This award is to recognise those who don’t make the final of Nationals. Team success is often wrapped up in the awarding of individual awards, when there are fantastic players up and down the rankings in all three divisions. This is our way of trying to recognise those players.
MIXED
Third place: Kim Marsh, SMOG
Kim played for SMOG 2 this season and seemed to improve with every passing month. After playing well for the SMOG women’s team in the National League, she took that form into Nationals and was a key player as SMOG 2 returned to the semi-finals. With two SMOG teams going to Cincinnati in 2022, she’s sure to have an opportunity to test herself against the rest of the world.
Second place: Sam Wilson, Reading Ultimate
Sam has been around for several years, playing with JR in the mixed division and EMO in open before. This season was something of a breakout with Reading, though, as he had a huge effect on both sides of the disc with his speed. One of the fastest players in the division, he had dominant games downfield where he left defenders in his wake and emerged as a key player for Reading as they won the National League but lost in the Nationals semi-final to Deep Space. He’ll be looking to help Reading improve on that going into WUCC next season.
WINNER: Bex Palmer, Reading Ultimate
Bex has been a stalwart for Reading for years. Playing on the D line this season she showed that she’s just as adept winning back possession as controlling it, and took on some of the toughest match-ups in mixed with aplomb. She’s long been crucial to everything that Reading do on the field, and has been recognised with inclusion on Great Britain teams to boot. She’s one of the best players in the country, and a very worthy winner here.
WOMEN’S
Third place: Emily Potter, Spice
Emily was a dominant force at times for Spice, not only getting blocks but also being a fulcrum of the offence. Next season Spice will be heading to Cincinnati to compete against the best teams in the world and Emily will be one of the players they’ll be leaning on to make things happen on both sides of the disc.
Second place: Jenna Thomson, London Masters
Jenna was the best female player in the UK in the 2010s, and it appears the only thing that can slow her down is not playing as much. She was dominant when she needed to be at Nationals; running points with the disc, roasting people downfield and skying them when they caught up. She’s always been an all-around player, and is absolutely still one of the very best around.
WINNER: Rupal Ghelani, SYC
Talking of an all-around player, Rupal has been building her reputation as one of the best players in Europe for years. She’s a solid handler, she’s a great cutter and she’s a smothering defender. Pairing dedication and work ethic with technical talent and a sky-high frisbee IQ, she has very few chinks in her armour and yet is only getting better.
OPEN
Third place: Ross Nugent, Alba
Alba had an excellent season, only losing to Chevron and Clapham all year but making those games very tight and competitive, so it’s not surprising to see one of their players here (and stay tuned on that). Ross is another that has been developing his reputation over the last few years, earning a bronze medal with Great Britain playing mixed on the beach and solidifying his position as a defensive handler with Alba after starting with Fire. Another name to watch over the next few years heading into WUCC and the next Great Britain cycle.
Second place: Cameron Agnew, Alba
Cammy has been one of the best players in Scotland for years, starring for Black Eagles before Alba. He made the Great Britain Mixed team that was going to play in 2020 before the pandemic and is one of the best downfield weapons in the division. He’s led Alba to third place after finishing fourth in 2019 and will be looking to crack that top two in 2022.
WINNER: Andrew Boxall, Alba
Completing the Scottish sweep of this award, Andy has been one of the fastest risers in the last few years. He made the Great Britain Mixed squad that won gold in Gyor in 2019 and has been a crucial part of Alba’s rise. A brilliant handler who can play on both sides of the disc, he’s another who’ll be looking to continue improving heading into a huge 2022 season.