Spring 2023 Tyee Difference : simplebooklet.com

THE TYEE DIFFERENCEPublished by the University of Washington Tyee ClubVOLUME 9, NUMBER 1 SPRING 2023UW Tyee Club members support the academic and athletic experi-ences of more than 650 University of Washington student-athletes in 22 men’s and women’s sports. Your gifts account for nearly 25% of the funding we need to recruit the most sought-after student-athletes, hire the best coaches, develop championship teams and build facilities that make the fan experience second to none. You make all the dierence.WRITINGThree Girls Media, Inc.GRAPHIC DESIGNDavidOwenHastings.comUW TYEE CLUBGraves Hall Box 354070 Seattle WA 98195-4070tyeeclub@uw.edu206.543.2234 uwtyeeclub.orgSTARVING FOR GREATNESSBy Kalen DeBoer Head Coach, FootballAs my second season with Washington begins, I want to share my sincere appreciation for you — our loyal fans and donors. Thank you for welcoming me and my entire sta into the Husky family. Montlake is a special place because of your support.This season was a success — not only because of our big wins against Michigan State and Oregon and hard-fought victories at the Apple Cup and Alamo Bowl — but because of how our team responded to adversity in the middle of the season. Overcoming and learning from our losses speaks to the immense amount of trust and belief within our program, and I’m proud of the solid foundation we’ve built. The sta, student-athletes and I refer to this perspective as a starving mindset. We’re not just hungry; we’re starving for greatness. It takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to support this mentality, and I want to thank everyone for staying with Husky Football this past year. I also want to extend my thanks to our Tyee donors for supporting our program in numerous, invaluable ways. From the facilities we practice and work in every day to our strength and conditioning, from the nutrition we provide to our academic services — all are impacted by your donations. Your generosity allows us to recruit and develop the best players from across the nation and retain the best coaches and sta to support them. You have a direct impact on the success of our team, both on the eld and in the classroom. Thank you.We look forward to an even bigger year next season. Let’s make game day at Husky stadium extraordinary. Bring the excitement into The Greatest Setting in College Football and get to know all the incredible people in our program, not just those on the eld. This team, from the sta to the players, is really special. Let’s show the world who we are. Go Dawgs!2 | THE TYEE DIFFERENCE Spring 2023

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HUSKY STUDENT-ATHLETES BENEFIT FROM NIL OPPORTUNITIESNAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS OPENS DOOR TO PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTHDiagnosed with Marfan syndrome as a child, Langston Wilson was unable to play organized sports growing up. Years of pickup ball and perseverance paid o when he nally received medical clearance as a 19-year-old. Nearly on the brink of quitting the sport, a standout performance in junior college helped Langston earn a spot on the UW Men’s Basketball team.“The deodorant brand Degree loved Langston’s story for their ‘Breaking Limits’ campaign,” shares Jamaal Walton, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration and Strategic Initiatives. “Langston exemplies perse-verance, and this partnership allows him to inspire others on a much larger scale while also receiving compensation and mentorship opportunities.”Wilson’s partnership is just one example of student-athletes utilizing their name, image and likeness (NIL) while at the UW. Released in 2021, the NCAA policy allows student-athletes to take advantage of various opportunities from those attributes. This includes being compensated as social media inuencers, brand ambassadors, athletic camp mentors, selling autographs or starting their own businesses — as long as the activities are within the bounds of their respective state laws. Even within this new landscape, Washington Athletics continues to prioritize the holistic development of student-athletes. “Imagine being 18 or 19 years old, even in your early 20s and navigating this new world of NIL — worrying about deals and branding, marketing and nances,” explains Walton. “Our goal is to prepare our student-athletes so they have the skills to be successful in all areas of their lives, including in this new era of NIL. Classes like ‘The Business of Name, Image, Likeness And Personal Brand in Sports’ are just one way that we do so.”“The NIL program at UW gave me a chance to create connections with professionals and organizations,” shared Women’s Soccer alumna Olivia Sekany. “The skills I was able to practice through NIL activities will be benecial to my career long after I hang up my cleats, and I am immeasurably grateful for the support I’ve been given by the UW NIL sta along the way.”Student-athletes also have access to powerful resources such as Opendorse, Montlake Futures and the 1861 Foundation, which allows them to connect their own passions with brands to benet communities. Opendorse provides a platform to showcase proles and services that can be viewed by potential partners. Montlake Futures and 1861 Foundation are independent, donor-supported nonprots. Both organizations help UW student-athletes leverage their platforms to serve the community and pursue their philanthropic passions through involvement in athletic camps, ambassador programs or other initiatives. Through Montlake Futures, UW Baseball catcher Johnny Tincher volunteered with “Shoes That Fit” to deliver athletic shoes to local elementary school students (full story on page 4). UW Men’s Soccer alumnus Lucas Meek used his NIL to raise funds to ght ALS in honor of his grandfather, who had the disease. And UW Football tight end Devin Culp worked with the 1861 Foundation to organize a Football camp at his high school in Spokane. These student-athletes are just a few who have used NIL partnerships to positively impact their communities. Walton envisions a bright future for student-athletes when it comes to NIL opportunities. “We want to continue to evolve because NIL has also evolved. Just like we have the best academic sta and best sports medicine team, we want to be the best at this — it’s what our student-athletes deserve.”He is also impressed with how donors have embraced NIL. “Our donors are Husky-faithful; they care for our student-athletes above all else and are willing to go the extra mile, even in this new world that we are all navigating.” Interested in contributing to NIL or any of its programs (Opendorse, Montlake Futures, 1861 Foundation or UW’s NIL class)? Visit GoHuskies.com/NIL or reach out to Jamaal Walton at 206-543-4611 or waltonjo@uw.edu.UWTYEECLUB.ORG | 3

