Player Profile: Kate "The Great" Farmer
Kicking off our foray into the blogosphere is our first player profile! Our very own Kate Farmer is here to answer questions about her past, present, and future as an ultimate superstar. When she isn't rocking out on the pitch she can be seen frequenting the local schools, spreading knowledge and a love of the greatest sport ever.
When and where did you start playing ultimate, and what got you into the sport?
I first heard about Ultimate because my older brother played in school for a while and I'd go and throw with him in the garden after school, though I was lousy at it! I started playing ultimate in high school towards the end of 2005 and I joined the team as, no joke, I fancied one of the lads on the team. But after a few weeks I started to get quite good and really enjoyed it. I played for the school team (Ocelots) through the rest of my time at high school and sixth form, helping coach the younger players in my final year.
Tell us about your time playing for GB. Do you plan on representing the UK in the future?
In the spring of 2006 my school coach, Kev Lowe, told me to go along to a GB trial for the U20 women's team, so I went along on a whim and the next thing I knew I was flying out to Latvia for a small European tournament (womens ultimate wasn't all that big at this stage so not many countries in Europe were scouting for national teams), I had an amazing time out there with a great team. The year after I tried out for the U20s team that was going to represent GB in Southampton and ended up being selected to play both U17 and U20 (you're no longer allowed to do this) so went to Southampton for Europeans (my first gold medal!) and Latvia for a second time to play U17s in an tournament similar to the one the previous year.
2008 brought around the World Championships in Vancouver, Canada and this was the best two weeks of my life. It was the first time I'd seen teams from all over the world, competing in 6 divisions and playing against the japanese, columbians, canadians, americans, swedish to name a few was a really amazing experience. The 2 years that followed I played in Vienna (Junior Europeans) and then Germany (Junior Worlds). In Germany I captained the team with Hannah Randles which was a really proud moment for me and taught me how much of a challenge captaining a team at that level can be, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Over the next couple of years I might try out for the U23 team, but the time and financial commitment required to play at that level meant that last year I needed to focus on my degree.
What brought you to the Edinburgh ladies team? Can you reflect on the recent championships and tell us a little about what you have planned for the future?
I chose Edinburgh Uni on it's reputation but mainly it's ultimate team, and when I arrived I was far from disappointed and from the word go had set my heart on becoming the women's captain in my final year. Playing on the women's team the last three years has been great and captaining the team next year is so exciting! Winning indoor nationals the last 2 years on the trot gives me one clear aim for my year as captain: get a third gold medal, and our team is getting nothing but stronger. I'll be focussing on new offensive plays early on in the year and I want to set up the team so that they have the skills they'll need to keep the winning streak running for the next couple of years. I have a couple of individuals pin pointed as future stars who I'll be spending time working with and I want to make sure that I'm using the experience that I'm so lucky to have to help the team to continue improving as a whole.
In your opinion, what sets Edinburgh apart from the rest of the pack in the world of Ultimate?
Ro Sham is set apart from other teams because of our aggressive attitude. Some teams might call us arrogant but we're simply a powerhouse and play to win, losing simply isn't an option and this is what wins us games.
What is your power animal and how has it helped elevate your frisbee game?
I wouldn't say I have a power animal but within the GB team I was known as 'Macaw' (it's compulsory to have an animal name and that's why I have a macaw anklet) but I think that's because they couldn't shut me up..! Someone once told me on pitch "to find your inner chimp, even if you don't know what that means".
Imagine the year is 2020 and you're on Sky Sports representing the UK at the Olympics, what do you say to the world to get people excited to play ultimate?
If I were speaking to the world I'd have to tell them that Ultimate is simply the best sport they've never played, as if they could watch it without feeling excited! I hope that Ultimate can one day make it into the olympics; as soon as it's in the world's eyeline there'll be no stopping us.
Well there you have it folks! The one and only Kate Farmer. I remember fondly attending my first social, and when the team finally migrated to the Liquid Room next door, Kate was the first to hit the dance floor. At the Indoor Championships Kate was a pivotal player, bringing an intensity to each game, each point, and each play on the disc. It should be clear that she isn't going anywhere soon, and if her pedigree is any indication of what's in store, then both UK and international competition better get ready for this powerhouse!
Keep your eyes open for more profiles. There's plenty of Ro Shammers to go around!
Cheers,
Tom McClintock
