At 10th Planet Littleton, we proudly and honorably use the term Heathen to describe our team. While the word traditionally carries religious connotations, let us be clear: all faiths and backgrounds are welcome here. We don't use "Heathen" to exclude — we use it to unite.

So, why the name?

It actually started as a joke — something my mom would call me, my siblings, and our friends when we were getting a little too wild or spirited, even if we weren’t doing anything truly wrong. It was a lighthearted way of saying, “You’re acting up, but I still love you.” Over time, that term stuck with me.

When I began coaching, I found myself using it with my students in the same way — when they were getting fired up at tournaments or being a little too rowdy outside the mats, maybe forgetting a few formalities. I'd say, “Alright, Heathens, let’s pull it together.” And it just fit.

But the more I said it, the more it felt like the perfect description of what we represent. We're not here to conform to every mainstream expectation. We challenge norms. We think differently. We train hard, we compete harder, and we do it all with our own unapologetic energy. "Heathens" became more than a joke — it became our identity.

To be a Heathen at 10th Planet Littleton is to be part of a tribe that values individuality, grit, and passion. We may not always follow the script, but we always show up with heart.