Just who are those people featured in the Portland Timbers Billboard Campaign? SLU’s very own Katie!
SLU's Katie - The Oregonian - Photo by Benjamin Brink
Come spring, don’t look for Dober’s bicycle in the racks during Timbers games at PGE Park. The 25-year-old drives a 3/4 ton, silver Chevy Silverado when she comes in from Gales Creek, near Forest Grove, where she was born, lives and works.
Her family has roots in real timber: Her grandfather owned a sawmill, her uncle logs and her dad’s construction company (her place of employment) builds logging roads. “They do some logging; but there’s no yard, so no big logging jobs,” says Dober, an experienced handler of the bucksaw she grips in her billboard.
Get this look: “(The Photographer) said give us strong – not mean – but your best tough look. ‘Smile through your eyes, but look strong.’ ”
The Message she’s aiming to project: “We’re standing here, we’re ready for you, bring it on.”
How long before we see a female professional women’s soccer player on a billboard? “The Women’s World Cup starts this June,” says Dober, who has played soccer since she was 7, and coached youth and high school soccer teams. “So I think pretty soon.”
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.”
Fitness phenom and SLU model Danielle Jayne, graced the pages of Shape Magazine’s January 2011 issue. Just the motivation we need to kick of our New Year’s Resolutions!!
California based talent, Michelle Beisner was voted as one of the Top 20 Hottest Sports Reporters by Maxium.com. You won’t see her wearing this outfit on the sidelines while reporting for the NFL Network…. but while she’s modeling, that’s another story.
How did you get started in the sports modeling industry? What intrigued you about SLU that made you want to join the agency?
When I was 15-years old I really wanted to get into modeling but I wasn’t sure about where I would fit in. I learned about SLU from my cousin who was interning there at the time.
I joined and almost immediately booked my first job for a cheerleading supply vendor. I’ve come to find that sports modeling was definitely the right fit for me.
What are some of your favorite sports and why?
Basketball and track. I’ve always loved basketball for the competitive edge and team work. Track allowed me to compete as an individual as well as a team member. Furthermore, track provided multiple competition options, i.e. triple jump, 100 meter, 200 meter, hurdles, relays, and high jump. I even dabbled one year with cross country which is a funny story. My freshman year, I was running across the track field and didn’t think anything of it as I always ran everywhere. My running caught the attention of the cross-country coach who recruited me. As my mom says, it was a Forest Gump moment, i.e. he said that girl can run.
Describe some of your favorite project/shoot experiences.
I’ve had so many great experiences on all of my shoots. I never go to a shoot and come away with a jaded feeling or without a new experience. Each shoot I learn more about the industry, myself as a worker in the industry, and I get build new relationships or build upon relationships with people I’ve worked with in the past. However, if I had to choose a favorite job, it would definitely have to be traveling to Alaska in September of 2009. Aside from Oregon, Alaska was one of the most beautiful states I’ve ever been to. The scenery and things we got to experience were just unreal.
What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?
I try to build upon what nature gave me by always making time to go to the gym and by playing basketball 6-7 days a week. As a sports model, I also have the advantage of working out while working.
Nutritional regimen?
Eating healthy for me was a struggle at first, especially on shoots! They always have the best food and I love to snack. I’ve always been able to eat whatever I want and stay thin but to really get the results I wanted I knew I had to cut that out. I now eat really healthy, lots of protein, fruits, veggies, complex carbs, etc. but on the weekends I let myself splurge a little! I was on a shoot in Utah a couple of weeks ago and discovered a new guilty pleasure —Nutella!
Can you tell us the mentality you bring to a shoot, in light of the demands and expectatio of the project?
I just go to each shoot with the same mentality as I always do. No matter how much experience I have, I treat each job like an audition. I have to understand what they want from me and each individuals’ role on set so that I can provide the services for which I’ve been contracted. It’s always a special treat when they want to extend another booking. But the main thing is to really understand what the client needs from me, respect the product, and represent the integrity of my agency.
How about some information about yourself, i.e. personality, future goals, and aspirations.
I like to consider myself a really hard worker with a lot of goals. I’m fairly introspective and I know when I need friends and family time and time to myself to decompress from my busy schedule. Aside from sports modeling and playing ball, I’m currently studying to obtain my degree in Accounting. I’ve dabbled a bit in acting through the help of SLU. I had a small speaking role in a made for TV movie and a featured extra role in Leverage. I’m hoping that even more acting opportunities arise.
