Lauren C can be seen staring us down from yet another cover shot, taken in Belize:

Fitness Model Lauren C for Athleta

Lauren is an all-star track athlete who will be training for the Olympic trials in high-jump this summer. She is also an expert gymnast, runner, and power-weights lifter.

Fitness model Katie D went for it with a sprint on the beach in Kauai, and we’re loving the inspirational words lining up alongside her. It’s a pretty sweet campaign:

Fitness Model Katie D for Athleta

Katie is a runner and an avid soccer player who also can lift some serious weights. This was her first Athleta booking, and we couldn’t be more proud! Way to go, Katie!

Fitness Model Danielle H for Athleta

Danielle H, seen above, is a pro on the volleyball court and — as you might be able to tell from those triceps — rocks the shot put, among a long list of other track and field events.

Then there’s Drisana, our resident yoga queen:

Fitness Model Drisana for Athleta

Drisana is also a personal trainer, track and field athlete, and cyclist–there’s really not much that the lady can’t do.

Fitness Model Corinne G for Athleta

Corinne G , seen above, is our girl for all things water–whether it’s freestyle, snorkeling, jet skiing or surfing, this native Hawaiian has it handled.

Want to see more? Check out the Spring 2012 Athleta catalog for some great shots, fitness models, and an array of awesome women’s workout gear.  Thanks, Athleta!

Are you interested in booking one of these models, or some fitness models with a different set of skills? We have what you’re looking for! Give our offices a call today for an individualized submission catered to your specific project needs: (503) 227-3449. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Lifestyle Model for Kerrits

Whatever skills you’ll need for your next project, Sports + Lifestyle has the models who can deliver! Just give us a call or click on the “Request Submission” button on the top right of your screen today for a personalized submission of talent.

Big thanks to Athleta for treating our girls so wonderfully!

Next time you’re looking for authentic, athletic fitness models, make sure you give Sports + Lifestyle  Unlimited a call at (503) 227-3449. We’ll be happy to coordinate a submission of talent catered to your specific project needs.

Lifestyle Models Emma, Allegra and Natasha

Do you need lifestyle models who can bring a professional and positive attitude to the set of your next project? Call SLU today for an individualized submission! (503) 227-3449.

Seattle Model Corey W

Seattle Model Corey W

Seattle Model Corey W

Seattle Model Corey W

Check out the full editorial here. Thanks, Ben Trovato!

Do you need local Seattle models for your next project? How about Portland? LA? NYC? You name the city, and we can get some local talent to you. Just give us a call at our headquarters in Portland for a specialized submission! (503) 227-3449.

Lifestyle Model Chad P for LL Bean

Lifestyle Model Chad P for LL Bean

Lifestyle Model Chad P for LL Bean

Lifestyle Model Chad P for LL Bean

Great work, Chad!

Are you looking for reliable, authentic lifestyle models for your next project? Call SLU today at (503) 227-3449 for a specialized submission free of charge, or click on the “Request Talent” on the top right of your screen.  Happy Holidays!

Fit model Kylie shows off a Carnival dress for Nike

“The hardest part was simply standing for those few hours–the dress was so heavy!” Kylie exclaims. But stand she did, and her positive attitude never faltered. “I felt like a princess,” says the fit model with a smile.

Fit model Kylie in full Carnival make-up

Do you need professional fit models for your next presentation or project? Don’t hesitate to call our offices or click on the “Request Talent” button on the top right of your screen. We look forward to hearing from you!

Surf's up for Corrine

Our girls rocked an extensive shoot out in New Zealand, proving once again that SLU models are fit, fresh, and have mad skills. Keep up the good work, girls! And many thanks to Athleta for a wonderful time. Check out athleta.gap.com to see more of the SLU models in action!

Drisana dominates the net!

Bridget braves the snow

Monica shows off her yoga skills

Dani's out for a ride

Lauren's running like a pro

Lauren and Drisana pushing for the finish line!

Lindsey's just hangin' out

Choosing to swim, bike and run on a Sunday morning is a regular occurrence for San Diego talent, to keep in tip-top shape and ready to rock any demanding sports photo shoot. SLU models are fierce athletes and true competitors but they also possess sunny personalities ideal for lifestyle projects. Just as the city they call home, SLU’s San Diego sports talent and lifestyle models are vibrant and beautiful! Take a look!

max

katerina

claudia

justin

lauren

brianna

tenley

drisana

Let's play Eye Spy!! If you see an ad, sign or billboard of an SLU model, snap a pic with your camera phone email it to us (info@SLUagency.com) and be entered into a monthly drawing!!

