Northampton senior Roan Dunkerley has signed a one-year contract with the Boston Glory, a semi-pro team that competes in the Ultimate Frisbee Association. On a team primarily made up of college students and recent graduates, Dunkerley is the lone high school student on the roster.

“A few years ago I was driving out to Boston to watch Boston Glory games, and that was really exciting,” Dunkerley said. “I always had this thought in my mind that I want to take this as far as I can, I want to be the best player I can be. So grateful to have the opportunity to do that.”

Dunkerley is now in his second season as the captain of the Northampton ultimate team and will play for the U-20 USA national team at the World Junior Ultimate Championships in Birmingham, England in July. He also competes for the Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance and will play at the Youth Club Championships this summer.

Dunkerley drives to Boston for Glory practice about once a week and intends to continue playing with the Glory in college. He has not decided on a school yet.

The Glory’s first game is April 26 at 7 p.m. against the Montreal Royal at Hormel Stadium in Medford.

“It was just joy,” Dunkerley said of the phone call from head coach Sam Rosenthal informing him of his contract offer from the Glory. “I was shaking I was so excited.”

Dunkerley began playing ultimate in sixth grade thanks to some inspiration from his sister, Maeve, who was playing on the middle school team. He steadily played more and more until this year, when he started playing year-round and saw his play “explode.”

He began participating in tryouts for the national team last fall and was selected for the U-20 squad in December. Amherst 2023 graduate and current UMass freshman Taylor Hanson was also selected.

Between all his different ultimate commitments, Dunkerley will be playing on four different teams this spring and summer. On the Glory, he’ll get to play with one of the sport’s best players, reigning league MVP and UMass alum Jeff Babbitt. 

“With the national team coming up, I think that playing for Glory is going to be amazing,” Dunkerley said. “Really high-level reps against amazing players.”