PDT
The two teams that have won the first three WUL Championships are the ones relegated to the third-place game on Championship Weekend. It’s a tough ask for both of these teams to come back for one more game after losing two heartbreaking semi-finals, but given how hard both teams competed yesterday, they’ll both be more than up for the challenge. For Seattle, a win would secure a top-half finish after a truly disappointing 2024 saw them miss Championship Weekend entirely. For Colorado, a win would mean avoiding a disappointing 0-2 weekend after a 6-0 regular season, and a truly impressive display of their mentality and desire to win despite a shocking day one result.
For both of these teams, it’s one last opportunity to play alongside their 2025 squads. In all likelihood, both of these teams will have a lot of continuity going into 2026, but there will still be changes. This game is an opportunity for these players to honor the hours they spent working together and building their teams into championship contenders, even if they fell one step short.
Seattle and Colorado have yet to play in 2025, so the result could be anyone’s game. Can Colorado bounce back after a shocking loss in semi-finals? Will Seattle shut down Colorado’s offense to secure the bronze?
Championship Game: San Diego Super Bloom vs. Bay Area Falcons – 3:00 p.m. PDT
After the incredible regular seasons and disappointing results at Championship Weekend 2024 for both teams, it was a little disappointing to not see a 2025 regular season matchup between San Diego Super Bloom and Bay Area Falcons. But the WUL always provides the drama and storylines in the end, as the Falcons will host an all-California matchup for the 2025 WUL Championship this afternoon.
“Is this finally the year?” is the question players and fans alike of both San Diego and Bay Area have been asking themselves all night after they both took their penultimate steps towards WUL glory yesterday. For Super Bloom, a win would be a storybook ending to a tale that stretches back to the first year of the league, and cap four years of regular season dominance and postseason heartbreak. While the Falcons have not been as consistently dominant for four years as Super Bloom has been, their past has plenty of regular season success and postseason disappointment (including against SD) they have a chance to erase today too.
The story all year long for Super Bloom has been how they have improved and deepened their squad from previous years. The depth around their core of Kelli Iwamoto, Dena Elimelech, and Kaela Helton is better than it’s ever been. Their defense is now their calling card, including an increased use of zone, rather than how top-heavy their roster construction felt in previous years. But Bay Area may be better equipped to handle that zone than anyone else in the league, thanks to the addition of Robyn Fennig, who shredded Colorado yesterday any time they tried to mix up defensive looks. The Falcons also roll deep, with a D-line led by standouts Han Chen and Georgia Cardosa.
All eyes on these two super teams as they square off for the 2025 WUL Championship. Don’t miss it.
The stage is set, and the title is up for grabs—today we crown a new champion. After a shocking semi-final loss to the Bay Area Falcons, top-seeded and defending champs Colorado Alpenglow will now face Seattle Tempest in the 3rd Place Game—two powerhouse teams looking to close the weekend with a statement win. Watch the 3rd place game here.
In the Championship Game, San Diego returns to the final for the third time in franchise history, still seeking their first-ever championship. They’ll face Bay Area, who earned their first trip to the final with a massive upset in front of their home crowd. Watch the Championship Game here.
At the end, a new team will lift the WUL trophy for the very first time.
Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer
What a first day of Championship Weekend action in the Bay Area. No matter what, the WUL will crown a first time champion on Sunday. It’ll be an all-California final as San Diego Super Bloom and Bay Area Falcons will compete for the first title in program history, while Seattle Tempest and Colorado Alpenglow will battle for third place. Here’s how it all went down.
San Diego Super Bloom 17 - 16 Seattle Tempest
For the first time in their three postseason meetings, San Diego Super Bloom vanquished Seattle Tempest 17-16 to return to the Championship Game since losing to the Seattle squad in the 2023. For Super Bloom, this game was the perfect example of how this team has evolved and grown over the last two years. They won with their defense, the zone they’ve relied on all year, this time paying dividends in a gusty upwind-downwind game. Despite their stars, they won with their depth, letting players like Kaela Helton and Dena Elimelich avoid playing two-thirds of their points like they have in years past. Regular season stalwarts showed up in full force for the postseason as well, with Kristen Pojunis, Kelli Iwamoto, Rebecca Ellis, and Kaitlyn Weaver all showing out with solid performances. And because of that, Super Bloom will have their third chance to capture their first-ever WUL title tomorrow.
