2020 Wrap Up - NYGL Co-Founder, Julie Cook

Written By Julie Cook
 

As 2020 comes to a close and I reflect on the amazing humans that make up this team and community, I’m super proud and full of gratitude. 

Despite heartbreak, trauma, violence and loss, NYGL achieved so much in 2020. We learned together, leaned on one another, fundraised for our communities, protested social and racial injustices, and strengthened our foundation.  

I have been deeply moved by the generous spirit of our athletes and staff and their openness to pivot and redirect our collective energy. There were so many times that I was overwhelmed and mentally exhausted, when a member of  this powerful community shared a thought, idea, action, educational opportunity or initiative which provided a renewed focus for me.. 

We all come to NYGL and ultimate from different places. I came to ultimate in the mid 1980’s as an athlete but stayed because of the people I met along the way and the Spirit Of The Game.  SOTG adds a layer to play that asks us to be the best version of ourselves even when our emotions are running hot, when our experiences are  different and we communicate in different languages.  It requires the ability to take a step back to listen, learn and acknowledge others. For me, it is also the  belief that this game can be a tool for change, on the field of play and in life. 

After a 10 year break, my friend and teammate, Eileen Murray asked me to join her as a co-founder of a professional womxn’s ultimate team. When I said yes, I never could have imagined where we are today and what we have all experienced together during the last 2 years. Eileen’s passion and knowledge of ultimate, her leadership and her relentless energy brought me here. The  NYGL.family has locked me in!! 

As I bid farewell to 2020 and look towards 2021, I leave you with our NYGL, Year in Review. I invite you all to take a moment to see what our community has accomplished during our Season That Never Launched, a title coined by Coach Cadoux at our end of the season zoom wrap up.

I want to thank all of you for hanging in with us and the PUL.  I’m cautiously  optimistic that our world is healing and we will have an opportunity to showcase our athletes in 2021. We would not be here without our NYGL family;  athletes, coaches, staff, partners, supporters and fans. 

There are so many people to thank. Way too many to list and I know you all know who you are!

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Let’s continue to be bold, powerful and disruptive! Let's continue to support one another in all ways, and uphold the SOTG on and off the field.

My deepest Gratitude & Love for the NYGL Family,

Julie Halpern Cook, NYGL Co-Founder 

NYGL, Year  in Review

 
Julie Cook
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