The Colorado Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) made headlines recently for its unexpected and generous gesture towards women’s sports. With the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) awarding an expansion team to Denver, the new franchise sought to establish its identity through a name, colors, and a crest. In a significant move, the Colorado Summit frisbee team chose to “pass the torch” to the NWSL team, engaging with over 50,000 fans in the process to decide the most fitting name. Ultimately, “Denver Summit FC” emerged as the standout choice among supporters, symbolizing a transition in the sports landscape of the region. The inaugural season for the soccer team is set to commence in 2026, marking a new era for professional women’s soccer in Denver.
The visual identity of the new soccer team captures the essence of Colorado’s landscape and spirit. The crest features dark green mountains set against a backdrop of a vibrant red-orange and golden sunset. This color palette was selected with intention, aiming to reflect the stunning sunsets characteristic of Colorado. Sal Pace, one of the co-owners of the Colorado Summit, emphasized the collaborative aspect of this decision, emphasizing the students’ support for Denver’s burgeoning soccer community. He expressed joy about the Summit name continuing within the professional women’s soccer realm, showcasing the harmonious relationship between the two sporting franchises.
In its public statement, the Colorado Summit framed this transition as a “rare” moment in sportsmanship. The frisbee team noted that this partnership is a refreshing display of camaraderie, where a team from the rapidly-growing ultimate frisbee scene actively champions the launch of a new professional women’s soccer team. This act of goodwill illustrates the potential for diverse sports communities to uplift and support one another in a shared pursuit of growth and recognition in the sports domain.
With the passing of its name, the Colorado Summit frisbee team now embarks on a new journey in search of a new identity. To engage its fanbase, the organization has announced a naming contest that invites fans to participate in suggesting and voting for new names. This initiative not only fosters fan engagement but also exemplifies the franchise’s commitment to cultivating a loyal and involved community. The process will unfold over the coming weeks, with finalists anticipated to grace the news before the upcoming season begins.
In combination with the excitement surrounding the soccer team’s establishment, the Colorado Summit frisbee team remains focused on its own competitive journey. The team’s continued playoff run highlights their commitment to excellence in ultimate frisbee as they prepare to face the Oakland Spiders in an upcoming match. The enthusiasm surrounding both teams embodies a collective sports spirit, illustrating how different leagues can coexist and bolster each other’s narratives through collaborative gestures.
Overall, the gesture by the Colorado Summit to support the development of the Denver Summit FC signifies an evolving sports culture that emphasizes collaboration, respect, and community. This rare act of sportsmanship sets a precedent for how teams across different arenas can work together for the greater good, paving the way for a vibrant sports ecosystem in Colorado. As both teams prepare for future seasons, fans look forward to the potential growth and the rich narratives that will emerge on the field.