What do you enjoy most about sports modeling?
Sports modeling has given me so many opportunities. To be able to work for some of the world’s largest corporations has really been an honor. It also gives me balance, if I weren’t doing this I’d just be studying and socializing but it really grounds me and expands my boundaries. It’s an honor and a privilege to model but it takes perseverance, dedication, and hours of effort and sacrifice to produce seconds of film or that perfect photo. Overall it’s a humbling but an exhilarating experience. It’s something that I could see myself continuing to do for years to come.
What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to get into the business?
You definitely need to have a lot of PATIENCE; working in this industry is like a roller coaster with a lot of ups and downs. During slow times it’s easy to want to give up but you just have to remember that SLU is a great agency and they are working hard for us; the only thing we can do is to keep bettering ourselves and give them the tools they need to market us to the best of their ability. Don’t take anything for granted and do NOT lose faith in our wonderful agency! Always be PROMPT; if you’re not ahead of time, you’re not on time. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF; people are relying on you to be fit, healthy, and capable of doing the work that you are given (which could be very physically demanding). Recently, within 48 hours I was in 3 states, worked an AM job in Seattle, flew to San Jose to shoot all night for a commercial, rushed to the airport, flew back to Seattle, drove back to Portland, AND still had to play in a basketball game that afternoon and study for finals! That just goes to show you, you can open yourself to all kinds of possibilities so don’t limit yourself but most importantly- STAY HUMBLE!
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.
When you interview for a job, you are basically auditioning. As an actor, I audition every week, sometimes multiple times a day. In each audition, I am trying to get the job, much like if I was interviewing for a job at a top marketing firm, for example. With that in mind I have compiled information that has helped me land the job more in hopes that it can help you in your pursuit to becoming employed. Welcome to the STOP-C method, developed by my acting teacher Robert Blanche.
STOP-C is an acronym that has helped me in the pursuit of becoming an accomplished auditioner and working actor.
S: Seamlessness. When you are at an audition or interview, it is important to be yourself (this is where personal branding <link> comes in handy). You are there because they want to know who you are and what you are about. They have seen your resume but they want to know the person not simply what it says on your resume. Seamlessness as an actor basically means DON’T ACT. Nothing is worse than watching an actor act. You not only look fake but there is no truth to what you are doing. Any good human resources manager and casting agent can tell if you are acting or making things up.
T: Trust. You must trust yourself and have confidence that you know what you are talking about. You must create solid ground when there is none. I never know what to expect in an audition much like you will never fully know what to expect in a job interview. I had an audition once where the script clearly asked for a gangster. Instead, I was asked to portray someone who suffers from amnesia. Seriously. I did the work before going to the audition, memorizing my lines and making them a part of me. In the end, the casting agent had a different take on the character than I assumed. You have to trust yourself that you have done the work, that you have the experience and that you have prepared for the interview to the best of your ability.
O: Ownership. Whether you are auditioning or interviewing for a job it is paramount that you OWN IT. Your interview is your time to shine and exude confidence. Really grasp the fact that you are not interviewing for the job but visualize that the job is already yours. Taking ownership allows the interviewer to know you have value and that giving you a position is essential for their company. Be humble, not meek; be confidant not arrogant.
P: Presence. One of the best lessons I have learned is to always be in the moment when you are in the interview. Nothing else is more important than being there at that moment with the interviewer. Do not ramble and get distracted. Look them in the eye when you are talking and are talked to. Know your purpose and exist in and for the moment. Doing this will help you own it as well.
C: Confidence. To me, this is the most important part of an audition or job interview. Know that you have done all the work and preparation to get to the interview. Let’s face it: you have been offered an interview because the hiring company likes what they have read in your cover letter and on your resume. That is an achievement in and of itself! Your confidence will shine in any audition or job interview.
I know that if you STOP-C, you will be successful! I wish you the best of luck with all your endeavors and break a leg!
Aris Juson is a local actor in the Portland area. He has been in numerous commercials, Indie films, and on television, and can next be seen on the hit TNT network show, Leverage. Aris also models for Nike and Adidas with Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
4. What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?
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.
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.
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.
Photographer Alleh Lindquist teamed up with SU superstar Lauren Rudgeto 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!!
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.
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.”
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.
