Of the 21 starters and six practice players listed on the Strike’s 2024 roster, 18 of them are returning from the 2023 season. We get to watch an exciting variation of an unstoppable Strike team that we got to know and love last season, with some big new additions who are looking to continue the legacy. While the Strike are losing notable players and have a significant shift in their coaching staff, this team is back and better than ever for 2024.
Of course, every player is looking to contribute to the team’s success this year, but there are a few in particular who I think have some big seasons coming, and who you should probably know about ahead of time.
1. Amelia Zdechlik
As the youngest player in franchise history, Amelia Zdechlik is already turning heads. Not even out of high school yet, Zdechlik is bringing strong leadership and championship experience to the Strike, likely as a secondary/reset handler. (Though she can slot in just about anywhere!) Not only will Zdechlik be exciting to watch because of her record-breaking youth, but because her presence on the professional field will not go unnoticed; teammates have describe Zdechlik as fast-paced, consistent, and “a monster in the deep space.”
Zdechlik will be electric to watch in her inaugural pro season, utilizing her versatility no matter where she plays. The Strike will most likely need her to fill in some handling roles, though she is fully capable making an impact as a cutter, on offense or defense. Her goals this season include rounding out her skills on defense and making meaningful cuts when she doesn’t have the disc in her hand. Everything Zdechlik does on the field is intentional, from a deep look to a dump pass, a layout block to an undercut, and she plans on absorbing as much as she can from her teammates while bringing her own element to the field with the Strike.
Another role we will be interested to watch take shape on the pro field is as a leader: despite her age, Amelia brings strong captainship experience, and her teammate told me that “She’s not afraid to command the field and hold her teammates accountable. She never lets anyone beat themselves up about a mistake, she’s very supportive.”
For such strong words in favor of this highly anticipated rookie, we will all be eagerly watching how she can bring her talent and leadership to the Strike this season.
2. Julia Hill
USAU Nationals with Drag’n Thrust. USAU Master’s Nationals with Drag’n Rust. Spirit co-captain with Star Power, three years with Indianapolis Red, and one year with Nashville Nightshade. Scoober enthusiast. “Speed Demon” (as attributed by Tanner “Big Dog” Barcus). Julia “Chucks” Hill is bringing deep experience to the Strike this season, where she is looking to do damage.
Chucks’ resume is intimidating for opponents and inspiring for teammates. Her role on the Strike will primarily be a D-line handler — in her own words, her job “is to create some chaos in the handler set and play shut-down D.” You gotta love chaos on the field, especially when it comes to defense. The Strike can certainly use a bit of stability on their defensive side, more specifically in the handler set, so Hill slotting into that role will be huge.
A self-described “golden retriever” on the field, Hill’s approach to the game is active and high-energy, keeping her legs going, wearing down her matchup, and playing with joy: “I’m a puppy,” she said.
I think Chucks will by all means of the word be a leader on the Strike this season, which is a unique position to be in as a new face on the team (though again, keep in mind her previous experience playing with many of these players in the club scene and other teams in her career). Hill said she is excited to be a team ambassador this season, using her experience to help the team as they march toward Championship Weekend. Even prior to the season starting, Hill sees a lot of potential in this squad:
“This team is smart as hell,” she said. “After every point we’re all talking, what went well, what didn’t work, and what are we going to change for the next one. Everyone is putting in 110% mentally in addition to physically balling out on the field.”
3. Rachel Johnson
Rachel Johnson has been a mainstay on the Strike roster for the last few seasons, and her name and ability have become well-known among the fans. Johnson is consistent, reliable, and a leader on the field. Her ability to find receivers and work the disc around defenders enables her team to open up the field and make big plays. Johnson is a key component to the Strike’s offense, playing a big role in their easy movements and smooth teamwork.
Building on top of a strong 2023, Johnson has an opportunity to even further solidify her role on the squad, bridging gaps and making plays. Her teammates know her ability well, and she knows theirs. Look for Johnson to help anchor the Strike’s backfield this season and be a strong play-caller, especially for the younger or newer additions to the team.
4. Jane Koch
No disc is safe around Jane Koch. The all-electric defender is a human highlight reel, except even that tired phrase doesn’t do Koch’s speed, agility, and downright devastating defense justice.
Every disc that comes within the threat of the vicinity of Koch risks being swatted down by the sneaky fast defender. Koch showed her skills plenty last season, making plays and shifting the momentum on the field constantly. Look for her to repeat this success and this approach in 2024; the Strike’s defense, while strong, can definitely be beefed up, and Koch is the building block on which the team can grow. The Strike will rely on Koch for her leadership but more so her speed and ability to layout at unhuman levels, knocking down every disc opponents throw. Koch then turns into the perfect cutter on offense, creating space and getting open deep. If you give her an inch she’ll take a mile, and the Strike will look to take advantage of that on all sides of the disc this season.
Jane Koch is a defensive wizard, an ultimate enigma. Blink and you’ll miss her, hesitate and she’ll burn you.
5. Emma Peaslee
Emma Peaslee quite possibly had one of the most significant, momentum-shifting plays of the entire 2023 Strike season, when she changed the course of an overtime battle to lead her team to an electric victory with a hand block.
That single play exemplified Peaslee’s quick thinking and strategic mindset on the field. As an experienced coach with St. Olaf, Chapel Hill, and the U of M, Peaslee brings another kind of awareness to the ultimate field. Her on-field vision combines with her speed to open her up downfield for some big plays. The Strike will likely look to Peaslee to slot in as a reliable, consistent midfield and deep cutter this season, pairing her up with the league’s tough competition. Her ability to keep up with opponents and read plays is unquantifiable, but incredibly valuable.
In addition to her skill, I think Peaslee is a bit of a beacon for younger players. Amelia Zdechlik herself said she enjoys learning from Peaslee and looks up to her. Peaslee is fun to watch and has become a household name in the local ultimate community, so be sure to keep your eye out for #28 this season.
The Strike Season Kicks Off April 27
Fans and players alike are preparing for PUL’s opening day, which is just under a month away! The Strike are starting their season at home against Portland Rising on April 27. Join us in the stands and all season long as we cover the state’s electric women’s and non-binary professional ultimate frisbee team!
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