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Archive for the ‘Talent Features’ Category

Tao Berman – New WANTED Host

August 13th, 2010, on the topic of Agency News, Celebrity Consulting, Sports & Fitness, Sports TV/Film, Stunts/Technical Advisors, Talent Features

Tao Berman

Our very own Tao Berman, is NEW to the WANTED judge’s panel this year! Tao is “the world’s best-known extreme kayaker” (Sports Illustrated). Tao was raised in a mountainside cabin without electricity in Washington. He spent his days mountain-biking, climbing and kayaking. Tao has held three extreme kayaking world records including the world record waterfall descent. He is regarded as the most accomplished American extreme racer in the recent history of competitive kayaking.

WANTED is an outdoor reality show that takes place right here in the beautiful and adventure-oriented Pacific NW, Contestants compete in a variety of challenging outdoor activities all the while being judged on their personality and ability to be a TV host.

The winning woman will get to host her own adventure series on Comcast SportsNet

Applicants for WANTED II: Adventure Woman are still available at www.csnnw.com. Deadline to apply is Sunday, August 15th.

Meet Kumara : Shred Betty of the Month

July 13th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Sports & Fitness, Talent Features

Interview courtesy of  Diana Sciandra for www.shredbetties.com

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.

Talent Feature : Michael Gasperson

July 7th, 2010, on the topic of Talent Features

How did you get started in the sports modeling industry? What intrigued you about SLU that made you want to join the agency?

I got my start in the sports modeling industry after a successful career in the NFL. While I was playing football for the Philadelphia Eagles, my wife, who is originally from Portland, Oregon, submitted a few photos of me to SLU. Upon receiving my photos, both SLU and myself thought it would be a great relationship to pursue. I started modeling for SLU about a year ago. The most intriguing thing about SLU is the fact that they are able to reach across so many different markets and really generate the most exposure for their talent in the entire industry.

What are some of your favorite sports and why?

I grew up playing many sports, but the ones that have stayed with me along the way have been football, and volleyball. I also enjoy doing many outdoor recreational sports such as wakeboarding, boating, hunting, and fishing.

Describe some of your favorite project/shoot experiences.

My first and definitely my most memorable shoot has to be when I went to Boston, MA to shoot the Spring 2010 Catalogue for Abercrombie & Fitch. Not only did I meet a lot of interesting people, I got the opportunity to shoot with one of the most well-known and talented photographers of our time in Bruce Weber. I also enjoy going to the Nike campus to shoot whenever the opportunity arises.

What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?

I do a lot of weight training and resistance training as well as a multitude of other cardiovascular activities. I recently started swimming again and competed in a team triathlon at The Wild Canyon Games in Antelope, Oregon in the beginning of June. I enjoy active living and believe that exercise doesn’t always have to take place in a structured fitness environment. Some of the best workouts I’ve had, have been spur of the moment outdoor workouts that don’t take much thought at all.

Nutritional regimen?

I enjoy challenging myself to eat as healthy as possible. I have a pretty large sweet tooth so sometimes it can be a real battle. I can say that I’m the first to reward myself with a delicious dessert though.

Can you tell us the mentality you bring to a shoot, in light of the demands and expectations of the project?

I always take the mentality that I’m going to have the most fun and make this enjoyable for everyone type of attitude. The best shoots I’ve been on are the ones where everybody is feeding off the positive energy of each other. Another important asset to have is the ability to focus and to “get in the zone.” This relates directly to my career in professional sports.

How about some information about yourself, i.e. personality, future goals, and aspirations.

First and foremost I am a husband and a father. I have an amazing wife that exceeds every dream I ever had of what a wife should be. We have a beautiful two-year-old son who has a personality larger than life. He brings so much joy to our life.

Currently, I am a volunteer firefighter aspiring to take it to the career level. Fire Fighting is such a rewarding career and I feel blessed to have such a large group of positive individuals around me to call my brothers and sisters.

What do you enjoy most about sports modeling?

I love how many different people you meet. I love the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone on occasions. I love the fact that I can make the most out of any job I book. I love the flexibility. I love the way I feel after I get done with a shoot and someone says, “thanks for being so much fun!” Those are the things you remember long after your modeling career is over.

What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to get into the business?

Be persistent, be tough, and don’t change your personality because you think it’s how someone would want you to be. Always be you. Be honest and true to your morals. And most importantly, have FUN doing it!

Sports Production Specialist, Scout, Coach + Trainer

June 29th, 2010, on the topic of Sports Commercial, Sports TV/Film, Stunts/Technical Advisors, Talent Features

Hernando Planells is one of the most-sought after sports production specialist in film, television and print. Hernando provides directors, producers and studios an answer to their sport specific needs.