September/October Issue of Women's Running - Photographed by Ty Milford - www.tymilford.com

Ariel had the pleasure of working with celebrity stylist Mel Ottenberg for Nike’s Spring 2012 photo shoot. He’s the master behind Rihanna‘s Loud tour look, and he’s also styled the covers of top fashion magazines around the world. Find out more about his perspective on fashion at the gym, ideal athletic styles, and even find out what’s on his iPod: http://go.nike.com/05n56ak3

Danielle and her Daniquinn

Ali, Lauren, Dani, Drisana + Karen

Karen + Drisana

Lauren, Dani + Drisana

Lauren, Dani + Drisana getting interviewed

Lauren + larger than life Lauren!

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/athleta-inspiration-gallery-featuring-slu-models-imagine-yourself-here/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/slu-kids-shoot-hanna-andersson-at-mt-hood/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/slu-kids-shoot-hanna-andersson-at-mt-hood/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:07:54 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=4071

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/ariel-for-nike-com/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/tenley-finds-romance-in-the-city-for-fashion-5-0/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/tenley-finds-romance-in-the-city-for-fashion-5-0/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:01:41 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=3906

Here is an inside look at the man behind the ski mask.

Where are you from? Megeve, France. It is a small town in the French alps.

How old were you when you began skiing? 18 months old. My parents threw skis on me and sent me down the driveway in front of our house. I joined ski school when I was a bit older but began skiing at a very young age.

Do you participate in any sports besides skiing? I honestly play a little bit of everything! I played hockey as a boy. I also enjoy snowboarding, horseback riding, rock climbing, all mountain sports, and especially surfing. I have been surfing for 16 years and it is pure fun. I also base jump professionally and enjoy sky diving as well.

What is your favorite sport? Skiing is the most meaningful sport to me since it has shaped me into the person I am today. It kept me out of trouble as a kid! But each sport fills its purpose in my life. Some, like surfing, are purely for fun!

Sport has taken you across the world. Where is the most extreme location you have been? The most extreme location I have ski base jumped is the Matterhorn! That was unreal.

Where is the most unique location you have traveled to thanks to your sport? The most unique experience I have had is skiing in the Arctic Circle and seeing the midnight sun. There is nothing like skiing at 3 in the morning with the bright orange sun hovering above the ocean.

How long have you been modeling? I have been ski modeling for 8 years and about the same time for sportswear modeling.

What is your favorite commercial shoot to date? Base jumping with a 360 degree camera off a bridge in Idaho. The 360 degree camera provided complete 360 views of what a base jump looks like. As far as shoots I’ve done on my own, the avalanche video on youtube that has nearly 1.5 million views is my favorite so far. That was the ultimate ride as a skier. That is what you hope for, an experience like that.

Do you have any advice for someone with hopes to enter the sports modeling industry? Have everything documented because you may only be able to do it once. Also, whatever projects you are working on, have fun! When you are very driven and focused it can be easy to forget that having fun is the most important part of it all. If you’re having a good time, it will come across the best on camera.

What is your favorite pastime? Hanging out at home with my lady and cooking healthy food. Eating well is an important part of performing well, so that is important to me. Also, surfing as much as possible because its just plain fun.

What is your ultimate goal? I’m pretty much living my dream, but I hope to do even more and knock more projects off of my list. I hope to focus 100 % of my time to jumping and skiing. One of my ultimate goals is to ski base jump at 26,000 feet in the Himalayas!

Photos by Ty Milford

Ariel

Nick & Danelle

Mark

Katie

Cupid

Alex

{click the image to watch} video featuring desiree + andrea

Top {Katie, Troy, Tara, Stephanie} Bottom {Evan + Jesse}

Sam

Kristina

KC

Ariel for Nike Free Run+ 2 iD

Desiree

Chardy + Monica

Monica, Charday + Andrea

Andrea

Monica + Charday

Andrea + Desiree

Monica + Desiree

Monica, Charday + Andrea

Desiree

Monica

Monica (left) + Charday (Middle)

Photographer: www.tymilford.com

Lauren's Full Page Ad in Fitness Magazine for Athleta

SLU's Alissa Bagan, on set in Seattle for Ann Taylor LOFT

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/ann-taylor-loft-shoot-in-seattle/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/bh-cosmetics-lookbook-featuring-slus-tenley-molzahn/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/bh-cosmetics-lookbook-featuring-slus-tenley-molzahn/#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:24:03 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=3360

