In this episode of the TOBU Fitness Podcast, Justin Shelby and Manny Eckert (captain of Seattle Sockeye) sit down with Dena Elimelech, one of the most exciting and dominant players in ultimate frisbee today. From discovering the sport at a college booth to starring on San Francisco Fury, Team USA, and Super Bloom (WUL) — Dena shares her journey, training insights, and the mindset that helped her rise from beginner to international elite.
We cover everything from how she balances training and recovery, to what makes a great ultimate team culture, to her thoughts on defensive strategy, lifting for injury prevention, and the growth of women’s ultimate frisbee.
🔥 Topics include:
How Dena found ultimate frisbee after playing soccer and track
Her hot take on faking and why she prefers righty flicks
Rapid development from beginner to USA National Team
Adapting to pro, club, and international formats
Strength training for performance and injury prevention
Burnout, mental recovery, and planning a sustainable offseason
Lifting with coach Mike Hadock and training for layouts
Playing different roles on different teams (cutter, defender, scorer)
Advice for players trying to level up from college to elite club
The future of women’s sports and visibility in ultimate
Best advice she's ever received and how she handles performance anxiety
French fry rankings, heckling stories, and her biggest question in ultimate
Whether you're a college player, club athlete, or ultimate coach, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways on how to train smart, grow your game, and stay mentally sharp in a demanding sport.
Resources Mentioned
Ultimate IQ Library: https://patreon.com/UltimateIQLibrary...
Breakmark Ultimate: https://breakmark.com/
For 1-on-1 coaching and training programs, check out the official TOBU Fitness website: www.tobufitness.com
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the TOBU Fitness Podcast!
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