Featured Element #1: Heather Underwood

Heather was chosen to be the first featured element of the 2006-2007 season because of the dedication she has shown to the team during these first few weeks. She's been at practice, throwing clinic, power hours and more, through math midterms, near freezing temperatures, and flues. She had already mastered propper layout form and is ready to break out the D's in the upcoming tournaments. With her exponential learning curve and willingness to work diligently on the little things that makes a player great, we cannot wait to see what kind of player she will be by the spring series.

Miss Underwood turned to ultimate after an already very long and industrious career in sports all over the map. For nine years she was a gymnast, and retired after placing first in the state of Washington on the uneven bars. (This helps explain the aptitute for long throws). Afterwards, she broadened her range of sports to become a triathlete, cross country runner, backpacker, soccer player, and a crazy snowboarder who became significantly less crazy after multiple knee surgeries. She rowed for the University of Washington as a freshman.

Miss Underwood was led to ultimate by her highschool classmate, Niki Lesniak, who will surely be featured up here soon as well as rewarded with cupcake royale for converting such a seasoned athlete. Heather is a sophmore majoring in math and computer science and is contemplating a minor in chemistry. (In layman's terms: she's whicked smaaaaht'). Instead of letting her intense schedule bring her down, she states: "With this kind of class load, it has been such a
great relief to find a sport that can help me focus my energies in a physical
and productive way."

Thus far she has enjoyed her time as an element, "from the bruises to the cupcakes." She is looking forward to kicking some a** at the tournaments this fall and traveling to compete in the spring. She can't wait to improve her skills and strategy and learn more about all "the amazing people on this team."

She adds, "I love that sports offer an opportunity to be part of a team
and the chance to have a great time and be outdoors. I am so psyched for this
season and to learn more about this great sport!"

Follow her progress, and the whole Element team through the 2006-2007 college season at www.elementultimate.blogspot.com, and www.students.washington.edu.

To nominate a player to be featured, email blugrass AT u DOT washington DOT edu