Davenport’s ultimate frisbee programs for men and women will begin competition in fall 2023, led by head coach Mike Zaagman! The programs are fully funded by the athletic department and scholarships are available to students. 

“We are thrilled to make Davenport University the envy of every Ultimate Frisbee program in the country,” said Zaagman. “The resources we have at Davenport and the commitment of this University will make for the best collegiate experience in Ultimate. There are over 300 programs in the country and none offer what we do: a high-quality education, a dedicated coaching staff, amazing resources, and the commitment of the University.”

Zaagman started Zig Zag Ultimate in Grand Rapids in 2012 and since then it has begun to take off. In the last five years, it has grown to over 500 4th to 12th-grade players participating each year.  

The sport of ultimate frisbee has been around longer than one might think, since 1968! This non-contact team sport is played with a frisbee flung by hand and is quite similar to football and basketball in terms of how each team has a goal they need to protect. Players on an ultimate team pass the frisbee to one another in hopes of it entering into the opposing team’s goal. Players may only pass the frisbee, and are not allowed to move while holding it.

One of the unique aspects of the game is how there are no referees and the players are expected to follow a code of honesty in the event that a foul is committed during the game.  

Ultimate frisbee is one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports and Davenport is excited to see the opportunities this will bring for its student athletes, and the sport itself. To learn more about this new program visit dupanthers.com and complete this recruit questionnaire if interested in becoming a Davenport Panther.