Writer: Nic
Editor: Hazard
Oxford Brookes’ women have made history in being the first ever Division 2 Women’s Indoor Nationals Champions! Captained by Erin McGready, this team really developed and progressed as a team over the weekend, and they couldn’t be any more chuffed. Read on to see what Erin has got to say about the experience...
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| Despite a small squad, Brookes managed to come home with victory Photo Credit: Erin McGready |
Nic
Tell me about yourself…
Erin
Hi, I’m Erin. I’m captain of Oxford Brookes Ultimate team. I’ve played Ultimate for 7 years. I started playing at school with Evolution, I have previously and will be this year playing for GB. I played for Reading at the World Club Championships last year and have played with Hydra in the past too.
Nic
How do you feel the weekend went for your team?
Erin
We went in to the weekend as a learning and developing team as most of the players are beginners with less than a years experience. As the games progressed we found our flow and challenged some of the better, well known teams which gave us the confidence to come out stronger and compete at a higher standard. Overall, very proud of how all our team played and the results showed this.
Nic
Besides winning, what was the best thing to come out of the weekend?
Erin
The growing confidence of the girls from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon improved massively, which then increased the moral of the team; enabling everyone to play with more determination.
Nic
What were your favourite games and why?
Erin
Exeter - went on knowing it was going to be a tough game. But we came out and played our best offence, hard work paid off.
Sheffield Hallam - a similar team, with lots of beginner but a great game of Ultimate.
Surrey - really spirited team, played them twice. Always a fun team to play against. Even in the final, spirits were high from both teams.
Nic
What was the biggest success of the weekend (what went well and was key to winning)?
Erin
Having fun, keeping our heads up, playing to learn and increase experience.
Nic
How did you train and prepare for the weekend?
Erin
Lots of throwing practice, match defence, playing games against our Men's BUCS team!
Nic
How did the women fair against the Men’s team?
Erin
They give us a good run, a fair contested game. They keep us on our toes and making it difficult to defend their overhead game!
Nic
Are you playing outdoors this year?
Erin
No sadly we have not entered outdoors.
Nic
That’s a shame. How come?
Erin
Sadly we don’t have enough girls to enter outdoors, we only had six players on the Sunday.
Nic
Do you have any ideas/advice for any (potential) captains on increasing team numbers and developing the sport, especially Women’s?
Erin
As the sport is growing, numbers are increasing. Also by winning this weekend I hope it will help promote Ultimate as a sport and eventually increase the numbers of women playing.
Nic
As I imagine, your whole team played their part. Was there any particular player that really helped the team?
Erin
Everyone played so well and definitely played their part throughout the weekend. Jemma Chapman was an asset to the team with her strong cuts and great grabs.
Nic
How was the spirit over the weekend?
Erin
Generally spirit was great, nothing too standout.
Nic
Your team was the first ever team to win Division 2 Women’s Nationals, and you played against strong competition. What did winning mean to your team?
Erin
A big confidence boost to go forward. Shows that beginners and a small squad of 6 can push the top teams.
Nic
Anything to add…
Erin
Yes, that’s amazing. I didn’t know it was the first ever Division 2 Women’s Nationals! The team really have made great progression, I am so proud of them all.
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