Planells’ coaching career began at age 19;  at 20, he became the nation’s youngest varsity basketball coach, at Immaculate Heart High in Arizona. Since then, he’s led high school, college and professional teams and conducted coaching clinics across the U.S. and abroad, most recently as head coach for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Okinawa, Japan.



“I’ve played sports my whole life, and always loved it,” Planells said. “I always wanted to do something in sports.”

Along the way, he met “movie people” from the TV show SlamBall, in which full-contact basketball is played with trampolines. He was intrigued, and with no acting experience himself, embarked on a new phase of his career.

Now as coach, choreographer and even NBA scout, he’s expanded his niche in the field he loves.

Planells says training actors is not much different from students; on set, however, his “students” can include the likes of Toby Maguire and Channing Tatum.

And in The Longest Yard, Planells led actor Adam Sandler and real-life pro football player Michael Irvin in a convincingly fierce prison-yard basketball game.

The motivation? Authenticity.

“In any type of sports production, it’s authenticity — the actor wants it to look real and great; he wants to look like a pro athlete. It’s hard to hit the shot, remain in character, say your lines, and be believable.” It’s not all work, however.

“My all-time favorite was Robin Williams,” Planells said. “We spent two days together working on a basketball scene that was cut from License to Wed — but it was great fun, with him doing his comedy routines.”

Planells’ latest work includes C9 Champion sportswear print ads for Target, and upcoming films Grown Ups, starring Sandler, and Just Wright, starring Queen Latifah, both set for release this year.

To learn more about Hernando and services he offers, call Karen Osborn at 323.939.7852.

Fox Soccer’s Temryss Lane makes a name for herself

June 1st, 2010, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Sports TV/Film, Talent Features

Temryss talks about her career, identity and the game she loves

Ben Hooper

Special to MLSsoccer.com
May 25, 2010

NEW YORK — Temryss Lane’s story is one that we all wish could happen to us. Not only has she come out of nowhere to a co-host on a national TV show, but she gets to talk soccer and share her passion for the game. It’s a dream scenario for many of us, and it’s a new reality for Lane.

Born into a Native American family just outside of Seattle, Lane is a lifelong soccer player who has enjoyed a playing career that has seen her travel the world. She’s gone from the Pacific Northwest, to Arizona State, to the professional ranks in Sweden, and finally to Los Angeles, where she has become a kind of cult figure among soccerati for her sassy role on Fox Soccer Channel’s Fox Football Fone-In, with Eric Wynalda and Nick Webster.

“It’s been amazing so far,” she told MLSsoccer.com recently in Los Angeles. “A friend of mine sent me the job posting and I wasn’t sure exactly what it was for. I came to the audition on a Monday, the call back was on Wednesday, I was hired on Friday, and I was on live national TV the following Monday. That was my first experience on television, let alone live TV.”

A common theme emerges when you talk to former soccer players in the United States who have gone on to soccer-related post-playing careers. They all share a desire to stay connected with the game, to give back and to see their passion manifest itself in a job that keeps them connected with the sport.

Some go into coaching, like Dominic Kinnear, Peter Vermes, and Jason Kreis. Others go into the media. Lane’s co-host Wynalda, a former US international and MLS star, parlayed his on-the-field success into a career in television. So have former US internationals like John Harkes, Alexi Lalas, Heather Mitts, and Julie Foudy.

“After working at a hip hop and R&B station in San Francisco I realized that that wasn’t for me,” Lane said. “It was time for me to go find out what I was still passionate about. I started playing again while I was in San Francisco and I realized I needed to have soccer in my life. It’s been my first love and my passion my whole life.”

Her new career path has seen both admirers and detractors. While she has received plenty of positive feedback and reinforcement, there have been critics, especially on Twitter and Facebook. Many of them lash out at her soccer knowledge without any knowledge of their own about her background.

“A lot of people had no idea that I had credibility as a soccer player and that I could talk about soccer,” she said. “I’ve had to grow a thick skin. I have played the game my whole life.”

But she admits she did not grow up a world-class soccer junkie. She played a lot, but she didn’t follow the EPL or Serie A or scour the message boards for the latest on some American kid playing in Germany.

“Keeping up on all the soccer games, keeping up with it online, reading about it is new to me,” she said. “It’s been a good learning curve for me. It’s happening fast, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a blessing to be able to have this opportunity.”