Photographer: Jeff Shanes | Make Up: Michelle Lummus | Model: Emma Pelett

Lauren Collins

Drisana Carey

Lauren Collins + Lindsey Tijan

Danielle Jayne

Lauren Collins

Lindsey Tijan

Lindsey Tijan

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/sports-lifestyle-models-athleta-summer-preview/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/fresh-face-meet-jessie-moore/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/fresh-face-meet-jessie-moore/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:05:56 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=3238

Tim Jones Photography :: tjphoto.net

Danielle Jayne | Full Page Ad in FITNESS Magazine | April 2011

Danielle for Athleta

Tara Manning

Emma Carlson (left, center)

Ariel Shaw (Front + Center)

heather chase (right)

anthony mcgrath (left)

heather chase (center)

anthony mcgrath (left)

heather chase (right)

heather chase (right)

The Challenge: Make the best Super Bowl ad. The Reward: Have the world’s biggest stage with a 100 million people watching and a million dollar paycheck.

Athleta is about real athletes inspiring active women in a variety of venues. On the Athleta Chi blog, our featured athletes share their expert advice and insight, and our catalogs are filled with pages of performance gear put to the test by women athletes against stunning backdrops around the world.

When we set off on the journey to bring Athleta to “brick-and-mortar” in our flagship San Francisco store, we knew we couldn’t have our real-life athletes there to inspire customers and demonstrate the performance and beauty that’s core to everything we create. So, we started an exhaustive search for athletic mannequins and (no surprise) couldn’t find any that were truly feminine AND athletic — both in the figure and the pose. That’s when we knew we had to venture off the beaten path to create uniquely Athleta mannequins.

Affectionately called “Daniquins,” the mannequins are inspired and modeled after our very own Danielle Halverson. Over the years, Dani has traveled to distant lands with our team of athlete models and creative gurus, becoming an important part of the Athleta community. She’s a strong, beautiful person inside and out, and to give you a sense of who she is as an athlete, here are just a few of her accomplishments…

• 9 time H.S. Track & Field State Champion
• 2 time H.S. Basketball State Contender
• GNAC Conference Record Holder
• NCAA Nationals Track & Field Championships
• 2 time Runner-up Finish in Heptathlon
• 1 time National Champion (High Jump)
• USA Track & Field Championships
• Currently training for Olympic Trials, and for the Olympic Games London 2012.

Dani came to Athleta through Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited, an agency that helped land her on the cover and in the pages of notable publications like Runner’s World, Shape, and Women’s Health. As her agent, Karen Osborn, attests, “Danielle epitomizes the beautiful athlete that the Athleta brand represents, so we were thrilled to facilitate that relationship, along with our other great models they use!” We couldn’t agree more.

A few months ago, Dani traveled with members of Team Athleta to Broomfield, CO, where Fusion Specialties is based. There, overseen by Creative Director Stacie White, Dani was digitally scanned in various action sequences and static poses that included running and Trikonasana (aka triangle pose). A fiberglass prototype, having the basic dimensions but lacking the finer details, was created from these scans as a template for the seven on-site sculptors who would artfully hand-etch Dani from a pile of clay, down to her tiny delineations of sinew and muscle. The Fusion Specialties team worked tirelessly over months to fine-tune this special project for Athleta.

That dedication to their craft is apparent in attention to details that may surprise the layman. Mannequins suffer from what Stacie calls “losing a moment in time,” a quality that often distinguishes great photography from the rest. Similar to one of our photo shoots, computer images were taken of Dani in rapid-fire succession before finding one with the right spark. Human details, too, can be unexpectedly exaggerated — in mannequin form Dani’s legs appeared bigger and more venous. These incongruities were “mannequized” with guidance from Team Athleta. The final product is breathtaking, to say the least.

Just walking through the San Francisco store, it’s apparent these statuesque mannequins are more effigy than mannequin, their precision-carved bodies an homage to Dani’s athletic physique. The untrained eye may overlook the differences between our Daniquins and other, run-of-the-mill mannequins, but we know you’ll appreciate the attention to detail, and hope you enjoyed learning more about the woman who breathed life into our “Daniquins.”

Amy Jo + Angel

Chase grabbed his team and friends, including SLU model Lindsey Tjian and took to the road to make it happen. Here are a few images of Lindsey for your viewing enjoyment, we especially love the images with the beautiful sun flares.

