PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (December 16 , 2024) - After a storied career in ultimate frisbee spanning over 30 years and three impactful seasons serving as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Phoenix, Tom “Worm” Glass has formally announced his retirement from the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA), effectively immediately. Glass, who joined the Phoenix in 2022, will be relocating to Vermont with his wife, Stacey, to embark on a new chapter in their lives.
Glass's contributions to the Phoenix have been immense. Tasked with leading the team's defense, he instilled innovative strategic sets that elevated the Phoenix into a defensive powerhouse within the league. Renowned for his "old-school" approach to the game and unwavering commitment to fundamental skills, Glass also possessed a remarkable ability to adapt his coaching style to maximize the individual strengths of a new generation of players within the broader context of UFA play.
Beyond his tactical expertise, Glass was a player-centered coach who strived to pass on his love of the game to not just professional ultimate players in the UFA, but to legions of frisbee of all ages. “Tom’s retirement marks the end of an era,” said Phoenix team owner and former teammate Jeff George, “His impact on the team and the sport of ultimate frisbee extends far beyond wins and losses. His passion for the sport was contagious, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue excellence at all levels of the game. Tom's legacy will live on in both Hotbird Nation and the broader Philadelphia ultimate community.”
The news of Glass's retirement has been met with a mix of emotions from the Phoenix organization and its fans. While his departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, there is also a profound sense of gratitude for his contributions and a sincere desire to celebrate his accomplishments. Glass's legacy will undoubtedly endure within the team, as his coaching philosophy and strategic innovations continue to shape the Phoenix's future.
"After decades of living and breathing ultimate frisbee, it's time for me to hang up my cleats and start a new chapter. It's been an incredible journey, filled with countless memories and experiences that I will cherish forever. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have coached at the highest level, and I'm excited to see what the future holds." Coach Tom Glass
Philadelphia ultimate frisbee will long remember the lessons learned from Coach Glass, and his presence will be deeply missed. The Phoenix organization wishes him and Stacey all the best as they pursue new adventures in Vermont.
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA PHOENIX
The Philadelphia Phoenix are Philadelphia’s sole professional ultimate team and a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). The Philadelphia franchise was created in 2012, as one of the original eight founding teams of the UFA. The mission of the team is to advance the sport of ultimate while promoting diversity and creating opportunities for women in the sports industry.
