James Wolfe ’17, a two-year Lower from Fair Haven, NJ., is in love with Ultimate. An enthusiastic and diligent player, Wolfe brings consistent energy to the team and boasts a positive attitude. On the field, he is quick and always finds the soft spot in the opposition’s defense. Wolfe delivers throws with pristine touch and is an integral member of Andover Ultimate. Due to his consistent and impressive contributions on the field, Wolfe has been named The Phillipian’s Athlete of the Week.
What are your biggest strengths on the field?
Probably my abilities as a cutter and my handler defense. As a cutter, usually striking deep is a strength of mine. I’m pretty quick, so I can usually beat my defender.
Handler defense is purely based on intensity. If you can bring intensity, you’re going to do a good job, and that’s what I always strive to do. I think I’ve done a great job of it recently. If I’m confident that I can take a person, I will often be right up with them. I will face guard them and won’t let them go anywhere.
What role do you play in the team’s success?
I think that I bring a lot of passion to the team. It’s really about bringing energy, intensity and enthusiasm. Those are really the most important things. Whether it be by making big plays or simply cheering on my teammates, I also try to do it, and I can’t overemphasize how important it is.
How much have you improved under Head Coach Scott Hoenig?
Coach Hoenig is without a doubt the most knowledgeable person about Ultimate that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. In practice, he is always concerned about team chemistry, but he also does a lot of individual training. If you do something that is incorrect, he will pull you aside and make sure that he teaches you how to do it correctly.
What is it about Ultimate that makes you love it so much?
The team culture is really incredible. We have great chemistry, on and off the field. We have incredible team spirit as well. It’s just amazing.
