2019 - David Miller
Apologies to Mr. David Miller on the delay in this much deserved entry. The one-year delay appears to be the new normal, unfortunately. Also working to expand out the voices in these entries beyond just a single college coach.
-TK
I had the honor of coaching David Miller during his high school career. While a gifted athlete who also played Varsity Soccer, Miller was dedicated to the Lakewood Ultimate Frisbee team. I had no doubt that he would fit on CSU's Hib, given that he would join their program already embodying their core values. Despite being one of the best male downfielders in the state (I would argue he was the best), Miller always worked hard and sought feedback. He helped to create a culture of development, growth, and hard work for Lakewood Ultimate's budding program- because as younger players saw a dominant player and leader like Miller asking for feedback, they learned that this is what it takes to be great. Miller was also fiercely competitive- pushing himself and his teammates during every scrimmage and game. While it's been years since I've coached him, he stands out as one of the grittiest workhorses I've coached. Not only did Miller have the trifecta of athleticism, hard work, and competitive spirit, he was also an incredible teammate. By the end of his junior year and throughout his senior year, he became a leader off the field as well. He became vocal- holding his team to high standards and inspiring greatness. His senior year was magical- and he was a large part of the reason that Lakewood won their first State Championship. Not only did he help win a championship, but David Miller was part of defining the culture for Lakewood High School, current a leader in the High School Ultimate Community.
When I said that it was an honor to coach Miller, that wasn't just a fluffy way to start a statement. It was truly an honor. Miller is back in Lakewood, and is now giving back. I am excited to have him join the Lakewood Coaching staff - and it is truly a loss that we won't get to coach together this spring (because of COVID-19), but I look forward to coaching alongside him in the future. HIB and Bravo have given him strategic insight and taken his game to the next level - and I am excited to share this with the next generation of ultimate youth. He will be joining Coach Phil Lohre and myself in coaching the Cutthroat U20 Boys, and I am excited to now lead with him. Thank you, HIB, for developing Miller's talents and character further. I look forward to continuing to send Lakewood DEEP players to you!
Peter Raines
Dave was and is, quite often, the hardest worker on the field. His unrelenting defensive pressure would tire out the most ambitious cutters and then he would be the first person to take off after a turnover. On top of being a workhorse, he would make his impact felt with athleticism. At least once per tournament he would get some ridiculous over the shoulder D that would cause everyone on the sideline to look at the person next to them to confirm that had actually just happened. His dominance in the air led to the coining of the term "Dave ball" for any disc that was thrown absurdly high because he would most likely come down with it in a pack. If you get a chance, check out his callahan video for some examples. What makes that even more impressive to me is that he was able to make these plays at the end of tournaments when he had the most points played.
As a teammate he encouraged everyone to be their best, whether it was by pushing them at practice or picking them up after a tough point. No matter the score, Dave would be the loudest on the sideline or first on the field after a point. He set the precedent for everyone else to put in the work. I am thankful that I had the privilege of coaching Dave, even for a short period.
Tim Kefalas
David Miller joined CSU program in the much-hyped 2015 class that included, Jack Hinchsliff, Cody Spicer, Jake Servaty and many other amazingly talented players. Within that group, Dave immediately established himself as a key player and role-model, even as a first-year. He had a storied high-school career at Lakewood High School and we knew he was going to be a special college player as well.
My trepidation with any star high-school player is not knowing what kind of attitude accompanies them when they're coming from a place where they were likely quite dominant, into a new competitive context. This was never an issue, in any capacity, for Dave.
He carried himself with an improvement-focused, humble attitude that permeated throughout the entire team. It didn't matter if he just skied one of the top college players in the country, Dave would be on the side-line the next point asking what he could do better. He always put forth full effort on the field. He was/is an incredibly savvy and heads up player. He was always seeking out opportunities to both help deep as well being a very intelligent underneath poacher. I don't know how someone so large (6'3) can stay out of the line-of-sight so effectively, but Dave made a killing on sidling in front of underneath cuts with for layout (or pancake), catch Ds.
Dave also had amazing body control for someone so tall, especially on his layouts. I remember one specific huck that went up to Dave's guy - it was a perfect throw and the receiver was positioned such that he had a straight line to the disc with Dave directly behind him - there was no good angle to get in for a good jump. Dave closed the gap and then bid up and over the receiver, getting a clean block on the disc and avoiding contact - it was one of the most impressive and unexpected blocks I have ever seen.
Beyond the jaw-droppers, Dave always maintained his focus on fundamentals. He worked diligently on footwork, positioning and working out mechanics in his throws. One of my other favorite Dave memories was college nationals, 2017, when him and our other big man, Sten Larson (6'4), ended up behind the disc on a defensive point. The two of them ran the most crisp handler rotations, maybe of the whole tournament, and small-balled their way straight to a break - I don't think they threw a single pass downfield, just the tall-man weave - it was beautiful.
I coached Dave for 4 of his 5 years in college and while he was never technically a captain in any of those four years, inevitably his intensity, work-ethic and abilities made him a core leader on the team. He was elected captain for his 5th and final college year and I know he carried himself with the same principles within that official role as well.
Beyond the field, Dave is such a thoughtful, principled, incredible person. He taught me about staying focused on what's important, staying true to one's self and working hard no matter the circumstance. For those pieces, any so many more, I am so grateful to know him as both a player and a friend.
While it's hard to say what's in the cards for Ultimate this club season and beyond, I'm really excited for the opportunity to coach Dave again on Bravo this year. There's nothing that makes me more proud than watching CSU alum make their mark on the Ultimate community.
Honorable Mentions: Daniel "Chuck" Crump, Jake Marrapode, Jack McGinnis, Luke Beal