Of course, it’s hard to talk to Lane and not address the issue of her being a woman in a man’s world. The soccer media, both here and abroad, is famously a boys club of the highest order, and it has hindered her ability to gain credibility with American soccer fans. It’s a battle for respect.

“I have a great role model when it comes to women in business,” she said. “My mother is a remarkable businesswoman who has really developed a name for herself in commercial real estate. She has come across sexism, and I’ve seen her get frustrated. But this has never stopped her and there was never a question if this would stop her.”

So her headstrong interior is prepared to deal with the daily struggles for respect. But there is another aspect to Lane that can seem to get in the way: her looks. Dark-skinned with big, sharp eyes and long black hair, she has a smooth, casual beauty that is equal parts Native American and SoCal.

“Some of the criticism has been that I’m hot, but that I don’t know what I’m talking about,” she said. “That has started to change and people are recognizing that I do know what I’m talking about and that they want to know what I have to say. I’m not just something to look at. I’m a former player and I love the game.”

A few facts about Temryss Lane:

FAVORITE SOCCER MEMORABILIA: My Arizona State jersey. That was definitely a highlight. The USA select team stuff as well. That was a dream come true.

SOCIAL MEDIA: At first I didn’t have my own fanpage. I felt kind of vain creating one. But Landon Donovan told me “you’re a public figure now, embrace it.” So I did. Staying in touch with viewers and fans is important and I think Twitter (twitter.com/temryss) and Facebook are incredibly powerful mediums.

RELATIONSHIPS: I’m currently single. I’m open to being in a relationship. It just needs to be with the right person.

OTHER JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Yes, and I’m really excited about them. I worked on a national Chevrolet commercial, which ties into the modeling career. That has to do with soccer so I’m excited for that. I did an Adidas commercial with Heather O’Reilly. I’m on the back of Tropicana packaging, which is in stores now. I went to Vancouver for the launch of a bar called Red Card. Clothing companies are contacting me about opportunities. There is a lot going on which I’m excited about.

WORLD CUP PLANS: Nick has been trying to get me down to South Africa. There are talks of a show I could be hosting. I hope that I’ll be somewhere doing something for it. We’ll see.

Kellogg’s partners with Dr. Andy Baldwin to Promote Health, Nutrition & Fitness!

April 22nd, 2010, on the topic of Celebrity Consulting, Talent Features

SLU partnered Dr. Andy Baldwin with Kellogg Company in a joint effort to promote health, nutrition and fitness to U.S. military families.

Aside from being the former star of ABC’s hit show “The Bachelor – An Officer and a Gentleman”,  U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Andrew Baldwin, M.D. is a Physician, Humanitarian, and Navy Diver at the Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C. where he serves as a spokesman and advocate for Navy medicine.

Additionally as an Ironman Triathlete, and National Health/Fitness Specialist, he assists the U.S. Surgeon General with his nationwide initiative to combat childhood obesity through program called “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future.”

Participants in the Leanest Team Challenge (LTC) compete (along with other participants from other U.S. military installations) against other installations to lose weight, using the Special K Challenge® as a guide.

See www.leanestteam.com for more info, and check out Andy’s web site at www.andybaldwin.com .

Parkour Prodigy | Adam Dunlap

April 19th, 2010, on the topic of Motion Capture, Sports & Fitness, Sports Commercial, Sports Print, Sports TV/Film, Stunts/Technical Advisors, Talent Features

Photos by Ty Milford

SU Model, Adam Dunlap is the Founder and Director of Revolution Parkour,  the first academy of it’s kind in the area!

What is Parkour you ask? Parkour is an athletic discipline, in which participants traverse any environment in the most efficient way possible using their physical abilities, and which commonly involves running, jumping, vaulting, rolling and other similar physical movements.

Adam and his team are dedicated to teaching their students proper Parkour technique along with its philosophy and purpose, with training the physical condition comprised of strength, range of motion, aerobic endurance, bone density, joint alignment, and structural efficiency.

Adam

Since the company’s inception, Adam has been the head Parkour instructor at the Revolution Parkour Academy where he has taught and mentored students ranging in age from 5 to 67.

As a professional Parkour athlete, Adam has performed and has been featured on and in numerous local and national news broadcasts, print publications, and internet articles. He has acted, performed, and provided Parkour consultation in commercial productions, and he has modeled for international apparel giants Nike and Adidas.

Adam actually suffered from Crohn’s disease,  and attributes healing his body to discovering a diet and exercise plan that incorporates parkour. Adam recently told his story, and how he’s overcome obstacles to CBN TV.

