One of the main goals of Austin Torch is to set an example for transparency and open dialogue. To that end, we'll be publishing a lot of information about how this team and movement came to be and how it continues to progress and move forward. For now, here are some Frequently Asked Questions to get you started! Have a question? Email us at atxtorch@gmail.com
Austin Torch FAQ
What is the mission and vision of the team?
The mission of the Austin Torch is to provide women in Texas and beyond with the opportunity to play professional ultimate: in stadiums, in front of crowds, for pay.
Our vision is to celebrate and promote women athletes, showing the girls of today that they can be the professional ultimate players of tomorrow. Central to this vision is to provide our extended community with local opportunities to witness women’s professional ultimate games in person and via video recording. We seek to feature strong women 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 Austin Torch presents a collaborative approach to addressing one of the greatest deficits in the ultimate world -- gender equity -- by creatively working together and generating discussion. This is how we achieve progress in ultimate, and in all aspects of life.
The Torch is committed to centering marginalized voices, and standing with those who champion the needs of underrepresented, under-served communities. We believe that our work for gender equity in our sport aligns and intersects with the battle against discrimination in all its forms. From the Premier Ultimate League’s Mission Statement, of which we are a member team:
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.
* This terminology is and will be continuously reevaluated to accurately reflect the inclusivity of marginalized people that the league works to support.
When and where do the Torch play?
The Torch have three home games and three road games and - if we qualify - will play for the PUL championship.
HOME GAMES - 2024
Sunday April 7 v. Atlanta Soul @ Texas School for the Deaf (1:00pm)
Saturday May 4 v. Philadelphia Surge @ Texas School for the Deaf (5:00pm)
Saturday June 8 v. Raleigh Radiance @ Texas School for the Deaf (5:00pm)
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 will be live streamed! Stay tuned for live stream details.
Will this affect the women’s turnout in the club season and their ability to play on club teams in Austin this coming season?
No. The Premier Ultimate League - of which the Austin Torch are one of eleven teams represented on the Board of Directors - will play games between April - June, 2024, wrapping up the league season just before Club season kicks into gear. Each team will play six regular season games
How much will it cost?
As a professional team, the Torch will pay its players a game salary and cover all player expenses, like travel and equipment. Estimated overall costs of the team in 2024 are around $35,000.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER to find out more information on the fun ways we plan to raise this moolah and how YOU can invest in the Torch.
What are the financial resources that will pay the women’s salary and travel?
Our approach to finances will reflect the personality and character of Austin and our community. In other words, we’re going to do things a little differently than the more common Kickstarter or Go Fund Me, and rather focus on more organic methods of raising funds through:
FUN FUNDRAISERS! Stay tuned for more info on these!
Can I follow you on social media?
Who can I contact for more information?
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 of Rachel Yeager, Dre Esparza, and Bonesaw Kepner as well as 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?
If you are able to make a monetary contribution, please visit our Contributions & Sponsorships page! If you are able to volunteer your services, please send us an email at atxtorch@gmail.com.