Check-out behind-the-scenes video from the shoot.

Jim Pytel + Emmery Raw for Columbia.com {Photography by Mike Gray}

Athleta showcased their versatile clothing line to a select group of fitness writers and offered an amazing yoga class with astound yoga instructor, and SLU model Drisana Carey.  Carey has been practicing and teaching yoga for several years. I decided to interview her to get insight on the practice of yoga.

How long have you been teaching yoga?

I started guiding my roommates and friends in yoga classes while living in France in 2004, I had been practicing for 4 years and couldn’t find any classes in the area so we used my living room/bedroom to do yoga together, while I talked through the movements and postures. The following Spring of 2005 I returned to the states and took my first teacher training course in Los Angeles and started teaching at the same studio just after finishing the training I’ve been teaching at different studios around Southern California ever since.

In your opinion what are some benefits from practicing yoga?

There are many positive changes people experience during each class and even more benefits unfold after practicing yoga regularly. The more obvious ones are increased flexibility, strength, balance, improved posture, stable moods, and a reduced stress.

Many students have mentioned that they were surprised when they started sleeping better, relaxing more deeply and recognized a better sense of awareness, so less mistakes in their day to day life. The benefits are so numerous it all depends on what you really want to get out of the practice. I’ve found that when I set an intention then letting go of it while I practice surprising changes and gifts appear in my life.

What do you love most about this form of exercise?

I love the sense of connection.  Connection with what is going on in my body; what is circling around in my mind and especially the connection with my breath. Connection also with the people and the environment around me, I love practicing outside near the ocean or in the sun on a warm day and even inside the dinkiest of studios have surprised me with a warmth of energy and connection with friends and strangers that cannot be quantified but fills me with a wonderful sense that keeps me continuously inspired to practice.

What are some other ways you stay in shape?

I love just about anything active. I run a lot, play beach volleyball, Pilates, plyometrics, biking, swimming, surfing, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking. I’m usually up for whatever friends, weather and time supports.  Regular trips to the gym bore me, so I love to mix it up and use the outdoors as my gym/playground.

Lastly what do you love most about Athleta clothing?

Athleta really gets the female athlete. The clothes are functionally designed extremely well, with performance, comfort and style in mind. Its clear when you feel the clothes that the designers are female athletes themselves.  The materials are the kind that once you feel them on; you never want to take them off. I’m always on the go, being active is only part of my day and Athleta’s clothing can take you anywhere from the studio to the shops, to dinner wherever.

For more information visit  http://athleta.gap.com

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/meet-drisana-athleta-model-real-life-yogi/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/amys-amazing-abs/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/amys-amazing-abs/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:57:33 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=2440

Women’s Running Magazine -  Photographer – www.tymilford.com

Emma Carlson in store for Columbia Sportswear {photographer: jordansiemens.com}

Alissa Bagan + Amy Jo Palmquest

Alaina Sawaya

Alaina

Monica Carlson

:::

:::

Alissa Bagan + Amy Jo Palmquest

Monica

Alissa

:::

Amy Jo

Amy Jo

Photos courtesy of Ty Milford – www.tymilford.blogspot.com

www.brianstevensonphotography.com

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/lifestyle-print/chloe-keph-underwater-shoot/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/fall-test-phil-brad/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/fall-test-phil-brad/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:28:53 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=2321 www.allehphotography.com

Mico + Chuck

Watch behind-the-scenes footage from the Winter 2010 Catalog shoot, on location in Utah and New Zealand with Anne + Brigid!

Jack Robertson

Finn Fujimara

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/finn-for-oshkosh/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/nike-com/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/nike-com/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:49:56 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=2226

Alyssa for Nike.com

Michael for Nike.com

Women's Training

Men's Sportswear

Mico + Andrea

Mico

Andrea

www.isaaclanekoval.com

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/new-face-brian-seward-tests/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/cheers/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/cheers/#comments Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:25:07 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=2169

Photographer :: Isaac Koval Lane

Audrey + Carl

Emma + Mico

Andrea + Valentino

Colin Wilson

Katie Schafer

Fitness Magazine October 2010 | Cover Model Priscila Monroe

photo by sean reynolds of swanson studio

Allen Satcher

Nick Stuart

Nick Stuart

bcmphoto.com

Golfsmith 2010

Bradford Bertoli

Elizabeth Brown

Jillian Braverman

If you could describe the city or town at which you grew up in, share what your community was like? Describe the social economic status of your neighborhood…

I grew up in a rural area outside of Gig Harbor, Washington called Vaughn.   My family had seven and a half acres which seamed like a vast wilderness at the time.  We didn’t have many neighbors and it took twenty minutes to get to high school.  Thirty minutes to town.  I still live in a small cabin on the property hoping to build my own dream log home on an acre and a half that I own near by.   The area is mostly middle class working families but the social spectrum is running more and more to the comfortable side.  Gig Harbor has attracted a lot of money over the years especially to water front properties.  There are two local high schools with popular sports programs.  People work hard and enjoy the quality of living in the Gig Harbor area.