Click HERE, to see Adam’s story

Meet Jennifer Widerstrom

March 8th, 2010, on the topic of Talent Features

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Jennifer Widerstrom was a track & field athlete at University of Kansas, and was ranked in the top 25 for the Hammer Throw.  Her aspirations as a fitness competitor landed her a 1st place finish at the 2006 Midwest Ironman Classic.

After doing a few fitness modeling jobs, she was snagged by NBC as “Phoenix” on the new American Gladiators.

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Since then, she has excelled in the industry, becoming the first female to co-host a Men’s Health Fitness DVD, starring in several  Icon Fitness infomercials, and booking an amazing location shoot in Panama for the Athleta catalog.  Jennifer Widerstrom is definitely on her way to being one of the most sought after fitness models in the nation. We sat down with Jennifer to learn a little more about her!


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1. What intrigued you about SU that made you want to join the agency?
Joining SU was an easy decision. They’re amazing people that work their butts off for you… you just can’t beat that combination.

2. What are some of your favorite sports and why?

There are so many!! But to keep it short… Spectator wise I’d say Football and Gymnastics, unless I’m at Wrigley Field and then I’d include Baseball. Boxing/kickboxing for a sports I absolutely love doing. I’ve been active my whole life and nothing has fulfilled me the way this has physically and mentally.

3. Describe some of your favorite project/shoot experiences.
Again so many! But here are my top three… First was my shoot with Athleta down in Panama this last winter. Amazingly genuine people. Amazing place. Amazing product. Enough said. Second was my shoot with Rodale for a Men’s Health DVD. We all worked to hard and so quickly but being such a team effort the shoot went SO well and have an absolute blast all the while. Finally, I’ve got to give a shout out to my Icon Fitness family. Clear communication, constant support and a steady stream of dancing and jokes throughout. Sometimes when I shoot with them I have to remind myself that I’m working.

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4. What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?

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I’m a huge advocate for the gym I train at which is Pulse Fitness Studio. Each week I’ll work in a combination of boxing, studio cycling and also the tread and tone classes which is a shared time session of weight training and treadmill intervals. Oh yeah! …and I’ll sneak in a bikram yoga session here and there.

5. Nutritional regimen?
Balance is key!! I’ll eat the standard veggies and fish and quality carbs that everyone else does but I only keep that tight so I can have the goods when I want them. Pizza, cheese cake, delicious snack food from Trader Joe’s… all of it is in my diet but I just keep it in moderate amounts.

6. Can you tell us the mentality you bring to a shoot, in light of the demands and expectations of the project?
Be a joy to work with, period. Any short comings or nervousness you may have will be diminished because of your willingness to be positive and professional. Beyond that I just be myself and have a ball with everybody.

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7. How about some information about yourself, i.e. personality, future goals, and aspirations.
I love people and I love helping others. Through building my brand, I want to create a platform large enough to positively effect people on a grander scale than I am now. This includes support for healthy living, volunteerism and even helping individuals connect with the best versions of themselves.


8. What do you enjoy most about sports modeling?
Building relationships. This industry is so fast moving that you have the wonderful opportunity to come into contact with so many dynamic people and so has become my favorite part about the job. Location shoots are always great of course, but it’s who you’re with that makes an experience what it is, bringing out the very best in your work.

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9. What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to get into the business?
Be patient. Remember that any good thing comes together in time and not always in the way you thought it would. I’m not suggesting complacency, but instead to trust in yourself and your ability to grow.

Lauren Launches

March 3rd, 2010, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Sports Print, Talent Features

Photographer Alleh Lindquist teamed up with SU superstar Lauren Rudge to captured her in her element…at the gym!

It’s an exciting time for Lauren as she is gears up to launch her own gym,  Lake Oswego FIT! Congrats to Lauren, from all of us at SportsU, on making her dream a reality!!

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Athleta | Behind-the-Scenes

February 17th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Lifestyle Commercials, Sports TV/Film, Talent Features

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

Richard Hallman: SU Model + Photographer

February 8th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Sports & Fitness, Talent Features

Story Written By: Peter Frick-Wright, The Oregonian

illumination-rock.jpg 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.
25810_32228He 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.

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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

Kumara Kelly Q + A

January 13th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Lifestyle Print, Sports & Fitness, Sports Commercial, Sports Print, Talent Features

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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

Meet A Lucy Pro

January 4th, 2010, on the topic of Lifestyle, Sports & Fitness, Sports Commercial, Sports Print, Stunts/Technical Advisors, Talent Features

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!

