This weekend, both Paideia’s boys and girls ultimate teams wrapped up their season at the 2024 Georgia High School DI State Championship.
The girls competed against Woodward in the state semi-finals on Saturday morning, winning 11-2. Groove advanced to the finals playing Decatur High School. During their regular season, Groove beat Decatur 7-4 and 7-6. Sunday’s final started slow with Paideia down 1-3, but the girls recovered, scoring 7 points in a row for a 8-4 win, the girls’ largest win over Decatur yet.
This is the 10th state win in eleven years for Coach Miranda Knowles. In their second undefeated season, Miranda applauded the girls for their mental toughness and fortitude, knowing that every team they play is bringing their absolute best game. The seniors, in particular captains Camryn Simpson, Jojo Edlund, Katy Cywilko and Ava Zagoria, have helped rekindle a dynasty within Paideia ultimate through their stellar leadership.
According to Ultiworld, the girls currently rank 8th in the nation. Just last week, they traveled to New Jersey where they won the Spring Fling tournament. The girls played three games on Saturday before moving to the semi-finals and final on Sunday where they won 11-10 against Strath Haven High School in a nail biting final.
The boys ultimate squad had a fun and exhilarating day of competition at the state tournament. The #4 seeded varsity team finished 3rd in the state, besting #5 Maynard Jackson by two in an exciting quarterfinal match. The boys earned the opportunity to face powerful #1 seeded Midtown in the semi-finals. After an exquisite first half played by both teams, our cross town rivals' depth and experience allowed them to pull ahead just enough to squeeze out a hard fought 2 point victory. Paideia's boys varsity went on to best #3 seeded Woodward Academy to capture 3rd.
To cap off a successful day and season, all our opponents - both Saturday and throughout the spring - voted to award us the Spirit of the Game trophy for our exemplary sportsmanship. Being so highly thought of by opponents and recognized in this way in ultimate is quite an honor.
Congratulations to all our ultimate players on another excellent season!
