There are many sports and clubs that are represented at NASH, but one that is often overlooked is the North Allegheny Girls Ultimate Frisbee Team or NAGU for short. There is a boys’ and a girls’ team here, but it was the girls’ lineup that secured a spot in the nationals competition this year. This is the first time the girls’ team has ever qualified in the history of North Allegheny. This competition will be held at Loves Park, Illinois in June, and it represents the first time that the team has qualified for Nationals, with only 16 slots available among hundreds of teams competing for a chance to show off their skills.

Ayuna Uemura, Hanna Semon, and Katie Kosco are the team captains this year. Any girls can join the team, including freshmen and sophomores. There is no previous experience required, and this eclectic group of girls comes from a variety of lifestyles and skill levels. There are a total of 27 members currently on the team, 19 of them juniors and seniors.

Uemura explained the team’s national ranking. “It was mainly because of last year’s records and how we’ve been working on the basics,” the senior said. “I think our team bond also plays a big role. The seniors last year really brought the team together and got it done, which led to a successful year for NAGU.”

Semon agreed. “It’s surreal,” she said. “Out of all the ultimate teams competing in the United States and for us to be chosen, it’s such an amazing accomplishment and I am so proud to be a part of it.”

The team competing at Nationals will be comprised of 18 to 20 team members, and the captains will be tasked with selecting the best performing girls to compete.

The team also competes in other competitions throughout their fall and spring seasons.  Among the biggest is Moxie, a regional competition for local teams. The Nationals competition is a much more prestigious honor, however, for the team must receive an invitation to compete.

With the season starting only last month, the girls have already started strong with two wins and one loss. They hope to keep the momentum going and to bring home a trophy in North Allegheny’s name.

For more information about how to join the team or when to catch a game, please contact Ayuna Uemura at [email protected].