Upon arrival at Truman State University, I joined a co-ed team and played my heart out. I was not the best player on the team but just the exhilaration of throwing the disc and playing the game satisfied every bone in my body. This is when I met Christina Wirkus, the most amazing woman and athlete I have ever met in my entire life. I am constantly in awe at her amazing athletic abilities, her humble attitude, her enchanting words of leadership, and her never ending dreams and desires. She would never say that she is a great player, but everyone around her knows it, and that is why I am nominating her for this. Short in stature but mighty within, Tina dominates every field that she walks onto. She truly leaves everything on the field when she is done with a game. She returns home from tournaments covered in bruises, cuts, and covered in mud. Even in the grimiest of moments or the worst of games, she strikes us with her leadership and contagious smile. Playing on the co-ed team at Truman was fun for her, but then her real challenge came -- to start a women’s team. Starting up a women’s team is often the dream of any women who play ultimate, but it is extremely hard to do! But she did it and in our first year we made it to regionals under her leadership. She is constantly getting more and more people out to play and is motivating them every step of the way. No throw is too bad, no person to slow or short to play the game with her. Tina has this drive to motivate and the ability to encourage the worst thrower to come back the next day. She constantly builds up everyone’s confidence through coaching them or inviting them over for supper at night. Tina shares her love of ultimate with everyone she comes into contact with. Tina was given the opportunity to play with a co-ed club team call CLX out of Ames, Iowa. She did and they were qualified for worlds in Australia this past fall. Unfortunately, due to money problems and life’s speed bumps, she did not get to go. The team went without her and did well, but never once did I hear her complain about not being there. Instead, she was motivating all of us to be better, run harder, be smarter, and hit the ground more; all with a huge grin. Christina Wirkus will forever live in my heart and all of those, whom she has played with, talked to, danced with, or simply smiled at on campus. She is a consistent leader, on and off the field. If you are not aware of the game of ultimate, go to upa.org.