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A LEAGUE OF HIS OWNHUMBLE CATCHER FROM CALIFORNIA WINS WITH HEART AND HUSTLERecognized at Washington for his acrobatic plays and hot bat, catcher Johnny Tincher has come to earn the respect of teammates, coaches and fans. However, there is one fan in particular who inspires Johnny the most: his little brother, Adam. Even though they are separated by thousands of miles, the bond Johnny has with his 8-year-old brother transcends any distance. “Baseball brings us together,” explains Johnny. “My brother has told me that he wants to follow in my footsteps and be a catcher. That motivates me to be the best player and role model I can be.” Often dismissed, and even heckled, due to his 5-foot-8 frame, Johnny is determined to show his brother and other young athletes that heart is all that matters. “Negativity about my height just gives me the motivation to show what I can do,” explains Johnny. “I’m not afraid of competition. I believe anything is possible if you work hard and want it more than every other player on the eld.”This tenacity and determination led to a breakout season last year, with Johnny moving from limited playing time to a more pivotal role. He nished second on the team with a .314 batting average and a .393 OBP, and he earned All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors. His success is made possible thanks to an endowed scholarship and the support of many generous donors.For Johnny, his perseverance is modeled after the love and dedication of his family who live in California. “Growing up, my parents did everything to support our dreams,” explains Johnny, who also has three sisters. “Even after a long day at work, they still found a way to take everyone to practice. My mom would jump in the car to take me to Baseball, then take my sisters to Softball, and then Dad would pick everyone up. They had a whole routine.”While distance makes it hard for his family to see him play in person, “I’m just glad they always nd a way to watch the games, whether online, on the phone or on the TV.” They make it a point to try to see all the California games they can, even when his mom was recovering from back surgery and in a wheelchair. She didn’t want to miss Johnny’s rst season opener start, so she drove to watch it with Johnny’s dad and brother when they faced Cal Poly last season. He was also elated when his whole family nally got to see him play in person when UW traveled to California to battle USC. “I hit a home run and got chills as I ran the bases, knowing they were in the stands.” Recently, Johnny has been able to turn his passion for helping young athletes into action. Through Montlake Futures, he volunteered with “Shoes That Fit” to deliver athletic shoes to local elementary school students in need. Something as simple as a new, properly tting pair of shoes can boost students’ self-esteem, improve academic success and increase activity levels. “The experience was amazing, and it really meant a lot to me,” explains Johnny. “Being able to help kids nd that condence.”Looking ahead, Johnny is excited for the upcoming season and dreams of playing professionally aer college. “Baseball is my life,” he says. “I love the sport and want to continue to be an inspiration for my brother and other young athletes.”4 | THE TYEE DIFFERENCE Spring 2023