As a young person, did you have a “big dream” as an aspiring model…. If so, what type of modeling?

My aspiring dreams as a young person were to play in the NFL or go to the Olympics.  I also dreamt about fishing and hiking in exotic and wild places.

I never had a “big dream” as an aspiring model.  I pursued it based on the support and encouragement I received from family and friends that I could be successful at it.  The industry sounded fun and exciting and I had the confidence to give it a try and be successful.   The chance to get to participate in active and athletic photo shoots, meet new people and stay motivated to stay in shape was too much to argue with.

At what age/time did you first make an attempt in pursuing a career in the modeling industry? How encouraging or discouraging was the modeling industry when you first pursued it?

I graduated from the University of Idaho in the spring of 2001 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and majored in Marketing.  I attended under a full athletic scholarship to play football.  I played wide receiver, kicker and punter.  I first made an attempt at a modeling career in the fall of 2001.  I was 23 years old.  I visited Sports Unlimited from a referral in Seattle and have been working consistently ever since. I would say that the modeling industry was very encouraging.  I started booking good jobs right away.

How long have you been a model?

I have been a model for ten years.

Do you have a success story that you can share about your achievements in your modeling career? Describe in detail your major accomplishments…

I am fortunate enough to have many highlights in my career.  I was lucky enough to participate in a national commercial for Merrill shoes.  I was paid to trail run all day.  That’s one great thing about fitness modeling.  You get paid to work out sometimes.  I have also worked for Under Armor, Adidas, and Hammer Strength by Life Fitness.  As well, I have been the poster boy for a national Nike campaign at Champ Sports.  

I was the body for Nike Pro Compression for two years and participated in there Global sales meetings for four years.  I have rappelled from the rafters of the Oregon Convention Center onto the runway for a Columbia Sportswear fashion show.  I have worked for REI on a couple occasions and got to visit North Carolina with them.  I shot a poster for New Balance which sits in 24hour fitness gyms all over.  I have been on a Macy’s shopping bag and also did a runway show for Tommy Hilfiger.  I’ve been lucky enough to work for a wide variety of companies. My experiences have been great with all of them.

If you could give advice to an individual who aspires to have a career in the modeling industry, what would you say?

Be realistic in what image you represent.  Stay in shape, be well groomed, be polite and courteous, be punctual, be a great navigator, and be confident and relaxed as possible, patient and determined.  Don’t take anything personal, have thick skin.  You will not book them all.

The July/August issue of Women's Running Magazine featuring our very own Marni and her daughter.

Photos by :: Ty Milford :: www.tymilford.com

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/sports-print/marni-for-womens-running/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/nike-com-back-to-school/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/nike-com-back-to-school/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:51:25 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=2042

Brooks Boutwell + Kane Peters for Nike.com

Katrina's Full Page Ad for Oakley

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/katrina-for-oakley/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/danielle-for-athleta/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/danielle-for-athleta/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:11:29 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=1959

September Issue of Women's Health

Full Page Athleta Ad, featuring Danielle Jayne in Women's Health

Jillian Braverman + Elizabeth Brown on location

Claudine + Janet prep Liz

It's a wrap!

Moving Comfort Full Page Ad, Runners World Magazine. Photographer: www.tymilford.com

Joel Freeman + Tamara Schmitz

Joel for Reebok.com 'Back to School'

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/reebok-com/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/drisana-danielle-for-athleta-com/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/drisana-danielle-for-athleta-com/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:39:21 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=1845

Age: 22
Home Mountain: grew up at Mt. Baker, usually at Northstar-at-Tahoe.
Hometown: Mt. Vernon, WA.  Land of the tulips!
Years Riding: 10
Results: Nothing too impressive, a couple of Burton Am wins and a lot of losses. Sponsors:  Burton, Exit Real World, Smith Optics, Pow Gloves, Coal Headwear, Skullcandy and Bench Clothing.

