Before coming to Georgia Southern, I had no idea just how many sports, clubs, and organizations existed at the Statesboro and Savannah campuses. I now realize that some teams are history in the making!
When I first heard about the Southern Sirens Ultimate Frisbee team, I was immediately drawn to their authenticity, commitment, and sportsmanship. As the first female Ultimate Frisbee team to make it to regional championships, they’ve not only accomplished success as a team, but they’ve created a milestone for women’s sports at Georgia Southern University.
Due to COVID-19 and the fear of contamination, the team fell apart, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the Sirens began to rebuild. Jasmin Strecker, a nursing major, shares:
“I helped re-start the sirens team…I was inspired by my friends who knew more about ultimate frisbee than I did at the time and taught me how to play. I immediately fell in love with the sport and knew I wanted to be a part of the ultimate community.”
She is now the President and Co-captain of the Southern Sirens!
Finding the right community for you is one of the most transformative experiences in college, whether that is in a sports, drama, or math club. It’s spaces like these where people find their voice, confidence in who they are, and long-lasting friendships.
A South African freshman, Taya Sterkenburg, was far from home when she found this community. She recalls, “I found the Southern Sirens and knew immediately that they were the right team for me! I was scared initially, but they immediately welcomed me and made me feel part of the team.” Her dedication to the sirens is relentless, and today she co-captains alongside Jasmin.
For a team of just nine athletes to stand this strong, they must have strong values. Co-captain Taya Sterkenbrug says, “Going up against teams with more than double our numbers is intimidating, but the Sirens always find a way to stay positive.”
From cheering each other from the benches, to putting in their best effort on the field, as Jasmin puts it, “Win or lose, we are all a Siren.”
Jasmin recalls her favorite memory with the team being when they hosted their first game.
As they’re headed to South East College D-1 Regionals in Decatur, Alabama, this weekend, they’ve shown they are more than ready to give it their all. “Going to regionals this year means the world to me, especially as a senior. From being here when the team was rebuilt to now, it feels very full-circle.”-Co-captain and President, Jasmin Strecker.
Georgia Southern provides hundreds of opportunities for students to get involved in sports such as Ultimate Frisbee. This sport brought together a group of women who had the same values of teamwork, spirit, dedication, and, of course, having fun on the field!
Looking ahead, both captains hope for the sirens to keep growing in number and spirit, Taya says, “It’s so rewarding to be on a team with women who are as dedicated and motivated as you are. It would be amazing to share that with more people!”
