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To many voters, a 19-year-old is simply too young for a Board member unless that Board member brings something special. If a voter were to pose that statement to you, how would you respond? What can a teenager bring to the board after experience in only a few divisions and for far fewer years than most Board members (many of whom have extensive experience with the youth division)?

First, I'm not sure I agree with the idea that "many voters think a 19-year old is simply too young for a board member" unless he "brings something special." The UPA ought to be representative of ultimate players, and many players are young, with concerns—such as the vitality of youth-oriented programs—that are important not only to them, but also to the sport as a whole. And, I hope anyone who wants to be a UPA Board member brings something special—not just 19-year old candidates.

I don't think someone running for the Board, though, should be running just to represent the age group they are in or their own narrow interests; rather, they should bring a particular perspective which, when combined with the perspectives of the other board members, will allow the board to function for the good of the entire sport. Also, I believe that I would bring something special to the Board. As a 19-year old, I have done a lot more than just play; I have shown a significant organizational ability in several instances, creativity, and a strong commitment to the growth of the sport.

I also feel that I will bring a lot of dedication to the Board. I have created and run YouthUltimate.com, a website dedicated to news around youth ultimate, out of my own pocket—not to make money, which it certainly doesn't!—but to provide a source for news about ultimate. Some other sites seem to be a place where people basically insult each other. I enjoy helping develop youth ultimate for the better and to help promote a positive outlook.

The South region has a feel all its own. Without needing a UPA mandate (in other words, without a Board vote), what can you do as a Board member, by yourself, to leverage your position and help with a South Region issue?

Every region of the country has its own distinct feel, but I have found that the players I have met from all over the country have one very important thing in common—we love ultimate and want to help the sport grow.

First, I want to make sure that all ultimate players in the region are receiving and aware of the benefits provided to them by the UPA. Part of what I did with YouthUltimate.com was to create a list of other ultimate-oriented websites and blogs, and make contact with different teams. I would continue that as a board member to let them know what is available from the UPA.

Specifically, one thing I would do is to spread the use of coaching clinics in the south. By getting more players interested and playing good ultimate at a young age—and that requires coaches who really know the sport—that will help college and club teams as those players get older.

I want to stay in close touch with members. Whether it is sitting down and meeting with them, talking on the phone, communicating via blogs and forums, or sending emails, I will take the responsibility of making sure I know what people are thinking, what their concerns are, and how the UPA can improve their ultimate experience.

If a UPA member ever has an issue with any doings within the UPA, I want to speak with them about their concerns. After all, without the support of the membership, the organization is meaningless.