Kumara is a unique name is there a story behind that?
My dad found the name at some hippie Hindu meditation workshop in the 70’s.  Growing up he told me it meant royalty and innocence, and that’s true, but it’s also the name of a Hindu warrior god.  And it’s what they call sweet potatoes in New Zealand.  I swear my name means something in every language.

What are you up to in the off season?  Any big travel plans?
I recently applied for a fashion marketing internship in Sweden and I really hope that pans out.  Otherwise I am working on getting my business marketing degree, which is a slow-going process.  Also doing some design work, a little modeling, biking lots, yoga, jumping off things into water and being tan.  I’ll also take a couple summer snowboard trips to Mt. Hood.

How are you making going to college and snowboarding work?
Not very well, I take classes when I can (mostly during fall quarter) and during winter I focus completely on snowboarding.  It’s hard to excel at both and snowboarding is the bigger focus right now, but I know if I keep plugging away at my degree I’ll get it.  I love school and look forward to one day being a college grad.  A lot of people go to college for seven years.

Where do you go to school?
University of Washington

What do you want to do with this degree?
Eventually, down the road somewhere, I want to start my own fashion brand.  A brand inspired by snowboarding, surfing, traveling and all things awesome.  I have a lot of creative energy that needs an outlet, I’d like to funnel all that energy into that little grey area where snowboarding meets skate meets surf meets music meets fashion meets high fashion meets art.

I understand you have website, do you use this website for the purpose of funneling your creative energy?
Yeah my website (http://www.kumarakelley.com) started out as a snowboard travel blog and has become a smorgasbord of everything I do; snowboarding, modeling, writing stories and vignettes, making silly lists, putting up various things I find funny, posting videos, showcasing my more fashionable days.

What are your plans for the upcoming season?
Becoming bad-ass.

What advice do you have for girls who are just starting to do competitions?

My advice?  Keep up on other things that you love outside of snowboarding, it makes it easier when you lose and better when you win.  I perform my best at contests when I am maintaining my yoga practice.  Not only because it helps me physically and mentally but also because it reminds me that I have loves outside of snowboarding and that, well, it’s just snowboarding you know.

Most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on a snowboard?
I obnoxiously and uncontrollably sing when I snowboard, and I have a horrible voice, so that’s embarrassing for anyone who hears me.

What tricks are you working on right now?
I’m trying to dial all four fives.  I also really want shifty front five.

What’s your process for learning a new trick?
Haha, ummm, process…..  I just kinda throw it and hope for the best.  Usually I fall a whole bunch, get super pissed off and scream and stop trying until some later point, and then it usually comes together at that later point.

Favorites:
website: failblog.org
breakfast cereal: Cheerios
snowboard shop: Exit Real World in Oregon, the absolute best. ever.
movie: Big Lebowski
animal: Tiger
park feature: A perfectly shaped 50-ft table top
snowboard buddy: Erika Vikander and Megan Littleton
inspiration: Zach Galifinakis. My friends. Youtube.  Travis Parker.

www.missionhockey.com

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/behind-the-scenes-w-teva/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/jonna-leighton-for-rei/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/jonna-leighton-for-rei/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:58:46 +0000 admin http://www.sluagency.com/blog/?p=1726

Jim Beam Billboard shoot at the Oregon Coast, with three SLU models. Captures surfers through time... the early 1900's (Boyd Anderson), 1970's (Allen Satcher) and 2000's (John Beedenbender).

Behind the Scenes with Photographer Lars Topelmann

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/jim-beam-billboard/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/mike-carl-kc/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/mike-carl-kc/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:12:57 +0000 admin http://sluagency.com/blog/?p=1580

Mike Chapin, Carl Hickerson, KC Guyer

A Feast for the Eyes Featuring (from Top to Bottom , Left to Right) Hannah Hawkes, Andrea Dittmer, Emme + Ellee Carlson, Grace Prince, Lauren Kelley, Alissa Tibbs, Chloe Hallock, Alexa Stevens, Liliya Abildayeva, Katrine Johannessen, Femi Willis... Way to go ladies! Congrats to the graduating designers who featured their Senior Collections, bravo!

