Twelve Members Welcomed into the Ultimate Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Colorado Springs, CO (November 23, 2025)

The 2025 Class includes Women’s division inductees Carolyn Finney, Cree Howard, Georgia (Bosscher) Shriwise, Kaela (Jorgenson) Helton, and Sandy Jorgensen. These new inductees are joined by the Open division inductees Kurt Gibson and John Hassell. Also included in the Class of 2025 is Mixed division inductee, Michael Faris. From the Contributor category focused on Coaches, the Hall welcomes Robin Davis, Alex “Dutchy” Ghesquiere, and Matty Tsang. In addition, the Hall is adding David St. Amand to the Special Merit Class of 2014 – The Johnny Appleseeds.

“We are thrilled to welcome this robust class of impressive new members to the Ultimate Hall of Fame,” said Suzanne Fields, Ultimate Hall of Fame Administrator and Vetting Committee chair. “Their accomplishments and competitive excellence are renowned throughout our community. We look forward to honoring them at the next Hall of Fame Induction ceremony to take place during the 2028 USAU National Championships where we’ll be honoring the 2024 through 2028 Classes of Hall inductees.”

To be inducted into the Ultimate Hall of Fame, candidates must complete three steps. The first stage involves “peer voting,” where player candidates are reviewed and ranked by a group of players from their own playing era, which in 2025 was focused on the period of 2008 to 2016. In the Contributor category, both Hall members and members of the ultimate community participated in the solicitation and vetting of candidates to identify a final slate. The second stage involved winnowing the field to a finalist slate of player candidates through a review of the peer voting results and written applications solicited by the Vetting Committee. The slate of 30 player candidates and 11 contributor-coach candidates were announced in the Call to the Community, which requested input from the ultimate community at-large. The final stage involved two rounds of voting for the candidates by the full voting committee comprised of the Vetting Committee and the eligible player and contributor members of the Ultimate Hall of Fame. Since 2018, voting has been segmented by division for player candidates, with Women’s division Hall members voting on Women’s division player candidates, Open members voting on Open player candidates, and the Mixed division members voting on their candidates. Inductees must receive an affirmative vote by at least two-thirds of the eligible Hall voters.

“The Hall continues to improve the selection process each year and strives to include the broader ultimate community. We had the largest response ever to the Call to Community with more than 200 comments on this year’s slate. What an incredible class of nominees this year, including 9 first Ballot inductees,” said Hall of Fame Board President, David Blau. “We are excited to welcome all these new Hall of Fame members.”

The Class of 2025 is the 22nd class inducted into the Ultimate Hall of Fame, which was established in 2004 to honor exceptional ultimate players and contributors whose accomplishments are worthy of recognition and merit acknowledgement by their peers.

HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Carolyn Finney (Oakland, CA)

Carolyn Finney joins the Hall of Fame as one of the sport’s most dominant and decorated players. A fearless handler and elite defender, Finney’s explosiveness, throwing prowess, field vision, and relentless competitive spirit powered her teams to victory at every level. She led UC Santa Barbara to five straight College Nationals finals, winning two titles as captain, before capturing five club championships with Fury. A three-time USA World Games team member—twice as captain—Finney also earned accolades as Player of the Year (2018), Offensive Player of the Year (2024), and the Kathy Pufahl Award (2021). 

All told, Finney has eleven Worlds appearances, with six golds, 3 silvers, and a bronze medal for her impressive trophy case. Her legacy as a leader and game-changer cements her place among ultimate’s all-time greats.

Cree Howard (Oakland, CA)

Cree Howard was the heart of San Francisco Fury for 17 years, leading the team to nine national titles. A perennial National Team selection, Cree also won 5 world championships in total. Known for her speed, instincts, and versatility as an impact cutter and defender, Cree was the teammate everyone trusted in the biggest moments—the one catching the gold-winning goal on universe point, the one lifting spirits after setbacks, the one setting the standard for joy and resilience. 

Throughout her career, Cree embodied what it means to compete for the team, helping shape Fury’s culture of excellence and care. In honor of her legendary impact, Fury retired her #13 jersey—a fitting tribute to a player who gave everything to her team and the sport.

Georgia (Bosscher) Shriwise (Madison, WI)

Georgia (Bosscher) Shriwise is celebrated as one of the most dominant and complete players in women’s ultimate history. Known for her explosive speed, jaw-dropping layouts, and unmatched throwing power, Georgia was a game-changer on every team she joined. Her career highlights include the 2009 Callahan award, three national titles and a WUCC gold with San Francisco Fury, two World Games golds (serving as captain in 2017), and multiple world championship medals at WJUC and WUGC. She also helped redefine mixed play with her groundbreaking pulling ability. 

Beyond international success, Georgia co-founded and captained Heist, elevating women’s ultimate in Madison, and later competed with Space Heater at the elite mixed level. A fierce competitor and inspiring leader, Georgia’s legacy is defined not only by championships but by her impact on teammates, opponents, and the sport itself.

