BHAVYA KAPADIA

Are you trialing for a team this season? 

Yes, I'm trialling for Horizon and SMOG this year*. After being part of Horizon's training squad last season, I'm now aiming to join their competition team while also hoping to secure a spot on SMOG's training squad.

Are you a returning player? 

Yes!

*Ultiworld Article: SMOG, established in 2013, has clinched multiple national titles in the mixed division and secured fourth place in the women's division at Nationals last year. Horizon Ultimate is a women's Ultimate team based in Yorkshire, UK, established in 2022. They aim to address the lack of competitive women's Ultimate in the North. Horizon were awarded most spirited UK club in 2023 and in 2024 took their first win over an established women’s team, SYC, during the UK nationals finals. 

How do you feel about being a returner?

Last year, I didn't know what to expect. This year, I've got clearer goals and know what's ahead. It's a bit daunting with more players and a larger player base, but I'm feeling a lot more ready and know what to expect compared with last season.

How do you prepare physically?

I'm very excited! I've been going out throwing, hitting the gym, and attending University training. I want to join Lemmings to get more game reps, but getting there is tough without reliable lifts. Geographically, it's a bit challenging to attend more frisbee in the north.  In the lead-up to U24s, and during the trial process, I felt a little burnt-out and unmotivated, partly because I hadn’t expected to get there, didn't factor it into my season plans, and was still recovering from an injury. I ended up not feeling invested in the process, but aimed to have the best time at U24s (which I did!). I felt flat again after Uni Nationals, but I’ve been doing some serious R&R to try and get my energy back. I’ve learnt motivation comes and goes - and that’s okay! 

Club Indoor Nationals has reignited my motivation, even though I was a bit nervous about attending, I am really glad I did as I’ve really enjoyed the weekend. For practice, I really just want to practice good fundamental skills so I feel confident before the trial.

How do you prepare mentally?

I try to approach it as a good experience and not get in my head, treating it a bit like a social event where I get to see good friends and enjoy being around lots of great players. 

This brings out the best in me and helps me to not overthink. Getting in my own head looks like over-focusing on little errors in drills like turning over or dropping a disc; I've been working on this so those negative thoughts don’t linger and impact my game and I try not to carry them off the pitch. 

I am practicing instead to refocus my thoughts on the experience I am having instead, and lifting other people up if I’m feeling down. 

How about preparing for the season as a whole?

One of my biggest challenges is confidence. I sometimes hesitate to take opportunities because I worry if I’m ready for the level. This year, I want to push past that fear, trust my ability, and step up.

For me, the focus this season is on committing fully to club ultimate while maintaining balance across all areas of my life. I tend to go with the flow of the season rather than trying to be overly structured about it, but I do want to be intentional about developing the skills I need. I’ll take on feedback from the trials that I attend of course, but I also need to make space for life outside of Ultimate—my degree, my well-being, and making sure I don’t get overwhelmed with trying to do everything all at once!