During the game, it was Seattle who struck first as Sadie Jezierski skied a pile of defenders to come down with the game’s first break (upwind) and a 5-4 Seattle lead. Maybe a harbinger of things to come, Tempest was unable to convert the downwind break on the next point, despite earning a turn and using a timeout to get their O-line on the field. Once we hit the second quarter though, the San Diego defense got to work. They stacked three breaks in a row to claim a two-goal lead before Seattle responded. Super Bloom held and broke again to complete a 5-1 run in the second quarter, sitting on the verge of blowing the game wide open. Super Bloom let Seattle back into the game, though, first by pulling the disc out of bounds, giving Tempest a short field which they scored from, then Super Bloom dropped the ensuing pull. When the dust settled, SD had a 10-8 halftime lead.
In the second half, Super Bloom largely picked up where they left off. A hold and a break continued their theme, and they played the role of confident, poised favorites, closing out the game despite Seattle bringing it back within one at the end. Their mixture of person and zone defenses slowed the Seattle offense for large portions of the second half. San Diego’s offense wasn’t perfect, but their O-line defense was good enough to hold Seattle until a couple of scores at the very end made the game tighter than it seemed the rest of Q4.
For Seattle, losing to San Diego for the third time in a row, and to be knocked out of championship contention has to sting. But ultimately, this season was a step in the right direction for Tempest. After a surprise down year in 2024, they bounced back with a season more reminiscent of their championship runs in years past. There is still more to work on for Tempest to return to the top of the mountain, but they’ve found their way again.
Bay Area Falcons 19 -16 Colorado Alpenglow
For the second straight year, the underdog Championship Weekend hosts have found their way into the finals, despite matching up against a team that had a much better regular-season resume. Bay Area Falcons dispatched of the previously undefeated defending champion Colorado Alpenglow 19-16 in a game they led wire-to-wire. The Falcons have a chance to make it a three-peat for the home teams at Championship Weekend tomorrow, following in the footsteps of Seattle and Colorado the last two years in their first-ever WUL final.
It was a physical, contentious game between these two teams in just their second-ever meeting. But Bay Area seized control immediately with a dominant first quarter, clearly prepared with an effective game plan to slow down Colorado’s high flying offense. Across the next three quarters of play, every time Colorado made a run and snagged a break or two, or every time the Falcons seemed to have the nerves kick in, they managed to steady themselves and score goals despite some tremendous Alpenglow pressure.
It was a huge, team-wide defensive effort from the Falcons to secure this win. Everyone other than 2024 league MVP Abby Thorpe was held in check by Bay Area. (Thorpe had the night of her career, putting up a league record 8 goals in a single game.) No one has matched up with Colorado this year the way Bay Area did in the semifinal. Additionally, the continued swap of Han Chen from O-line to D-line really helped give Bay Area’s D-line offense enough juice to put serious pressure on Colorado, who had to defend the whole field with their O-line. Splitting Chen from Robyn Fennig on offense has allowed both of Bay Area’s best handlers to control even more touches, and set both the O and D-lines up for success by utilizing their throwing prowess. And it’s worked, as both players left their mark all over this game.
The Alpenglow undefeated run finally came to an end. There will be no undefeated season in 2025, and no repeat champions. Colorado’s depth downfield – the players that turned Colorado’s high-risk, high-reward offense into a nearly unstoppable juggernaut – were held in check by excellent gameplanning from Bay Area. And while Colorado nearly just kept shooting their way back into the game on the back of ratcheting up defensive pressure, it wasn’t enough to overcome Bay Area’s impressive team defense.
