The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to two competitive womxn’s ultimate teams. Bella Donna is UW’s premiere team that competes regularly in the North Central region and around the country. Bella has seen the national College Championships numerous times, most recently in 2016 and 2019, and is a frequent competitor among teams like Iowa, Iowa State, Stanford and Minnesota.
Wisconsin’s sister team, Atropa, travels around the Midwest for tournaments and aim to be a regionally competitive team. They are focused on creating a supportive, fun-loving community that encourages every member to grow as ultimate players, athletes, and individuals.
The teams are comprised of womxn of all ages, from first year undergraduates to graduate students. As a program, we encourage those interested — regardless of skill level or experience — to get involved in ultimate.
Our mission: As a program we believe that by engaging in a sport built on sportsmanship and spirit, womxn in ultimate can learn and grow in a supportive environment. As individuals and as a team, we strive to maintain an environment that is competitive while also supporting growth, resilience, and joy for the sport.
What is a Bella Donna?
Atropa belladonna, better known as Deadly Nightshade, is a poisonous plant from which the two teams have derived their names. The plant has a history of use as a medicine, cosmetic, and poison. The name Atropa comes from Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology, and the name “bella donna” is derived from Italian and means “beautiful woman” because the herb was used in eye-drops by women to dilate the pupils of the eyes to make them appear seductive.
What is BDAL?
Bella Donna Atropa Love: The love of ultimate. The love of the team.
Bella Donna and Atropa Ultimate 