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/art-institute-annual-fashion-show/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/chloe-for-nau-com/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/chloe-for-nau-com/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:20:31 +0000 admin http://sluagency.com/blog/?p=1543

www.ashleyforrette.com

Tyson Nead + Ariel Shaw | www.jordansiemens.com

Behind the Scenes on the Columbia Sportswear Shoot

Full Length, Feature Film 'Sister Mary's Angel' | Director: Mary Knight

KC, the male lead actor

Cari Siemens' Billboard for Woodburn Company Stores

Kimiko Elliott and Anthony Valesquez for Neche Website + Look Book

Vinnie Perry | Kroger Commercial | Click to View

Karena Dawn | Lucy Mailer

Hips Don’t Lie: Athletic Wear for Real Women

I don’t know if I’m an apple or a pear. Bananas are nice, but I doubt I’m one of those either. I just don’t like comparing my body to a fruit basket. But I do know this: I have hips…and thighs. And good lord, yes, a butt.

I consider myself active and have a (fairly) healthy lifestyle, but no amount of squats, crunches or sprints will ever rid me of my curves. Real woman have curves, remember? So then why was it so hard for me to find athletic wear for women that actually fits well and gives me the support I need? I was so sick of avoiding the mirrors at the gym (or worse, skipping a workout entirely) because my too snug tank top was inching up past my belly button with each squat, and my shorts were riding up my thighs with each stride on the treadmill. Do you know how hard it is to sprint when you’ve got one hand between your thighs trying to pull your shorts back to a more G-rated location? Difficult and unattractive. Exercise is supposed to make you feel better about yourself and yet, somehow, it was making me feel worse.

So, a friend of mine recommended I try the new athletic wear from ellasport, their mission is to “provide women with workout apparel that makes them look and feel amazing…because when you are comfortable and feel good about how you look, you have a much better workout!”

So I tried a few pieces and it was love at first crunch. Imagine, a line of athletic wear designed to be supportive and comfortable. Ellasport, where have you been all my life?

Here are some of my favorites:

Gramercy Racerback tank
I love it because: the hip is slightly wider than the waist and top so it stays in place and does not ride up.

Chelsea Racerback tank
It fits me because: the top has a built-in bra that provides support and gives full coverage across the chest with a wider hip just like the gramercy tank.

Power capris
It changed my life because: the fabric provides moderate compression that conceals those less-than-perfect areas and the line across the back makes your butt look half the size!

Workout skirt™
I wear it because: the skirt has compression shorts attached to give support, but with the coverage and flexibility of a skirt. Genius.

Try ellasport today and get 15% off your first order.
Just use promo code marieclaire at checkout!

Click the Play Button, to watch Lauren Kelley in action for LYCRA!

Design a Bikini and WIN!

:: Lauren Kelley ::

Giorgio Armani and Reebok International announced a global alliance to create a special collection, combining active style with sport and technology.

The cobranded Emporio Armani/EA7 and Reebok collection features both sporting goods and sneakers; the line is described as a blend of style and function.

The collection will be available in Emporio Armani stores and select Reebok concept stores!

WWW.511TACTICAL.COM

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/lifestyle-print/maureen-rankin/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/yeyo-tequila/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/yeyo-tequila/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:39:19 +0000 admin http://blog.sportsu.com/?p=1012

Michelle Lummus + Jeni Takekawa | Yeyo Tequila

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/yeyo-tequila/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/phil-zahn-tests-the-elements/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/phil-zahn-tests-the-elements/#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:33:10 +0000 admin http://blog.sportsu.com/?p=1000

www.allehphotography.com

Danielle Jayne

Jennifer Widerstrom

Lauren Collins

Drisana Carey

A collaboration between Ty Milford and Sandymontana. This short video captures the “perfect day” for a pair of runners in the Pacific Northwest – escaping work, urban life, and the rigors of ‘adulthood’ for a mini-road trip to a scenic mountain trail.

Copyright: Pete Stone Photography

Cutie Patootie Finn for Giro Helmets

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/safety-first/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/athleta-behind-the-scenes/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/lifestyle/athleta-behind-the-scenes/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:19:23 +0000 admin http://blog.sportsu.com/?p=728

Check out Lauren Collins opening witha  run, Drisana Carey showing off her volleyball and yoga skills and Katarina Lyerly starting the surf shoot.

Katie Dober, Damon Mosely, Evan Krause, Amanda Hagstrom, Ngum Suh + Alex Atanasov hit the ground running for the Nike Finishline Video.

This shot of Mount Hood’s Illumination Rock was the winner in the Mountain Landscape category at the prestigious Banff Mountain Photography Competition in 2009. Richard Hallman was on his way back down from the summit when the eerie lighting caught his eye. Photo ©2009 by Richard Hallman

See whether you aren’t a bit jealous of Richard Hallman.

