Bush's Max Bommarito named Emerald Sound Conference Ultimate Coach of the Year

The second-year Bush Upper School Ultimate Frisbee Head Coach and assistant in the Lower School has stayed true to that mantra as he led the team to an impressive 5-7 overall record, earning Emerald Sound Conference Coach of the Year honors. 

“I focus on "learning by doing" and putting players in situations that they can figure out and grow by doing so,” Max said. “Because of this, practices are filled with play rather than talk and players learn to trust themselves, their bodies, and instincts on the field.”

Max explained a big reason for the success and improvement this fall was the retention of the coaching staff, including assistant coach Molly Gallagher, who Max credits for managing practices, brainstorming game plans, and creating a positive culture for the team.

What also helped the Blazers this season was having an experienced and veteran squad. After going winless a season ago, the team was led by Kenzo Y. ’25, who was named First Team All-Conference, and Rafe F. ’25, who was selected to Second Team. The Blazers had signature victories against University Prep and Seattle Academy (non-league) and went toe-to-toe with national powerhouse Northwest, leading at one point, but came up short. In the playoffs, they played a hard-fought game against Overlake, ultimately falling short, but proving they belong. 

“The record didn't mean as much to us as what it gave us, a chance to play meaningful postseason games,” Max said. “We didn't come out on top in that playoff game, but to even be in a playoff game after winning no games last year was huge.”

Max said being able to help advance the Ultimate program, not only in record but skill and team chemistry, has been a goal, as well as earning coach of the year honors.

“This has been a personal goal of mine since I began coaching at Bush in 2019,” Max said. “To be following in the legendary footsteps of the coach that recruited me, Kate Kingery (whose name is plastered on plaques across the athletics halls) is incredibly special. Coaching is a special journey and one that I think critically about often - how I can be a better communicator, make practices more engaging, inspire love of this game that I have dedicated so much time towards. Making sure I am bringing my best self to practice every weekday for ten weeks straight isn't easy and can be exhausting, but seeing the program bounce back from last year is special.”