Welcome Back to the Carleton Ultimate Summer Program (CUSP) in Summer 2025!
CUSP is Back: Elevate Your Ultimate Game at Carleton This Summer!
After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the Carleton Ultimate Summer Program (CUSP) is making its grand return to the campus in Summer 2025! If you’re a high school student-athlete with a passion for Ultimate Frisbee and a wish to sharpen your skills on and off the field, then CUSP is the perfect opportunity for you.
What is CUSP?
CUSP offers an incredible blend of athletic training and academic learning designed for aspiring Ultimate players. Participants will spend half of their days honing their skills on the Ultimate field, with the other half dedicated to classroom instruction covering essential topics such as sports psychology, team-building, and leadership. It’s not just about throwing a Frisbee; it’s about understanding the dynamics of teamwork and personal growth.
Led by seasoned coaches Phil Bowen ’96 and Jessica Mueller, the program combines their expertise with the enriching experience of a liberal arts education. Bowen, who has been instrumental in shaping Carleton’s own men’s D-I Ultimate Team (CUT), brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including national championships and numerous high-stakes games. Mueller, who has breathed new life into Carleton’s women’s soccer, enriches the program with her insights on team cohesion and leadership.
“Ultimate is an ideal sport to reinforce this curriculum,” Bowen notes. “It is self-officiated, meaning players have real ownership of their team and the sport as a whole.” This unique characteristic of Ultimate promotes a deeper understanding of personal accountability and teamwork.
A Day in the Life at CUSP
Imagine waking up in a college dorm room, energized by the anticipation of a day filled with Ultimate play and enriching classroom discussions. CUSP allows participants to immerse themselves in college life, offering mentorship from current Carleton students and the opportunity to partake in popular campus activities. Students will also enjoy a celebratory game on the last morning of the program, creating lasting memories and friendships.
The primary goals of CUSP are twofold: improving your Ultimate game and developing crucial leadership skills, all while providing a glimpse into what it’s like to attend a liberal arts college. “This program is about understanding what it means to be part of a fully functioning, cohesive team rather than simply a member of a group of individuals,” says Mueller.
A Legacy of Excellence
Carleton’s Ultimate tradition spans over 40 years, nurturing a culture of excellence reflected in the success of the College’s teams on a national scale. With six club teams and numerous intramural options, Ultimate is woven into the fabric of campus culture—one might even say it’s a rite of passage during New Student Week!
Notably, Carleton’s Ultimate programs stand out as the only small school competing at the D-I level nationally. This distinguished status offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes who seek both an elite liberal arts education and championship-level Ultimate experience. Many Carleton alumni have gone on to represent the U.S. National Team, showcasing the exceptional caliber of training and community within the program.
As we look forward to Summer 2025, the women’s and men’s D-I teams—Syzygy and CUT—have already earned impressive rankings, competing at the forefront of college Ultimate.
Join Us!
If you’re ready to elevate your Ultimate game, learn invaluable life skills, and experience the joy of being part of a team, don’t miss out! Learn more about CUSP and apply for the program through the Summer Liberal Arts Institute website. This is your chance to develop your skills, forge lifelong friendships, and enjoy a unique college experience—all while having a blast on the Ultimate field!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Carleton—where the Frisbee flies high, and the spirit of teamwork thrives!