An award-winning, self-taught photographer (and SU Model) he’s paid to pursue his passions, a small sampling of which include mountain climbing, kiteboarding and surfing.
He drives around in a customized, all-wheel-drive van with his company logo on the outside, a full-size bed inside, wide skis and extra layers arranged neatly underneath — totally prepared should a fit of backcountry skiing erupt spontaneously while he’s out and about.

Richard Hallman takes pictures to share what he’s found: “Some of the stuff I see, it’s just not fair if I keep it to myself.” The mountains are like his church, he says. He takes pictures to share what he’s found: “Some of the stuff I see, it’s just not fair if I keep it to myself.”

He won the mountain landscape division of the prestigious Banff Mountain Photography Competition last year for his picture of Mount Hood’s Illumination Rock. In 2004 he won the best-in-show award at the Teva Mountain Games photography competition; in 2005 he won the mountain-air division.

He’s also dating a flight attendant, (also an SU Model) who can get him free flights.

But life wasn’t always this good…..

Click here to read the full story

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/ariel-asics-alaska/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/kumara-kelly-q-a/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/kumara-kelly-q-a/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:19:55 +0000 admin http://blog.sportsu.com/?p=615
Ty Milford

Kumara Kelley interview
Interview by EXIT real world

Where are you from?
Born and raised in Skagit Valley, WA.

What’s up with your name?
My dad is the ultimate hippy. He studies Hinduism, has a beard, long hair and sometimes wears skirts. He named me after a Hindu warrior god.

How did you start snowboarding?
My older brother snowboarded. Anything he did I wanted to do, so I started snowboarding. I was thirteen.

What’s the real reason you started snowboarding?
I crushed on all my older brothers friends.

P. Aaron Blatt

What was it like growing up riding at Mt. Baker?
Amazing. Pow days at Mt. Baker are the best.

So you lived in Whistler?
When I was seventeen I moved to whistler. At the time Redbull was banned in Canada. I negotiated my way into paying rent with smuggled Redbull. I crossed the Canadian border dozens of times with cases of Redbull I bought at Cosco. I even got approached by a club owner to “run” Redbull for him so he could be the only bar in Whistler selling JagerBombs and Vodka Redbulls.

How did you first get sponsored?
I won a Burton Am Stop last January and afterwards, while partying at the mountain bar, a few people asked if I had any sponsors. I said no and a Burton Rep was sitting at the same table. He gave me his card and told me to send him video/resume/photos. I didn’t have any video/resume/photos but I said okay. I got something to send him and the rest, as they say, is history.

P. Greg Miller

Bet you thought you were pretty cool?
Yeah………

But really your a closet nerd?
Yeah…….. I love scrabble and logic puzzles, I geek out on algebra and I use to be president of Spanish Club and an officer of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.  Big nerd indeed.

What do you like most about snowboarding?
Trying new things, being silly, powder and good jumps, laughing and cheering on my friends, getting pumped, being outside, shifties, getting creative and singing my heart out while airing out of the pipe.

What do you like least about snowboarding?
Jaded pro snowboarders, industry gossip and haters.

P. Greg Miller

Who are your snowboard heroes?
Devun Walsh for his smooth style, his backside 180’s are sentt from Heaven. He’s my style Guru. Travis Parker for not caring about being cool and always doing fun stuff even if when it’s not “super sick and technical.”

Last serious injury?

Dislocated elbow. Most painful thing. Ever.

For up to date info and more photos check out KumaraKelley.com

Corinne Gold

Lauren Collins

Drisana Carey

Drisana Carey

]]> http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/athleta-spring-2010/feed/ 0 http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/meet-a-lucy-pro/ http://www.sluagency.com/blog/index.php/sports-fitness/meet-a-lucy-pro/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:52:52 +0000 admin http://blog.sportsu.com/?p=559 Meet Marni Renison, she is one of the most vivacious, creative, charismatic people you’ll meet.  She’s a mom, a friend, a model, a TV personality – and a really amazing runner (not that she’d admit it herself!).

Lucy Activewear recently asked her to write an article for their Lucy Pros section of the Living Lucy site. Click here to read more about Marni!

Imagery courtesy of Reverse Lens Photography

On newsstands now, at your local Whole Foods

SU model Emmery Raw wears the season’s latest attire shown on Lucy.com. From shorts, to tanks, to travel wear, Emmery looks great in every style. Check out some of these pictures from the shoot: