Courtesy of @lcpioscrew
Artemis, Lewis & Clark’s women’s ultimate frisbee team, has had a national star rise from its midst. Presten Berg ’26 has been invited to try out for the American National Ultimate Frisbee team on Nov. 9-10 in Tucson, Arizona. Team USA narrowed down a pool of 600 players to 212 athletes that will try out in hopes of representing the United States. If admitted to the national team, Berg would be one of 72 total players across three teams of 24. She would have the opportunity to represent LC against international teams playing in Logrono, Spain next summer against other students from all over the world.
Berg has played ultimate frisbee for nearly seven years, starting in eighth grade. Fellow Artemis member Nahlah Mkaouri ’26 has been friends with Berg since the two were in second grade, and it was Mkaouri who introduced her to the sport. Berg continued to play throughout high school in the spring season while participating in soccer in the fall.
Berg has been competing for Artemis for two years, playing a full season and joining the team at nationals last year.
“I definitely like it, and I think it has been a pretty supportive environment,” Berg said.
Previously, Berg went to school in Montana State University before transferring to LC in her second year. Berg enjoys the Artemis team and its environment compared to her experience in Montana.
“When I went to Montana, there was not as good of a structure and the coaches weren’t very involved. As far as practice attendance went, people weren’t on it. I think that the level of play on Artemis has definitely increased and stepped up,” said Berg.
To be scouted for the national team, Berg completed an application that included 50 questions such as “What do you think your offensive and defensive strengths are?” and “What are your weaknesses?” Berg also submitted film of her frisbee skills on the field. Berg was later selected out of the hundreds of applicants to try out for the West Coast division of the Under 24 (U24) division.
With the opportunity to try out for the National Team, Berg has the chance to join top players — not just in the nation, but in the world. According to the USA Ultimate website, U24 teams are part of “ultimate’s most prominent international tournament for college-age athletes” and the American teams have claimed the majority of medals in years they have competed internationally — including in last year’s tournament.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity to be able to play with people who are very advanced at the sport and see what that level of frisbee can look like,” said Berg. Even though Artemis is really good, it’s still very centered on a collegiate level. So we are playing certain teams that might not have the same strength as people who are on the National level.”
If selected, Berg would represent LC and the United States in World U24 World Championships, defending Team USA’s Ultimate Frisbee gold medal from last year. In previous tournaments, like at the World Ultimate Championships, there have been sold-out crowds of over 1,500 seats. This particular tournament will be televised across the nation.
Presten Berg is currently training with the Artemis team here at LC as she prepares for tryouts this November. Later this month, USA Ultimate coaches will select a final roster of 72 players.
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