Player Profile: Frankie!
by Gary Breaux
It is easy to recognize and celebrate the bright and shiny best-of-the-best within our sport, but it is players like UPLA’s profiled player of the month, Frankie Bates, that make up the broadest section of the Ultimate player demo. The same factors that make this sport fun for more high-profile players like Stephen “Franchise” Presley (featured in the April issue of The Austin Scoober), Cara Crouch- former Callahan Award Winner, or Scotty Berens- Crazed Serial Killer, apply just the same to Ultimate players throughout the full spectrum of skill level.
During the interview for this story Frankie said, “I like that Ultimate is a rather unique sport; in that many people do not know what it is. That raises my cool factor from minus 3 to minus 2,” she says with a laugh.
Continuing, she adds, “I like that you can play a positive role on your team even if you’re not particularly athletic: if you're good at handling you don't necessarily have to do a lot of running…so that’s what I’m striving for! I like that the cost to play is so minimal, and even if you want to play for free there are pick-up games going on throughout the year that cost nothing but your time. And, the people that play are (for the most part) very friendly and inviting, helpful and instructive, and all around good people.“ Familiar sentiments for Ultimate players everywhere.
At 5 ft 12 inches (she prefers this to being 6 feet), Frankie is tall for a girl (or guy) and used to be quite a bit heavier than you’ll find her today. It was actually Ultimate, along with diet and regular jogging, that she credits with helping her lose more than 60 pounds. (That’s about equal to what Dizzy weighs, right?)
Yes, But Why Profile Frankie?
The attribute that makes Frankie stand out among the masses of pick-up and recreational league players (and, thus worthy of this profile) is her willingness to volunteer. Frankie is the UPLA Treasurer. It may not be as glamorous or sexy a role as League Director (me) or President (Tina Woodings), but it is vital to the smooth/legal functioning of any non-profit.
As Treasurer, Frankie writes the checks that make the whole world sing. With help from the entire board, she prepares an annual budget for UPLA, which includes a detailed budget for the upcoming calendar year and a summary budget for the upcoming three years. She balances and controls UPLA’s checkbook and keeps records of all purchases. In addition, she makes sure Financial Summary spreadsheets are received for major and minor Ultimate events where UPLA plays a role, including tournaments and UPLA’s leagues. Hey, who says that’s not sexy?!
An Inspiration?
There was a time when Frankie quit playing Ultimate altogether. She started playing in 2001 and continued until the Summer League Tournament in 2002. “I quit right after playing in a tournament where most of the women on my team didn't show up. I was not in shape to be playing every point, so I was extremely frustrated that people signed up but didn't show when we needed them. Bitches, all of them!” [That last part was added by the editor]
Frankie restarted in 2006 playing pick-up at Patterson and then joined Winter League later that year. “I restarted because I'd made a commitment to lose weight and I knew Ultimate would help get me the cardio I needed while still having fun.” She has been playing steadily ever since.
When the concept for UPLA was taking shape, it was of prime importance that UPLA be comprised of player representatives from all corners of Austin Ultimate, from elite players to rec players. As the UPLA Board discusses issues or upcoming plans, having Frankie in the room keeps everyone grounded to the grass roots of Ultimate.
Articles written in the UPA magazine and featured on websites will always highlight this sport’s most valuable players, but lest we lose sight of the everyday player like Frankie Bates. It is the quiet and steady effort from players like her that make a difference well behind the headlines. Frankie’s story is a perfect reminder that this sport can be played and enjoyed by literally anyone. And that we should never pre-judge the contribution any one of us is capable of making to this sport we love.