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CONVERSATION WITH COACH VOLLEYBALL’S LESLIE GABRIELFormer UW blocker Leslie Gabriel becomes Husky Volley-ball’s newest Head Coach after dedicating 22 seasons on sta. The 2020 AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year helped build Washington into a national powerhouse. During Leslie’s tenure, the Huskies have won seven Pac-12 Conference titles and have advanced to 21-straight NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four ve times. She is excited to continue the program’s amazing tradition of excellence and student-athlete development.As a former student-athlete, what was it like playing for UW?I loved playing for Bill Neville and Diane Flick. They always asked us to go hard and compete every day. I also had great teammates. While I don’t remember all the wins and losses, I do remember the great times I had with them. What inuenced your love for sport?I grew up surrounded by a love of sports, instilled by my father (Manu Tuiasosopo) who once played for the Seahawks. He wanted to ensure that we learned life lessons like teamwork and dedication. My brothers Marques and Zach picked up Football and Basketball as children and each eventually joined teams here at UW. My little sister Ashley got her hands on Softball and was part of the women’s team here. I grew up playing Basketball, but in ninth grade I started Volleyball and fell in love with it.What was it like growing up in such an athletic family?Our family was always taught to be supportive of each other, from attending each other’s sporting events to family gatherings. My siblings and I always had each other’s backs. I remember going to our uncle’s place every Thanksgiving and the kids gathering for a friendly dessert competition with our parents as judges. It was a lot of fun! Why did you start coaching? I got into coaching because of my love for the game of Volleyball. I knew after I was done playing professionally overseas that I still wanted to be around the game, so I emailed Bill Neville to see if there were any openings to coach at Washington.What does it mean to be Washington’s next Head Coach?I have a lot of great pride in this university and in the program. It meant a lot when I got the call from Jen Cohen. I’m super excited about the future here and am honored to be the head coach.How do donors make an impact?Our program is lucky to have such amazing supporters. Their generosity provides our team with everything from endowed scholarships to new equipment and funding for foreign tours. Last summer our team had the opportunity to play in Slovenia, Italy and France — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our players.What future projects can donors help support?Our locker room and team room have not been updated since 2005. Our girls rely on these spaces every day; it’s where they prepare for each big game. Redoing these spaces would help support them and help with our recruiting.What do you do outside of the game?I shared my passion for sports with my three children, like how my dad shared it with us growing up. They keep me and my husband very busy! They’re currently playing Basketball and Baseball, and we all go to each of their sporting events.What is your vision for UW Volleyball?My goal is to win NCAA and Pac-12 championships and graduate every single player that comes through our program. While pursuing those goals, we as a sta are developing these young women to be the best students, players and people they can be. I want our student-athletes to leave Washington with life skills — knowing the value of hard work, how to deal with adversity and the importance of teamwork. UWTYEECLUB.ORG | 5

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A BRIGHT BEGINNING FORTHE DAWGS AND DEBOER“I’m so proud of our team,” says Junior wide-receiver, Rome Odunze. “We came together to show the nation who Husky Football is — our standard of excellence and hard work.”The resiliency and passion displayed this season is a testament to the culture Football Head Coach Kalen DeBoer has created in just a short amount of time. who continue to push the vision and the players who give it their all every day; it’s about them as much as it’s about me.”Washington nished eighth in the College Football Rankings, with a record of 11-2. This incredible feat — 11 wins in one season — has only been accomplished ve other times in program history. This standout season was made possible by the support of our donors, alumni and fans. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of Husky Nation,” explains Rome. “There’s nothing like playing in a packed stadium with thousands of fans all cheering you on. It really makes a dierence when we’re on that eld.”“You give us the resources we need and go the extra mile to provide what makes our programs even more special,” explains Kalen. “Thank you for making Husky Athletics what it is and supporting us from every direction, every step of the way.” “I made so many memories with my teammates and coaches,” says Rome. “I am so excited for next season and can’t wait for what’s to come!”What a fantastic start to a new chapter of Husky Football!UWTYEECLUB.ORG | 7“We’re building a family,” explains Kalen. “There’s a brotherhood that exists within our department and the UW, and an accountability and toughness that exists within our team that is continuing to grow. The journey is what people always remember. Not just the wins and the losses but the relationships we’re building.”DeBoer, who was named 2022 Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year, is most proud of how the sta and players came together to overcome adversity. “It’s an incredible honor, but it’s a team award in my mind,” he says. “The sta

