Locked in to 2021
This season, NYGL welcomes four new players. Get to know a little more about them and why they joined the team!
#3 Abby Cheng
An offensive cutter who excels at isolation cuts, Abby is also a first-year player on the NYC mixed team, XIST. Abby is already making her presence felt at practice, working with new teammates by challenging them every step of the way!
Photo credit: William ‘Brody’ Brotman, UltiPhotos
“I’m eager to join the PUL, and especially NYGL, because of their efforts to increase visibility and voice for BIPOC, women (cis and trans), non-binary, and genderqueer players, and create a new space for marginalized identities to play at a high level. I’m excited to learn from all the knowledgeable and experienced players and coaches that make up NYGL. I feel honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of ultimate as a sport for women (cis and trans), non-binary, and genderqueer players.”
#40 Amelia Cuarenta
Better known as “Forty” in ultimate circles, this primary cutter can play on both O- and D- lines. As a utility player, NYGL is excited to leverage Forty’s experience, drive, and passion on the team this season!
Photo credit: Mark Olsen, UltiPhotos
“I wanted to play with NYGL because I identify with the core values of the team and appreciate all the diversity and equity work the team has focused on in 2020. NYGL’s social media presence in 2020 highlighted diversity issues and formed spaces for POC players from all backgrounds to come together and talk about ultimate. I appreciate the diligence and thoughtfulness of this organization and I am proud to be a part of it. A professional women’s ultimate league is an awesome thing to have and be a part of. Any time female and non-binary players get to come together and compete at the highest level is really special. I am excited to be part of this league and to play every chance I get. I am looking forward to the next practice and the practice after that and so on. Every time we’re together is a chance to get to know my teammates better and come together as a team to be the best we can be.”
#1 Kami Groom
Most people probably know Kami from her participation on Team USA and her tenure on Brute Squad. Joining NYGL for the 2021 season after relocating to the area, Kami’s speed and quickness to get open in small spaces will certainly add a new level to the already powerful D-line.
Photo credit: Rodney Chen, UltiPhotos
“I wanted to play NYGL because I wanted more of all of those things I love, all of those things I missed during the pandemic: more ultimate, more competition, more community, more fun! Through Brute Squad teammates that also played NYGL, I knew that NYGL was the kind of community I wanted to be a part of, one that combined high level-competition with critical reflection. As I enter this team and league, I’m really looking forward to the chance to grow as both a person and player—to meet new friends and be challenged by different opponents, to gain new off-field perspectives while learning new ultimate systems, and to do it all with intentionality and fire.”
#28 Angela Zhu
Angela’s quickness and handling confidence is right on time for NYGL. And while Angela is a rookie for NYGL, she’ll be joining a few of her new teammates on Brute Squad this year. This crossover between teams will help build chemistry quickly, which is very much needed in such short seasons!
Photo credit: Kevin Leclaire, UltiPhotos
“I was really excited to play with NYGL because of the work I’ve seen the team do with community outreach and focus on equity. Looking more broadly at the league, I’m excited that it provides players with more opportunities and more accessibility. As we get into the season, I’m looking forward to playing with a lot of new teammates who I’ve watched and/or played against in the past!”