The stage is set, and the title is up for grabs—today we crown a new champion. After a shocking semi-final loss to the Bay Area Falcons, top-seeded and defending champs Colorado Alpenglow will now face Seattle Tempest in the 3rd Place Game—two powerhouse teams looking to close the weekend with a statement win. Watch the 3rd place game here.
In the Championship Game, San Diego returns to the final for the third time in franchise history, still seeking their first-ever championship. They’ll face Bay Area, who earned their first trip to the final with a massive upset in front of their home crowd. Watch the Championship Game here.
At the end, a new team will lift the WUL trophy for the very first time.
Written by Noam Gumerman
WUL Lead Writer
It’s here! Championship Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8 in Oakland, California. Bay Area Falcons play host to themselves, Colorado Alpenglow, San Diego Super Bloom, Seattle Tempest – and the eyes of ultimate fans around the world. It’s been a season where the best four teams in the league have proven themselves worthy many times over, and this weekend we get to see them go head-to-head when it matters most.
Each of the four qualifiers has their own compelling story behind a possible championship. Colorado wants to repeat as WUL Champions on the heels of an undefeated season. San Diego is looking to get over the hump, finally, as the league’s most consistently solid regular season team in history, but without any 1st place trophies d to show for it. After a down year in 2024, Seattle is readyto return to their perch on top, winning a third title in four years. And the hosts, Bay Area, has eyes on the prize, ready to redeem themselves after a disappointing 2024 Championship Weekend.
It’s the best time of the WUL season. Here’s how it’s going down:
Game Schedule:
Saturday 6/7
Semifinal 1 - 4:00 pm PDT: (2) San Diego Super Bloom vs (3) Seattle Tempest
Semifinal 2 - 7:00 pm PDT: (1) Colorado Alpenglow vs (4) Bay Area Falcons
Sunday 6/8
3rd Place - 12:00pm PDT: Loser of Semifinal 1 vs Loser of Semifinal 2
Championship Game-3:00pm PDT: Winner of Semifinal 1 vs Winner of Semifinal 2
Game Previews:
San Diego Super Bloom vs. Seattle Tempest
San Diego and Seattle face off in the first game of the weekend, renewing the league’s biggest rivalry, and a rematch of this season’s thrilling 16-15 Week 6 overtime game. San Diego won after tying it up on a hail-mary huck after time expired in the fourth, and finally, an overtime buzzer-beater to avoid a second overtime. But Super Bloom only needed the late heroics after blowing a five-point second-half lead to Tempest. If we are treated to half the game these two teams gave us in April, we’ll be set up for an all-time Championship Weekend classic. That game was Seattle’s only loss of the season. Otherwise, they looked nearly perfect, with a resume highlighted by two wins over fellow Championship contenders, Bay Area.
This rivalry cuts deeper than just one good game earlier this year. In both Tempest’s 2022 and 2023 Championship wins, Super Bloom is the team they went through to do it in the final. For San Diego, this is an opportunity to exorcise some organizational demons, prove once and for all that this year’s team is different (despite a familiar core), and foster a sense of belief that they are destined to win it all. For Seattle, this is an opportunity to remind San Diego of who owned the first two years of the league, and why SD hasn’t won yet. It would foster a near-mythical sense of the way this program has consistently elevated its play come the postseason, and only cement to Tempest players and fans that this rivalry should be charitably described as “one-sided.”
It’ll be a special collection of talent on the field, too. Super Bloom is led by their two 2025 MVP finalists in Kaela Helton and Dena Elimelech (the WUL’s 2022 and 2023 MVP, and 2024 DPOTY winners, respectively), DPOTY finalist Kaitlyn Weaver, and 2024 MVP finalist and 2025 OPOTY finalist Kelli Iwamoto, forming a star-studded core. As has been mentioned before, the big difference from this year’s Super Bloom to previous iterations has been the way everyone has stepped up and contributed around the big stars. For Seattle, the ascension of Sadie Jezierski (2025 league leader in blocks, 2025 DPOTY finalist, and all-around menace on the field) behind the steady strength of Seattle’s deep roster has lifted Tempest back into prime contention for a title. All signs point to this game being an incredible one. Don’t miss it.
