The Spirit of the Game
a graphic novel by Kathy Dobson
KYLA
Class: Freshman
Position: Receiver
Kyla learned about frisbee during track practice last spring and hasn't looked back. Though she can be sensitive at times, she is willing to do whatever it takes to help her team. Her idol is her big sister, Brielle, and she loves getting ice cream sundaes with her best friend, Emily.
EMILY
Class: Freshman
Position: Receiver
Emily was bamboozled into playing frisbee by her best friend, Kyla. Emily is often called "the brains of the team" and enjoys discussing the physics of a flying disc. When not playing frisbee, Emily likes playing chess and eating ice cream with her best friend Kyla.
VANESSA
Class: Sophomore
Position: Receiver
Vanessa is a star on the girls varsity track team and also loves playing frisbee - but the two sports sometimes have conflicting schedules. She is friendly and always supportive of her teammates.
ANGELA
Class: Senior
Position: Handler
Angela has been playing pick-up frisbee for several years and is co-captain of the girls team. She considers herself nurturing and prides herself on being calm under pressure.
MAGS
Class: Junior
Position: Handler / Receiver
Mags, a co-captain, played ultimate frisbee with the boys team for two years and started the girls team this year with the goal of winning the state championship. Her teammates call her "intense" and "The Greatest." She can handle or play downfield and she really likes to win.
WHITNEY
Class: Sophomore
Position: Handler
Whitney loves playing co-ed frisbee, especially with her new boyfriend Finn. She likes to provide color commentary, which her teammates sometimes take issue with, and she always makes sure she is playing with style.
TISH
Class: Senior
Position: Receiver
Tish loves sports and has been playing pick-up frisbee for several years. She considers herself determined but practical and likes to make sure everyone on the team is being nice to each other.
SADIE
Class: Sophomore
Position: Receiver
Sadie has been skipping band rehearsal for months now to throw in the hallway with her teammates. She's a little goofy and likes to make people laugh.
NICKI
Class: Freshman
Position: Receiver
Nicki, the oldest of three brothers, is tough, loud and effervescent. She likes to lead cheers and is always finding the silver lining. Her mom's minivan is the official team bus.
LENA
Class: Freshman
Position: Handler
Though she would prefer to play barefoot and with free-flowing hair, Lena still enjoys cleating up and shining in clutch moments. She enjoys meditating before games, eating discarded take-out food, and being eccentric.
MS. Watson
12th Grade English Teacher
Coach
Ms. Watson knew nothing about frisbee or coaching before becoming the girls frisbee team advisor. She is often described as wise and she likes to read - her most recent favorite book is The Inner Game of Tennis.
BRIELLE
Brielle is Kyla's older sister and a college freshman. She is often described as accomplished. Her new life - including a new college boyfriend - causes her to change in ways that Kyla doesn't like.
Kyla's MOM and DAD
Kyla's Mom and Dad are supportive if a bit clueless. But Kyla loves them anyway.
FINN
Class: Sophomore
Finn is a star frisbee player on the boys team. He first encouraged Kyla to play frisbee after he accidentally hit her in the eye with the disc. Though he enjoys their company, he is often the source of tension amongst the girls.
HARRY
Class: Sophomore
Harry plays frisbee on the boys team. He wore a turkey costume to the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Enough said?
MARCUS
Class: Sophomore
Marcus plays frisbee on the boys team. He and Harry are best friends.
