The Biggest Highlights of the Last 10 Club Nationals

October 13, 2023 by Lindsay Soo and Keith Raynor in Video with comments

We are just days away from the first pull of the USA Ultimate club National Championships. Our anticipation has us longing for the superplays of yesteryear. We have been counting down the 10 best highlights from the last 10 years of Nationals over on our Instagram and TikTok.

Here’s the top 10 in historical order.

2012 – Dalton Smith Layout Block

Before he was well known as a daring handler, Dalton Smith burst onto the scene with this incredible play. The tone-setting first throw layout block established that the underdog Doublewide was going to give vaunted Revolver all they could handle. It turned out to be even more than they could manage, as the Texas team won confidently. And it all started with Smith galloping down on the pull and sizing up a block.

2013 – Anna Nazarov Layout Goal

This play was the exact opposite of Dalton Smith’s. The Bay Area juggernaut, Anna Nazarov, absolutely crushed the hopes for an upset from an up-and-coming opponent from Texas. Nazarov took to the air with gusto to haul in this huck and opened the game with the type of run that made Fury look unbeatable once again.

2014 – Opi Rundown Block

Payne’s defensive prowess is unmatched, and this play showcases it all. With a burst of speed, Payne flips the footrace results, adds a soaring bid, and caps it off with a no-doubter interception. It’s a truly remarkable display of athleticism and skill.

2015 – Khalif El-Salaam Sky

Khalif El-Salaam and his Mixtape teammate Jesse Bolton are known as the captains of the Sit on Shoulders club. El-Salaam demonstrated that the term is fairly literal with one of the nastiest poster coaches ever committed to ultimate film at Nationals.

2016 – Josh Markette Scoop Catch

Patrick Stegemoeller once described this catch as “GET OUT OF HERE WITH THIS WITCHCRAFT.” It’s an inexplicable snag during a tense national final that adds an element of mystery and excitement to the game.

2017 – Anna Thompson Layout D on Universe

Anna Thompson’s big-time play came on universe in the national final, establishing her as one of the club mixed division’s rising stars. This remarkable block shines brightly, earning the 2017 Block of the Year honors.

2018 – Simon Higgins Layout Goal

Vaunted Revolver reached another final in flashy style with a high-flying dive from star cutter Simon Higgins. This game-winner in the clutch defies gravity and adds a great sense of gravitas to the play.

2019 – Angelica Boyden Layout Block

One of the most shocking Nationals upsets of the modern era was set off by Angelica Bowden’s soaring layout block. With snappy reaction time and explosive athleticism, she made a sparkling interception that had the sideline going wild.

2021 – Ryan Osgar Huck

While not the most spectacular play on this list, the significance of Ryan Osgar’s throw cannot be understated. With everything on the line, Osgar dimed a forehand to Jack Williams to secure a long sought title for Raleigh Ring of Fire, forever altering the team’s legacy.

2022 – Manuela Cardenas turn around block

This play won Block of the Year and was the most memorable play of Club Nationals last year. Manuela Cardenas’ twisting block at a critical moment in the women’s final stopped a break and helped secure Molly Brown’s first title. We can’t wait to see what Manu does this year as the reigning US club champion.

Lindsay Soo is a contributor for Ultiworld based in North Carolina. They have been playing competitively since 2012 and coaching since 2018. Her experience ranges from D-III and D-I college to Club, Semi-Professional and International competition. On Twitter and Instagram @soonami14, @soo_digital_media

Keith Raynor is a Senior Editor and the Business Development Manager at Ultiworld. He co-hosts our Deep Look podcast and does play-by-play and color commentary. He coaches UConn Rise, the college’s women’s team. You can reach him by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter (@FullFieldHammer).

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