Kaela (Jorgenson) Helton (San Diego, CA)

Kaela Helton enters the Hall of Fame as one of ultimate’s most decorated and versatile players, known for her athleticism, dominance, leadership, and longevity. Over two decades, she has captured an astounding 17 championships across every division. 

Known for her ability to thrive under pressure, Kaela excels as a powerful thrower, initiating cutter, and top-notch defender, consistently delivering on the sport’s biggest stages. After winning a college title with UC Santa Barbara, she earned six national titles with Fury, co-founded San Diego Flipside, and dominated the Western Ultimate League as a three-time MVP. A seven-time world champion and two-time World Games team member, Kaela’s selfless dedication and relentless drive have made her a global ambassador for ultimate. Her impact as a player and leader is unmatched.

Sandy Jorgensen (Washington, D.C.)

Sandy Jorgensen redefined the game with her unmatched athleticism and dominance in the deep space. Her height, speed, and explosiveness made her a nightmare for defenders and a game-changer for Scandal, where she earned back-to-back national titles in 2013 and 2014. 

Known for jaw-dropping stat lines—including 16 blocks and 27 goals at Nationals in 2016—Sandy was a perennial All-Club selection between 2013 and 2017 and UltiWorld Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. On the world stage, she won gold in the Mixed division at WUGC 2016 and added a World Games title with Team USA in 2017, after having been an alternate in 2013. A true force who altered tactics and elevated expectations, Sandy’s impact on ultimate was undeniable.

OPEN DIVISION

Kurt Gibson (San Diego, CA)

Kurt Gibson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. After helping lead University of Florida to their first nationals appearance, he amassed a 128-7 record, reaching the finals twice and winning the 2006 USAU College Championship.

Kurt’s entry into the top level club scene came after he returned from battling Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Kurt’s discipline, work ethic, and drive to win propelled him to return to full health and help lead Doublewide to their first ever national championship in 2012. Over the next 5 years, Kurt would win 3 national titles each with 3 different teams. 

As evidence of Kurt’s dominance, for 8 consecutive years in the 2010s, only Revolver or a team Kurt played on won a national championship in the Men’s Division. Kurt was an all-around player who excelled at every position. He played defensive handler, offensive cutter, and center handler on his championship teams showing his vast skillset. He did what he needed to do to make his team better based on what was needed for the team to win. Kurt had an extraordinary ability to make others around him better and bring success to the teams he played on. Kurt played his best and delivered for his teams in the biggest moments.

John Hassell (Toronto, Ontario)

John Hassell, is best known for his shimmy to get open, field vision and aggressive throws. After getting hooked on the ultimate frisbee playing at McMaster University, John joined YES – a Toronto-based club team that morphed into GOAT in 2002. John was a proud member and long-time captain of GOAT.

In the Open division, John was on the Canada national team, competing in several World Championships and a World Games. He has won titles at the university, Canadian national and international levels. His top finish in the US series was third and was part of the core that established GOAT as a perennial qualifier. 

Primarily an initiation cutter, John was recognized as Canadian Male Athlete of the Year in 2009. He received several finals MVP awards, reflecting his ability to raise his game under pressure and to compete at the highest levels. With unassuming poise, John was able to maintain good sportsmanship in the biggest moments. 

John helped establish Toronto’s club system with GOAT, GT and Roy. As a founding director of ReachUp, he ran frisbee clinics in Indigenous communities to support healthy lifestyles among youth. 

John is the first to note that his success is thanks to outstanding teammates.

MIXED DIVISION

Michael Faris (Missoula, MT)

One of the earliest organizers and leaders in the Mixed Division, Michael Faris was a masterful tactician who united the Big Sky’s top talent into National-caliber teams. His loose but aggressive style of play — typified by the renowned “Faris Wheel” — inspired others and set the tone for the highly competitive programs he built and captained. A dynamic athlete with a lightning-fast first step and a penchant for spectacular layouts, he led by example and elevated the play of everyone around him. 

As a captain, Faris was a soft-spoken yet uniting force who drew together the region’s best players while welcoming and inspiring newcomers. He possessed a rare ability to build multi-year visions for team growth to ensure his squads peaked when it mattered most. 

Michael was a visionary strategist and model of spirit whose leadership culminated in two National Championships with Trigger Hippy in 2001 and the Mental Toss Flycoons in 2008. On the international stage, he led both teams to Worlds Bronzes in 2002 and 2010. Beyond his on-field success, Michael helped legitimize and define the Mixed Division itself, even commissioning its first championship trophy. A tireless promoter, teacher, and community builder, Michael Faris was a consummate leader and guiding force behind every team he touched.