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Imagery courtesy of Reverse Lens Photography

Support Sonya

November 19th, 2009, on the topic of Agency News, Talent Features

Peace.Love.Basketball™

Give 5, Get 5 Promotion
supporting today’s youth by sharing our love of the game

Struck by a train days before her wedding, author and SU Model Sonya Elliott miraculously survives. Her fiance does not.

Sonya, awakens in the hospital critically injured and without the man she loves to help her through the unbelievable nightmare. Relying on her “never give up” attitude, Sonya fights through painful grief and debilitating injuries and in time returns to the basketball court where she reignites her passion for the game, but more importantly, for life itself. Her own life experiences have brought insight to the grief process.

Sonya now lives in Seattle and works as a freelance writer and model. She coaches youth teams and plays basketball competitively. She is married and has two children.

Sonya’s Give 5 – Get 5 promotion helps raise money for West Seattle’s Hiawatha Community Center Sports Scholarship Program and The Healing Center, a grief support community that provides support to individuals, families and youth who are struggling with loss.

With each Give 5 – Get 5 purchase, $5.00 is given to the Hiawatha Scholarship program or The Healing Center.

Click here for more information about Sonya or to purchase a t-shirt!

Trinette

November 4th, 2009, on the topic of Lifestyle, Talent Features

Congrats to Trinette Faint for being crowned Harper Baazar’s ‘Fabulous at Every Age’ contest Winner! We of course knew, long before the nationwide search, that Trinette is fabulous at thirty! Along with her $5K cash prize, Trinette will also be featured in the February 2010 issue of Harper Baazar.

Trinette with Elizabeth Hurley

Trinette with Elizabeth Hurley

Kumara Kelley

November 4th, 2009, on the topic of Lifestyle, Talent Features

Kumara Kelley, a Burton sponsored snowboarder and SU model teamed up with the talented Ty Milford. Ty gave Kumara props on his blog, for being a vivacious lifestyle model, comfortable in her own skin and full of personality!

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Incredible Lucy!

July 13th, 2009, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Sports Commercial, Sports Print, Stunts/Technical Advisors, Talent Features

Multifaceted athlete and SU model Lucy Romberg tells her story for the Incredible Edible Egg Campaign. Free Runner, Martial Artist, Stunt Woman, and National Olympic Gymnast, there is no doubt she is incredible! See for yourself-watch Lucy’s video and hear her story HERE!

I’m Luci Romberg. I’m from Denver, Colorado and I’ve been into sports since I was a little girl. Be it free running, martial arts or gymnastics, I love staying active. In college I was a National Champion gymnast, and now I have the greatest job in the world: a Hollywood stunt person. In fact, you can catch me in the most recent Indiana Jones movie. My days are long and grueling so the most important meal of my day is breakfast. I eat a high-quality protein breakfast of eggs almost every morning to give me enough energy to keep me going. It’s the only meal that gives me the strength to power through my day.

Blair’s BIG Break

July 13th, 2009, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Sports Commercial, Sports TV/Film, Talent Features

SU Model Blair O’Neal to Compete for $100,000 in Big Break PEI Finale


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The Big Break Prince Edward Island finale (airing Monday, June 29th @ 9pm on the Golf Channel) will feature male honor vs. female pride, Canada vs. USA and the University of Arizona vs. Arizona State all wrapped up in one match. Canadian Derek Gillespie, an All-American while at the University of Arizona, will take on SU Model Blair O’Neal… An Arizona resident and former Arizona State golfer in a winner take all match. The final two competitors have played each other before. In episode nine, O’Neal upset Gillespie in a two-hole stroke-play match. A surprise to some, but not to us here at Sports U!  O’Neal is confident in her abilities… A four-year starter at ASU, O’Neal twice won the NCAA Long Drive Championship but has been out of professional golf since 2006, when she pursued a fulltime modeling career. “When all the competitors first met me, I don’t think they would have bet I would have made it to the finals,” said O’Neal, who competed on numerous tours around the world prior to jumping all in to her modeling career. “But, here I am.”  Good luck Blair, from everyone here at SU..we’ll be watching tonight and cheering you on!

Chrissie Glissmeyer Sets New Women’s World Record

June 5th, 2009, on the topic of Sports & Fitness, Talent Features

Sports Unlimited athlete and pro kayaker Christie Glissmeyer set a new women’s world record last month in whitewater kayaking.  Chrissie had a successful run of Metlako Falls on Eagle Creek, Oregon and set the new women’s world waterfall record at 82 feet (it is a ~100 ft. waterfall with an 82 ft. freefall). The last women’s record was set 11 years ago.

Read more and exclusive interview with Chrissie