Burning Skirts' electric playmaker started playing ultimate in college and quickly rose to superstar status in the division
May 25, 2025 by Kiana Hu in News
UC Santa Barbara’s Laura Blume was named the winner of the 2025 Callahan Award at the halftime break of the first men’s semifinal Sunday afternoon in Burlington. She is the second player from the Burning Skirts program to win this prestigious award.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Blume did not start playing ultimate frisbee until the summer after her freshman year at UCSB in 2021. Encouraged to try the sport by her dad who played at Purdue, Blume was introduced to the Skirts while touring the school. She learned the basics about the sport such as flicks and marks from Burning Skirts player Elsa Winslow. Her rise to prolific playmaker was astronomic. Blume has been a captain for the UCSB team for three of her four years of playing, and instrumental in sending them to their sixth consecutive College Championships.
At Nationals in 2025, Blume paced the team with 18 assists, 13 goals, and 5 blocks. Her play can often be seen on highlight reels, characterized by gravity-defying, eye-catching bids. She is equally notable for her ability to play rapid small ball and completely speed past any person matchup or zone defense. Blume is a complete two-way threat that every opposing team has to strategize against. In their showcase game against Washington, she played virtually every point, posting a 2G/6A/1D stat line.
In the past two summers, Blume also played with San Diego Flipside, a top five team in the women’s club division. This summer, she will be competing with the France U24 Mixed Team at the 2025 World Championships, and will also lead the team as a spirit captain.
Blume’s rapid ascendance to the elite levels of ultimate frisbee are a true testament to her passion, work ethic, and dedication. She has been an outstanding captain for the Burning Skirts on and off the field, and can be seen in the center of their iconic halftime dance circles. Still early in her frisbee career, Blume will no doubt continue to be a powerhouse in the sport for years to come.
