Three Utah athletes represented the United States at the World Flying Disc Federation World Junior Ultimate Championships in Logroño, Spain, in July 2026, earning medals for the U.S. in both the men's and mixed divisions. The group included Green Canyon High School graduates Silas Bell and Blake Holt, who joined Emilee Jensen to compete against international competition during the tournament held from July 11-18.
Silver and Gold Medal Success
In the competition held this past July, Blake Holt of Hyde Park won a silver medal as a member of the U.S. U20 men's team. Silas Bell of Logan and Emilee Jensen of Bountiful both competed on the U20 mixed team of men and women, which secured a gold medal for the United States.
Green Canyon Pipeline
As reported by Herald Journal, Bell and Holt are the latest products of a Green Canyon High School program that has become a premier national ultimate frisbee program. The Wolves have secured four consecutive Utah Division I state championships and won the High School National Invite championship in 2024. The program has produced five Team USA players across the last two World Junior Ultimate Championship cycles.
The Road to Spain
Both Bell and Holt participated in a nationwide selection process that included 24 roster spots. For the U20 mixed team, Bell was selected from 216 invitees. The selection process involved two-day tryouts in California in November 2025, where athletes spent hours each day on the field. Before departing for Spain, the athletes participated in a training camp in New Jersey this week, where they prepared alongside other top under-20 players from across the country.
Financial and Personal Motivations
Competing internationally involves significant personal costs, with Holt and Bell noting that the trip to Spain cost upwards of $5,000 per player. To offset these expenses, Green Canyon coach Dave Hoffman organized fundraising through Cache Valley Ultimate, which included youth clinics taught by the players. Holt also utilized a GoFundMe campaign and family support, while Bell used earnings from a job and help from friends and family.
Future Missions and Careers
Following their international competition, the athletes have distinct upcoming plans. Emilee Jensen has been called to serve in the Spain Madrid South Mission. Blake Holt intends to serve a mission after his high school graduation, while Silas Bell has begun the application process. Both Bell and Holt expressed interest in continuing to play ultimate frisbee at the collegiate level following their missions.
Sporting Background and Culture
Ultimate is a noncontact, self-refereed team sport played on a field similar in length to a football field but narrower. The athletes, who have played the sport for up to 10 years, highlighted the unique culture of the game. Bell noted the spirit of camaraderie among players on opposing teams, while Holt remarked on the welcoming environment created by the coaches during the selection process.
A Legacy of Excellence
The success of Bell and Holt follows the achievements of Green Canyon athletes Nathan De Morgan, Sam Nichols, and Breesen Hoehne, who represented the United States at the 2024 World Junior Ultimate Championships in Birmingham, England. That 2024 squad brought home two gold medals and a silver, setting a precedent for the current generation of Utah athletes.