Colorado Alpenglow vs. Bay Area Falcons
In a reversal of fortunes from last year, Colorado comes into Championship Weekend undefeated since Week 9 of the 2024 regular season, and the favorite to win the 2025 WUL Championship. This year, Bay Area is the host, coming off a positive but inconsistent regular season, and looking to make some magic happen in the postseason, just as their opponents were a year ago. And Colorado will play the part of the best regular season team coming into Championship Weekend with momentum, looking to finish off an impressive record, just as Bay Area was a year ago.
What’s even more interesting is that these two teams have only played once before, back in 2023, a game that Bay Area won 15-14. Unlike our first 2025 Championship Weekend semifinal, these two teams are not very familiar with each other, having played in opposite divisions last year and not meeting this year. Falcons have not yet faced the elite downfield cutter depth that Alpenglow can roll out point after point with players like 2025 MVP finalist and 2024 MVP winner Abby Thorpe, 2025 MVP finalist Rory Veldman, 2025 BPOTY finalist Rena Kawabata, or a thrower like 2024 OPOTY winner and 2025 OPOTY finalist Ari Nelson. But the Falcons should feel confident in their defence with players like 2025 BPOTY and DPOTY finalist Georgia Cardosa to attack big matchups. Additionally, Colorado hasn’t faced a backfield with power throwers like 2025 MVP Finalist Robyn Fennig and 2024 MVP Finalist Han Chen either, who can move the disc from one side of the field to the other in an instant.
While these teams may not have the same history and knowledge of each other as the first semifinal has, there is no doubt they will be well prepared for what needs to happen in order to secure a berth in the WUL Championship Game. For Colorado, this is a chance to take one step closer towards the second undefeated season in WUL history, and the second back-to-back dynasty. For Bay Area, this is a chance to pull off an incredible upset, and set right the disappointment of last year’s team falling short so close to the finish line. The lights will be bright, it’ll be a primetime matchup with star-studded rosters, where both teams hope to continue their march towards WUL history.
Don’t miss the action over championship weekend! Grab your tickets early to claim your space in the stands, find a watch party near you or catch the action live on the WUL YouTube Channel! On Semifinals Saturday, first catch 5-1 San Diego Super Bloom taking on 5-1 Seattle Tempest; then, undefeated 6-0 Colorado Alpenglow face off against 4-2 hosts Bay Area Falcons. Then on Sunday, watch the winners play for the 2025 WUL Championship!
The annual WUL Awards honor outstanding players and coaching staff who have made significant contributions to the league and their teams. Each nominee exemplifies excellence in their respective roles. We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements! Winners will be announced onsite throughout 2025 Championship Weekend, June 7-8 in Oakland, CA
2025 Most Valuable Player
Dena Elimelech - San Diego Super Bloom
Robyn Fennig - Bay Area Falcons
Kaela Helton - San Diego Super Bloom
Abby Thorpe - Colorado Alpenglow
Rory Veldman - Colorado Alpenglow
2025 Offensive Player of the Year
Paige Applegate - Arizona Sidewinders
Melissa Dunn - Arizona Sidewinders
Kelli Iwamoto - San Diego Super Bloom
Ari Nelson - Colorado Alpenglow
Kat Songer - Utah Wild
2025 Defensive Player of the Year
Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons
Justine Cherwink - Utah Wild
Sadie Jezierski - Seattle Tempest
Jackie Riley - Oregon Soar
Kaitlyn Weaver - San Diego Super Bloom
2025 Breakout Player of the Year
Georgia Cardosa - Bay Area Falcons
Julia Hasbrook - Seattle Tempest
Rena Kawabata - Colorado Alpenglow
Brittany Stettmeier - Arizona Sidewinders
Noelle Takahashi - Oregon Soar
2025 Coaching Staff of the Year
Colorado Alpenglow
San Diego Super Bloom
Seattle Tempest