CONTRIBUTORS – Coaches

Robin Davis (Mill Valley, CA)

Robin Knowler Davis is known for the sustained excellence, innovation, and integrity that she has brought to the sport for more than two decades. As the long-time head coach of Stanford Women (2002–present), Davis has led the program to five national championships, three additional finals appearances, and four semifinals—establishing one of the most consistently elite programs in the history of college ultimate. Her success has been built on a system grounded in player development, strong program culture, and tactical creativity.

Davis is known for pioneering zone defenses that challenged even the strongest offenses, developing deep and resilient rosters, and cultivating a team identity rooted firmly in Spirit of the Game. Her influence extends internationally as well, including a championship as assistant coach of the USA Women’s Division team at the 2025 World Under-24 Ultimate Championships.

Davis’s impact reaches far beyond the teams she has coached: many of her former players have become Hall of Famers, leaders, and coaches themselves, and she has mentored countless others through workshops, collaboration, and by example.

Defined by consistency, adaptability, and a commitment to doing things the right way, Robin Davis has built a program that has endured, elevated the competitive landscape, and embodied the values of ultimate—making her a deserving inductee into the Ultimate Hall of Fame.

Alex “Dutchy” Ghesquiere (Washington, D.C.)

Alex “Dutchy” Ghesquiere is one of the most influential strategic minds in modern ultimate, widely credited with helping usher in the era of dedicated, high-impact coaching at the sport’s highest levels. Known for his calm demeanor, patient leadership, and chess-like tactical approach, Ghesquiere has shaped championship teams across divisions and on the international stage.

His coaching career began with the Cal Berkeley Men (2005–2012), where he led the program to three Nationals appearances and a top finish of fifth. He coached Zeitgeist Women to a seventh-place Nationals finish in 2007.  He shifted from captain to coach of San Francisco Revolver, guiding the team to a USA Ultimate club championship in 2011, a finals appearance in 2012, and the 2012 WUGC title. 

Ghesquiere’s tenure with Washington D.C. Scandal (2013–2019) solidified his legacy. His leadership propelled Scandal to back-to-back national championships in 2013 and 2014, triumphing over the Fury dynasty with poise, confidence, and a system that elevated the team beyond the sum of its parts.

Internationally, he coached Team USA to gold medals in the Men’s in 2012 and 2016, with the 2020 cycle cancelled. At the World Games, Alex was the Team USA head coach for the 2013 and 2017 championships. He is the only head coach to win national or world titles in all three of the men’s, mixed, and women’s divisions.

Matty Tsang (Oakland, CA)

Matty Tsang is widely regarded as one of the most successful and transformational coaches in the history of ultimate. Since beginning his coaching career in 1997, he has guided teams at every level of the sport, earning a reputation for exceptional competitive excellence, athlete development, and team culture building. On the international stage, Tsang has been a cornerstone of U.S. women’s ultimate for more than a decade. He led San Francisco Fury to multiple podium finishes, including gold at the 2010 WFDF World Ultimate Club Championships (WUCC) and silver in 2014 and 2022. As head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, he directed the squad to a WUGC gold medal in 2008, a silver in 2012, and again to gold in 2016 when USA Ultimate transitioned to select rosters. He was set to reprise his role in 2020 before the event’s cancellation. In World Games gold medal wins, Matty was a Team USA assistant coach in 2013 and 2017 and rose to head coach for the 2022 and 2025 championships.

Domestically, Tsang’s impact is unparalleled. Under his leadership, San Francisco Fury established itself as a dynasty, winning seven consecutive USA Ultimate National Championships from 2006 to 2012, adding more titles in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2024. His teams also earned multiple second-place finishes and captured U.S. Open gold medals in 2013, 2015, 2024, and 2025, solidifying Tsang’s legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches.

SPECIAL MERIT – Addition to 2014 Johnny Appleseeds

David St. Amand

David “Stamen” St. Amand was a key “connector” in the early growth of college ultimate and is now being recognized as an addition to the Hall of Fame Class of 2014 Johnny Appleseeds as a founder and a team leader/primary handler of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture team beginning in the Spring of 1974. 

Almost single-handedly arranging and scheduling Webb’s slate of games, David secured matchups with top East Coast teams—including Rutgers and Hampshire—when Webb was virtually unknown. His extensive outreach connected Webb to programs at Glassboro, UConn, Tufts, RPI, Columbia, Bucknell, and Princeton, helping elevate the school onto the national scene. 

As Webb’s representative at the first Ultimate Captain’s Meeting in Maplewood, NJ, in 1975, St. Amand ensured the team’s inclusion on early team contact lists and strengthened ties across the burgeoning college community, including Webb’s participation in the first College Ultimate Championship at Yale in 1975. 

St. Amand coordinated directly with the Webb Institute’s administration, recruited classmates to field full squads, and maintained relationships with many of Ultimate’s Appleseeds. Beyond Webb, David co-founded the Bucks County summer league in 1976, introducing dozens of new athletes to Ultimate and contributing to the sport’s expanding footprint. David later went on to play on the Knights of Nee and for Dartmouth.

Vetting Committee:

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