Team Traditions | Mary Ann Fordyce

Over the years I've come to believe that one of the biggest secrets to success for sports teams is tradition. Tradition through repeated rituals helps establish a sense of team identity and enhances players' buy-in towards a common purpose. Year to year, traditions help connect players to the idea of a program that is bigger than a single season's roster and accomplishments. Last night, Riot had a team dinner hosted by one of our most generous and loyal sponsors, Mary Ann Fordyce, in what has become a wonderful tradition each season.

Team dinners are not a novel concept by any means. Back in college my team would often get together on the Thursday night before a tournament to carbo-load and fill our bellies with pasta and the anticipation of playing together in the coming weekend. Laughing and joking together over a meal is the perfect way to develop the inside jokes that a team comes back to all year long, building the team chemistry off the field that always seems to translate to better connections in a game.

What made last night's dinner a little different was the fact that it was put on by Mary Ann for the team. She supplied all the food, drinks, and board games while welcoming the team into her home. Not only did we benefit from the chance to socialize with one another and stuff ourselves silly with an Indian buffet, but Mary Ann had also prepared a little hand-out for the players with some words of why she sponsors the team. Reading her words, I was humbled by her enthusiastic support of the team, and it reminded me of just how lucky we are to have fans and sponsors like Mary Ann.

Below is the text Mary Ann shared with the team. Knowing that an accomplished professional like Mary Ann finds so much value in following and sponsoring Riot makes me proud to be a part of this team. One of the things I love about Riot is how invested the team is in the Seattle community and last night's dinner has come to signify to me how that ethos is respected and supported by the community in turn. I'm thankful for Mary Ann's yearly dinner not only as an opportunity to get to know her better, but also for how it adds a sense of legitimacy to the team's dedication to being the best we can be at our sport. That is a tradition worth keeping.

A huge thank you to Mary Ann and all the team's sponsors and supporters!

"What Seattle Riot means to me...
Several years ago, I found myself representing a Riot member who was buying her first house. At the time, I knew nothing about ultimate Frisbee, but I learned enough that when I was asked to become a sponsor of the team, I enthusiastically agreed. Over the years of being a sponsor, I have developed such an admiration for the strong, amazing women who make up this team. I am proud as can be to have my name on your jerseys!"

"How I support Seattle Riot...
In addition to being a regular yearly sponsor, I contribute an additional $250 to the team each time a team member works with me to buy or sell her home. And if I help a team member's family or friend (or anyone connected to ultimate Frisbee in any way) complete a home transaction, I make a contribution then, too."

"It has been so wonderful getting to know Riot team members over the years, and I look forward to cheering you on this season and many seasons to come!"