One of the main goals of the Torch is to set an example for transparency and open dialogue. To that end, we use our social media accounts and media partners to share information about how this team and movement came to be and how it continues to progress. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions here to help you get started in learning about our organization. Have a question? Email us at atxtorch@gmail.com
Austin Torch FAQ
What is the mission and vision of the Torch?
The mission of the Austin Torch is to provide women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming athletes in Texas and beyond the opportunity to play professional ultimate: in stadiums, in front of crowds, for pay.
Our vision is to celebrate and promote women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming athletes, showing the young players of today that they can be the professional ultimate players of tomorrow. Central to this vision is providing both in person and online opportunities for watching our semiprofessional matches to our local and extended communities. We seek to feature strong women, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming athletes as role models to other players and fans across age, gender, race, and background.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, community-owned team, the Torch present a collaborative approach to address one of the greatest deficits in the sports world -- gender equity -- by creatively working together and generating discussion. This is how we achieve progress in ultimate and all other aspects of life.
The Torch are committed to centering marginalized voices and standing with those who champion the needs of underrepresented, underserved communities. We believe that our work for gender equity in our sport intersects with the battle against discrimination in all of its forms.
As a member team of the Premier Ultimate League, we endorse the PUL’s Mission Statement:
To achieve equity in the sport of ultimate by increasing accessibility to the sport for, and visibility of women, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid people through high-quality competition, leadership experiences, and community partnerships. Our league strives for gender, racial, and economic diversity in the sport of ultimate.
You can learn more about the PUL’s mission here.
When and where do the Torch play?
The Torch have six regular season games, including three home games and three away games.
2024 HOME GAMES
Sunday April 7 v. Atlanta Soul @ Texas School for the Deaf (1:00 pm)
Saturday May 4 v. Philadelphia Surge @ Texas School for the Deaf (5:00 pm)
Saturday June 8 v. Raleigh Radiance @ Texas School for the Deaf (5:00 pm)
2024 AWAY GAMES
Saturday May 18 v. Atlanta Soul (Atlanta, GA)
Sunday May 19 v. Nashville Nightshade (Nashville, TN)
Saturday June 1 v. DC Shadow (Washington, DC)
All games are livestreamed from the PUL YouTube channel here.
Does the Torch season interfere with the USAU club season?
The PUL season occurs between April and June, 2024 and may overlap with club tryouts and pre-season practices. However, the PUL regular season games finish in early June, often before the first USAU-sanctioned tournaments. Participation in the PUL does not impact USAU eligibility. Most Torch players participate in the USAU club season.
How much does it cost to play on the Torch?
As a semiprofessional team, the Torch pay its players a game day salary and cover all player expenses, like travel and equipment. Estimated overall costs of the team in 2024 are around $35,000.
What financial sources pay the Torch player salary and travel?
Finances are earned through sponsorship deals, fundraisers, and donations with organizations and community members bought into our mission. In our organization’s sixth year, we are strategizing to stretch the community’s dollar further by diversifying our revenue streams. This strategizing will focus our financial planning on three areas:
1. Multilevel sponsorship packages
2. Unique fundraisers
3. Grant funding
You can find out more about how make contributions here.
Can I follow the Torch on social media?
Find us @ATXTorch on all social platforms!
Twitter/X
Instagram
Facebook
Tik Tok
LinkedIn
For bonus content, follow our media partner @TorchedDoc on Twitter/X and Instagram. You can stream the Torched Documentary on Apple TV and Amazon Prime on Aug. 20, 2024.
Who can I contact for more information about the Torch?
The Torch is a 501(c3) non-profit organization registered in Texas. The Board of Directors is made up of co-presidents and co-founders, Rachel Yeager, Dre Esparza, and Bonesaw Kepner as well as team representatives, Elise Bjork, Meg Duffy, and Annie Ortiz. If you have questions or want to volunteer your services, you can reach them at: atxtorch@gmail.com.
I love this. How can I help the Torch?
Every dollar counts. Our largest fundraiser is the Player Sponsorship Program which VC Ultimate launches every spring. However, the team incurs costs before the start of the pre-season, so your financial contribution still helps. If you can make a financial contribution, please visit our Contributions & Sponsorships page.
We are always looking for passionate community members to volunteer at our events, create social media content, plan marketing campaigns, coordinate sponsorships, execute fundraisers, attend meetings, or help think up our next big idea. If you can volunteer your time and experience, please send us an email at atxtorch@gmail.com.