Celebrating Spirit

Kirstin Johnson

San Francisco Fury

Named for Kathy Pufahl, the women’s division spirit award honors the athlete who best exemplifies both the ethos of Spirit of the Game, along with a personal commitment to giving back to the sport. Each team at the National Championships casts a vote for one of the nominees, selected by their individual teams, taking into account who has exhibited personal responsibility, integrity and selfless contribution to ultimate, combined with a high standard of playing ability. 

Kirstin “KJ” Johnson has dedicated herself not only to competitive excellence but also to leadership, growth, and community building. KJ’s influence extends past wins and titles. Her commitment to her team and the wider community reflects her passion for ultimate and her dedication to making the game accessible to all. She leads her players, teammates, and opponents to mirror her joy, intensity, and respect and has given her time, talent, and heart to the sport. The players and communities she has touched are stronger for it.

Matt Gouchoe-Hanas

Raleigh Ring of Fire

Named for Peter “Wheels” Farricker, the men’s division Spirit award is given to the player at the National Championships determined to have exhibited personal responsibility, integrity, and fairness combined with a high standard of playing ability. Each Nationals-qualifying men’s team nominates one player from their own team for the award as the person who best represents Spirit of the Game.

While Matt Gouchoe-Hanas is among the most decorated and successful players in the game today, his consistent commitment to respectful communication throughout fierce competition and positive relationship building with competitive rivals is universally recognized by elite men’s players across the country. Matt has long personified every characteristic of a deserving Farricker award recipient.

Avalon Igawa

Los Angeles Lotus

The mixed division’s Spirit and Equity Award is given to two mixed division players each year. The winners are determined by Nationals-qualifying mixed teams and honor athletes who have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. 

Avalon Igawa pushes everyone around her to be the best version of themselves, supports people through their highs and lows and has unwavering loyalty to each of her teammates. Avalon embodies everything about the competitiveness, empathy and trust that the spirit of the game strives for. She cares about her teammates endlessly. She’s selfless. She actively thinks about spirit equitably, and communicates how we can be better about it.

Sean Treacy

Sacramento Tower

The mixed division’s Spirit and Equity Award is given to two mixed division players each year. The winners are determined by Nationals-qualifying mixed teams and honor athletes who have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. 

Sean  Treacy has spent his ultimate career building his communities. He has been a player, captain, organizer, and volunteer at youth clinics, helping introduce new players to the sport. Sean plays fair, treats opponents and teammates with respect, and works to make ultimate more inclusive and accessible for anyone with interest in the game. He plays with joy and integrity, and always works to empower the ultimate community around him.

Louis Wersan

Crutch City

Established in 2010, the Marty Bakko Spirit Award is presented to a player in the men’s masters division at the USA Ultimate Masters Championships who best exemplifies SOTG. The award was created in honor of the late Marty Bakko (Minneapolis Surly). The masters division spirit award honors players that embody the best attributes of ultimate. Like Marty Bakko, these individuals: have an infectious sense of humor; possess a long-term passion for the sport of ultimate; display a commitment to fair play, integrity and respect for their opponent; are shrewd, tactical innovators on the field; show an intense, competitive Spirit; and are leaders who inspire others to act. From Crutch City, your 2026 Marty Bakko Award Winner is Louis Wersan. 

Christine Bookhout

Ripe

Each qualifying masters women’s team nominates one player from its roster as the person who best represents the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Ripe, your 2025 Women’s Masters Spirit Award Winner is Christine Bookhout. 

Lexie Thomas

Creamland

Each qualifying masters mixed team nominates two players from its roster as the people who best represent the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Creamland, your 2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award Winner is Lexie Thomas.  

Pete Mancini

Crown

Each qualifying masters mixed team nominates two players from its roster as the people who best represent the Spirit of the Game. This award is given to the players determined by Nationals-qualifying teams to have exhibited personal integrity, responsibility and fairness, along with a commitment to enhancing equity in play and in their communities. From Crown, your 2025 Masters Spirit and Equity Award Winner is Pete Mancini.