World Masters Ultimate Championships 2024 | Jenna Thomson

Even if you don’t know Jenna by name, you’ll likely have watched her play ultimate considering her vast ultimate CV. Jenna’s played with Swift, High Altitude, Bliss, LLLeeds, Magic Toast, SYC, Iceni and currently plays with LMU. She’s also had her fair share of GB experience, in leadership and playing roles. And it all started at Edinburgh University! Jenna is part of the GB Women’s squad at the upcoming WMUC.

When and why did you first start playing?

I first started playing ultimate at Edinburgh University. I was walking around the sports fayre when I was stopped by my now close friend Jools Murray. She is an energetic, charismatic, Canadian who encouraged me to come along to their freshers sessions and the rest is pretty much history. 

What is your fondest memory of playing uni ultimate in Scotland?

We never ever let adverse weather stops us. Rain, wind, snow, we just layered up and headed to the meadows. I wish I was that tough now! I’ve become a bit of a southern softie. But I think the resilience and determination to play as much as we could whilst at uni really shaped who I became as a player. 

During my time at Edinburgh University we had a lot of fun and success at tournaments as RoShamBo. My passion has always been women’s ultimate and as a team we had some epic finals against teams like Bristol University at Uni Nationals. Years later I became friends and teammates with many of these incredible opponents whilst playing for Iceni. 

Who had the biggest influence on you when playing in Scotland?

I was surrounded by incredible women when I first started playing ultimate and had the opportunity to learn so much from women like Jools Murray, Linda Gilmour and Georgie Winborn. I also have to shout out Andrew Duncan (known as Twig in those days) who my coach throughout my time at Edinburgh. It’s pretty safe to say I would not have developed into the player I am now, without his guidance, support and coaching during my early career. 

What’s your ultimate career been like since leaving Scotland?

I have been incredibly lucky to play with so many wonderful people throughout my career, playing with friends, incredible athletes and idols along the way. I have sought opportunities to play with a variety of different women’s teams and have been involved in the GB process since 2008 as a player, captain and coach. 

I’ve seen that you coached the 2018 and 2019 GB u24 women’s cycle. How did that come about and what did you enjoy most about that experience?

I have been very lucky with the support and coaching I have received throughout my career and felt it was important to try and give back to the community. Part of the exciting thing about coaching is continuing to learn from the people you coach alongside. During the 2019 cycle I coached alongside James Burbidge and I feel I learnt so much during my time working with him as someone who is a true analyser of the sport. 

Have you had a favourite club team experience? If so, what and why?

Winning UK Nationals in 2022 with LMU. As a relatively new team, it was our second year, it was a team that meant a lot to everyone who was a part of it. We created LMU to provide a space for women who are masters eligible to have a team that can allow us to continue to play the sport that we love, at an elite level but with an added understanding that our day to day lives have changed over the years and we are not able to give the same amount of time to training for ultimate as we once did. Winning nationals with LMU was a very special experience. 

Apart from making this GB squad, what would you say is your biggest ultimate achievement?

Maybe a bit of a boring answer… but I think my biggest ultimate achievement is having been able to play this amazing sport for the amount of time that I have. I continue to get to represent my club and national teams at the highest level and match up against some of the most incredible women in ultimate. It’s a pleasure and a privilege. I count myself so lucky when I arrive at a tournament and get to match up against women like Aline Mondiot (Rasta from Yaka) having started playing at a similar time and continuing to face off against one another years later!

Do you have a highlight from playing at the World Games with GB?

I have been lucky enough to attend two World Games events and it is something very unique and special. Being surrounded by not only the highest level of ultimate, but athletes from across the world representing their sport and their country was an incredible experience. For me, the 2013 World Games felt different because I’m guessing with the increase in streaming and publications, we went into that tournament really knowing who our opponents were. I almost felt like meeting a celebrity when the USA team walks in and there is OP Payne, for example.

How did getting selected for your first GB squad feel compared to getting selected for this one?

I am part of the leadership team for GB Masters this year, so selection is a little different in that regard. But I am very excited to captain this team alongside Sophie Watson as we head out to LA next week. Looking back to my first GB Squad selection – that experience shaped my entire ultimate career. At 18, I was still unsure whether I wanted to play women’s or mixed. I had close friends trialing for both squads and I was so new to the world of ultimate, so I didn’t know where I best fit. But after the initial trial I knew that women’s was for me and I have never looked back. 

What is it that you love the most about women’s ultimate?

From my experience there is such an incredible mutual respect within the women’s division. You compete at your highest level, push each other in ever step, movement, throw and there is still the space to celebrate your opponent within the game. 

How have you found the Masters experience so far?

Playing masters has been like playing with all the amazing women that have shaped my ultimate career to date. It’s a generation of player that I feel so privileged to be a part of. I am really looking forward to the tournament. 

How have you been prepping for the tournament? Have you been doing anything differently than you would during a normal season?

We have been training as a team around once a month, with some extra sessions in the last few months as we get closer to the tournament. We have also been working with a sport psychologist who has been running some online team sessions. These have been an awesome opportunity to get to know our teammates in a different way as we ramp up for the tournament. 

How do you feel about WMUC being in California?

Excited!! The list of teams is incredible and we will have such an amazing time playing against all the teams attending. 

Are there any supporters going over or who will be watching from home?

My family are super fans and in particular my Dad always knows how and where to keep up to date on all the games – so I am sure they will be following our progress. 

Do you have any advice for any women in particular wanting to push themselves within ultimate?

Seek as many opportunities as possible to play. Chase chances to play against people who push you way outside your comfort zone. 

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Featured photo credit to Showgame.

The World Masters Ultimate Championships 2024 are taking place from 10th to 16th November 2024 in Irvine, California. Follow along with the event here.