2026 Rookie Class Makes Its Mark

From Reed’s team-leading goals to Melner’s infectious energy, Arizona’s rookie class made their presence felt in the 2026 season

by Desiree Camacho

While Arizona’s 2026 roster was anchored by veteran players, the rookies on this year’s squad have made their mark, each carving out unique roles of their own. Whether they’re racking up stats or shaping team culture, these newcomers have shown a promising future for the Sidewinders. 

Kristen Reed

 Reed’s journey in ultimate began in 2016 during her junior year of college. She attended a practice to receive the free trucker hat the team was giving out, with no intention of ever going back. Instead, she quickly found a love for the sport. 

  “I played all of the sports growing up, yet nothing quite compares to the sheer joy I get running full sprint down the field chasing after a piece of plastic,” she said. 

  Before joining the Sidewinders, Reed played for and captained the WUL’s Colorado Alpenglow in 2023, where she finished top three in the league with 21 goals. After battling through injury the past 2 years and making her return to the field, her dominance has continued. She finished this season leading the Sidewinders in goal scoring with 19 goals (breaking the single season goals record) and tied for first on the team with 11 blocks. Her performance also earned her a nomination as a finalist for 2026 WUL Defensive Player of the Year.

 Reed’s impact goes beyond the numbers she puts up. As she continues managing pain and recovering from injury, she has been a quiet, but impactful leader to the team. Reed challenges her teammates to see their full potential and hopes to instill a sense of belief in the team. 

  “This team’s past record is irrelevant; we can achieve anything we want if we put our mind to it and give 100% effort,” she said. 

Maya Melner

 Melner may be the youngest player on the team, but she’s far from inexperienced. The 19-year-old rookie has been playing ultimate for eight years, guided by her father who introduced her to the sport. 

  “He played himself and got me hooked on this amazing sport, always pushing me to get better and try new things. He’s been my biggest supporter the whole time,” she said.  

  Melner competed at USA Ultimate’s Youth Club Championships all four years of high school, and at High School Nationals three times. The Oregon native now attends Northern Arizona University, where she plays for the Jines in the Pines. 

With a strong background in high-level competition, it was no surprise Melner showed up big in her professional debut with the Sidewinders. She scored two goals and had one assist in the season opening victory against Utah.

Even when her contributions do not show up on the stat sheet, her presence is consistently felt by the team.

“She doesn't just play her role—she energizes everyone around her,” said Head Coach Daphne Russell. 

The season has also brought challenges. Melner has learned the commitment it takes to compete at the highest level, learning to balance college classes and social life with the game. She describes the process as a “real learning curve,” but says it has allowed her to grow as a person. 

Megan Kirchardt

Kirchardt has just two years of ultimate experience under her belt, but her competitive nature has already led her to the professional level. Previously playing college basketball, she now captains Caliente, ASU’s club ultimate team. 

Kirchardt credits Caliente coach Irene Faust for helping shape her development over the past two years. Since joining the Sidewinders, she has also found a mentor in team captain Kez Gesell, whose spirit and intensity she admires.

  “She always brings such an amazing intensity to practice and on the field her defense and our offense are just impeccable and you can learn so much from her. She is also a great teammate that cheers on anyone and everyone and I truly try to exemplify that,” she said. 

  Through two games this season, Kirchardt notched a goal and an assist. The transition to the professional level has challenged the Arizona native to adapt quickly.

 “Being at this pro level, everybody is just as good as you if not better, and I think being confident in your abilities and skills is very important and something that you have to really adjust to as a player on and off the field,” she said.

  Even with limited schedule availability impacting her playing time, Kirchardt has embraced the opportunity and continues to learn from the veteran roster around her.

Aislinn Behan

Behan has been playing ultimate for five years, previously serving as captain for Black Ice at the University of Nevada, Reno. After moving to Arizona to attend Midwestern University, she joined Haboob club ultimate and earned team MVP in her first season. 

  She made her professional debut for the Sidewinders in Week 4 against San Diego. Although her playing opportunities have been limited thus far, Behan remained engaged and committed to growth and supporting her team from the sideline. 

  “I’m getting the chance to learn from some of the best players in the country, and that’s pushed me to expand how I see the game and how I play it. I also want to be a player the coaching staff can trust to step into whatever role is needed, even if that changes on a moment’s notice,” she said. 

As she continues her journey at the professional level, Behan hopes to continue developing as a player and contribute to the positive, supportive culture the Sidewinders are building. 

  Want to dive into the rest of the team stats? Check out the WUL Stats Hub and rewatch all games on the WUL YouTube channel.