Newton’s own Ellie Lemberg has reached a career milestone after being selected for the United States women’s team at the World Flying Disc Federation World Junior Ultimate Championships this summer. The Tufts University freshman spoke about her experience growing up in Newton, and the coaches and programs that helped bring her to one of the most prestigious spots in women’s ultimate Frisbee.

Lemberg has always been an athlete, starting by playing basketball and softball, among other sports, which she credits with making her a more versatile Frisbee player. She was first introduced to ultimate Frisbee through the Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance (BUDA) while still in elementary school. Early instruction allowed her to hone her skills, and she eventually became a coach herself in high school. She especially credits coach Burt Granofsky, the director of BUDA, with giving her the confidence to pursue playing at an elite level.

Although Lemberg is an alumna of Newton South High School, she began playing for Newton South’s Ultimate Frisbee team during her freshman year, given the former’s lack of a Frisbee team. Her time playing for Newton South also marked the first moment she began to become cognizant of her own ability: “In my sophomore year, Newton went to High School Nationals, and I was able to keep up with some of the best players in the country. I realized that I had the potential to be really good and play at the same level as these players who were already on national teams.”

Lemberg was one of only 200 national players invited to participate in Team USA tryouts for the World Junior Ultimate Championships. She spoke about the intensity and level of competition present throughout the tryouts: “It was definitely the highest level of competition that I’ve played at, and it was really interesting to talk to these other players and hear about their ultimate journeys and to get to play with them.” Lemberg finished the tryouts as one of only 70 participants invited to join the national team in Spain this summer.

Despite such fierce competition, Lemberg also emphasizes the camaraderie present within the sport: “It’s such a welcoming community, and everybody’s just happy to be there. Obviously, it’s super competitive, but everyone’s just genuinely glad to meet other Frisbee players and connect.”

On her upcoming appearance in the international tournament, Lemberg remains anxious yet hopeful. “I honestly don’t have a clear vision of what to expect,” she said. “But my best guess is it’s going to be the best competition that I’ve played in, which I’m really excited for.”

Lemberg is currently preparing for the World Junior Ultimate Championship, set to take place this summer from July 11-18 in Logroño, Spain. Her main focus right now is strength training: “I think that in higher divisions, being physically strong is important, so that’s something that I’m focusing on in the next few months.” Beyond the championship itself, she’s anticipating meeting her teammates and bonding over their shared love of the game.