KATIE ALLEN

Are you trialing for a team this season? 

I don't have local trials because our team structure doesn't ask leadership members to trial themselves—it's just how we're set up. 

Are you a returning player? 

I am, yes. I'm returning as head coach and supporting the assistant coaches group.

How do you feel about being a returner?

The overriding feeling is excitement—it's been a long winter! I've really missed the season because last year was so great, and I can't wait to get going again. Every year is exciting because we're growing so quickly, and we have our trials next weekend. 

Getting to watch and feel what could be is super exciting—anything could happen because it hasn't happened yet! It's all in the abstract.

How do you prepare mentally?

Mentally, I try to plan my capacity. Right now, I'm finishing a PhD at the same time as trials, so I sat down in October and did most of the admin then to stay ahead of this pinch point. As a leader, I don't focus on myself much because everything is about the team—so a lot of my energy goes into mental stuff for other people! There's a ton of mental admin, and I try to remember to ask for help when I need it. At the moment, I'm just kicking it down the road until I hand everything in!

What I look for in others is to not underestimate the skills ancillary to frisbee. All those details add up to the team culture, and we notice them. We want to see potential, engagement, confidence, and drive—we don't worry too much about turning over in a drill. Often the deciding factor is more about a person's ability and attitude.

How do you prepare physically?

Personally, I try to spend the off-season doing things I don't normally do—like cutting and defence—because I get less opportunity to do those in-season. It helps blow off the cobwebs and improve the skills I'm not as strong in.