Round 1 to decide the 2024 Catch of the Year!
January 29, 2025 by Ultiworld in Awards, Opinion
Ultiworld’s 2024 Catch of the Year bracket is presented by Spin Ultimate; all opinions are those of the author(s). Find out how Spin can get you, and your team, looking your best this season.
One of our most popular series to begin each year, it’s time to look back at last year and let our readers decide some of the top plays of 2024. Round 1 had shocking upsets! Who will make it to the final four? Vote now to decide which play is the best of the best!
Round 2 starts now and closes on Friday, January 31 at noon Eastern!
Female-Matching Players
Matchup 1: Collin vs. Elimelech
It’s a battle of the full extension layouts. Are you a fan of incredible recoveries after defensive plays? Or is a full-field sprint into last effort gasp more your style? Either way, this matchup has something for everyone.
Anneliese Collin – Maine Riptide (USAU YCC)
Dena Elimelech – San Diego Superbloom (WUL)
2024 Catch of the Year Round 2 Matchup 1 (Results)
- Anneliese Collin
- Dena Elimelech
Matchup 2: Rodenberg vs. Lechasseur
Wheels up! Both Rodenberg and Lechasseur get some serious air as they launch themselves with nary a regard for their bodies, eyes solely on the 175 gram plastic just out of reach.
Sam Rodenberg – BFG (USAU Club)
Maélys Lechasseur – Canada Women’s (WFDF WJUC)
2024 Catch of the Year Round 2 Matchup 2 (Results)
- Sam Rodenberg
- Maélys Lechasseur
Male-Matching Players
Matchup 1: Hayes vs. Ng Yong Ming
Poaching defender? Opponent glued to your hip? Doesn’t matter for these players, as both contort their bodies around the better-positioned opposition for goals mere mortals dream of securing.
Raphy Hayes – Portland Rhino Slam! (USAU Club)
Jonathan Ng Yong Ming – Team Fun Run (International Club)
2024 Catch of the Year Round 2 Matchup 3 (Results)
- Raphy Hayes
- Jonathan Ng Yong Ming
Matchup 3: Paterson vs. Shope
Paterson and Shope make snagging a disc out of the air look as sure a thing as plucking apples on a leisurely fall afternoon, ultimate’s biggest stages be darned.
Charles Paterson – New Zealand Open (WFDF WUC)
Thomas Shope – Minneapolis SubZero (USAU Club)
2024 Catch of the Year Round 2 Matchup 4 (Results)
- Charles Paterson
- Thomas Shope
