There is something for everyone within the world of Clemson athletics; whether it be spectating or playing, Clemson offers opportunities for all students to get active. While many club sports members may be continuing their athletic careers from high school, this is not the case for the Tiger Lilies club ultimate frisbee team — who began their athletic journeys in college.
According to president Eliza Haines, the Tiger Lilies play at the “highest possible level of collegiate ultimate,” she told The Tiger. The team travels to tournaments throughout the academic year to play against other USA Ultimate DI college women’s teams.
Last season, the team played in the USA Ultimate (USAU) sanctioned tournaments in the spring and qualified for sectionals and the 2024 Atlantic Coast DI College Regionals, where they placed fifth in a competitive tournament of 15 teams.
“One way that our team has grown in recent years is that we now have not just one but two amazing coaches that saw our potential and decided to volunteer their time to help us grow as players and help us increase our ‘Frisbee IQ,’” Haines said. “One of our coaches is a Tiger Lilies alum, and the other is an alum of the Clemson men’s team. Both currently play ultimate at a club level.”
Disney Medeiros, one of the Tiger Lilies captains, spoke very highly of her experience as part of the team:
“I knew next to nothing about ultimate frisbee before my first practice with Tiger Lilies, but I fell in love with the sport immediately! I am constantly looking forward to throwing with my friends at practice, playing car games on the road to tournaments, diving for discs in the end zone and going on team bonding adventures,” Medeiros said. “Also, it is so cool to represent Clemson and compete against other universities.”
“My teammates and this sport have defined my college experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
This year, the team hopes to return to the Atlantic Coast DI College Regionals, recruit more rookies and continue to foster a team atmosphere of friendship and fun.
“Last year, we got together for camping trips, paintball excursions and other fun team-bonding activities,” Haines said. “And we hope this season will be filled with even more road trips, Halloween-costumed frisbee practices, holiday parties, smiles and laughter.”
The team urges newcomers not to fear falling behind if they choose to join the squad. In fact, most people start their ultimate frisbee journey in college. Anyone interested in joining the team can find the team at Tiger Prowl, and all prospective players are welcome to attend any practices, which are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-10 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. on the Championship Fields.
“We are eager to recruit more rookies this year, and we would love for YOU to join the team or tell your friends that might be interested in joining,” Haines said.
However, the team does not just need support from new players. All Clemson students can contribute to the team’s success by following the team on Instagram @tigerlilies.ult to be notified about the team’s tournaments, practice times, merch sales and other fundraisers, including a tournament that is open to anyone.