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EMPOWERING THE WOMEN OF WASHINGTONA UW WOMEN’S GOLF ALUM PAYS FORWARD HER FORMATIVE HUSKY EXPERIENCE With her roots in Portland, Oregon, and a family full of Ducks, Big W Club member and Women’s Golf alum Molly Boyle jokes that her parents wanted better for her and her brother — which is why they attended the University of Washington. A multisport athlete, Molly began golng around the age of six. But by the time she reached high school, other sports just weren’t making the cut. “I doubled down on Golf. I loved competing and meeting new friends and knew I wanted to continue playing.”When asked what was most special about her time at UW, the 2009 graduate shares, “I don’t know if I can sum everything up into words” — a sentiment that many whose lives have been touched by this university and athletics program share. “UW Golf helped me learn a lot about myself, how to work with others, manage my time and succeed in my professional life. We had a lot of responsibilities between traveling to competitions, missing classes, getting schoolwork done and following up with professors. Navigating this new environment while living away from home for the rst time was where I learned to hold myself accountable.”Having beneted so much from her time at UW, Molly knew that she wanted to give back somehow. When the Mighty Are the Women Title IX Fund was launched this year as part of our yearlong celebration, she jumped at the chance to support UW women’s teams and female student-athletes.She shares, “Empowering women is really important to me. I have a daughter, and I want to be a part of enabling people to have these experiences. UW is just a fantastic environment. Every person I met in college made an impact on me.” This includes her coach, Mary Lou Mulur, who is still with the program today. “She was a great role model and leader,” explains Molly. “Without her, my experience would not have been the same. My friendship with her is also a big part of my continued engagement.”If you’re thinking about donating, Molly says, “Don’t think, just do it. The environment that the university fosters for student-athletes is genuine and amazing.”“It has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with UW. That’s what captured me. And that’s what’s continued to make me support women’s athletic programs here at the University of Washington.”8 | THE TYEE DIFFERENCE Spring 2023

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MIGHTY ARE THE WOMEN DAY OF GIVING RAISES $506,265 This fall for Giving Tuesday, we held a 24-hour crowdfunding initiative to directly support all 11 of our women’s teams and 300 female student-athletes. Together, we raised $506,265 from over 130 donors to fund enhancements in their athletic, academic and personal growth. Thank you to all who participated!MISS OUR DAY OF GIVING?You can still support the women of Washington and help fund the next 50 years of progress by making a gift at GoHuskies.com/TitleIXFund.“It is an honor and a privilege to donate to the Mighty Are the Women Title IX Fund to support Women’s Athletics at the UW. These women follow in my footsteps — just as I was once one of them, following those before. My athletic career has made an enormously positive impact on my life. Woof!”Catherine “Cat” ClarkTITLE IX CELEBRATION BRINGS TOGETHER GENERATIONS OF HUSKIESHONORING THE PAST WHILE SUPPORTING THE FUTURE WOMEN OF WASHINGTONThis year marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, a landmark legislation which changed the lives of women and girls and opened the doors to equity in education and sports. To honor our past and continue the ght for equality, Washington Athletics hosted a series of events to bring together generations of Huskies.Each UW women’s team held a Title IX alumni reunion to honor the trailblazers who paved the way and provide former student-athletes a space to reconnect. Our annual Big W Club blanket parade was also led by our female alumni and coaches. This time-honored Homecoming tradition celebrates all of our former student-athletes with letterwinners creating a tunnel for the Football team to run through. Our keynote event was a Title IX Networking Reception held in November at the Washington Athletic Club. Junior, senior and graduate UW female student-athletes met with a wide range of successful female professionals from the local community.“If I’ve learned anything at the University of Washington, it’s that good things happen when women come together,” shared UW Athletic Director, Jen Cohen.Other speakers included TV and radio host Elise Woodward, Carter Subaru CEO, Jen Moran, and Senior Director for the Mariners, Ingrid Russell-Narcisse. As former student-athletes, each shared their personal story about the impact of Title IX and how it opened doors and changed their lives. They also reected on equity in sports — how female student-athletes began to receive various resources they previously didn’t have access to and how far we have come from those early days.UWTYEECLUB.ORG | 9Ingrid urged current student-athletes to take advantage of the evening. “There are a lot of wonderful, powerful women in here tonight,” said the UW Women’s Basketball alum and Tyee Board Advisor. “Go seek them out. Get connected. Share business cards. Share your LinkedIn prole. Connect with them and then stay connected.”

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“DO IT FOR THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU”HUSKY GYMNASTICS LEADER INSPIRES YOUNG BLACK FEMALE ATHLETESAs part of the 9% of Division I gymnasts who identify as Black, Amara Cunningham uses her unique position to encourage others. “Gymnastics is a predominantly white sport,” explains Amara. “Inspiring young Black girls is big for me. I’m grateful for athletes like Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas who have paved the way for Black athletes, but I think it’s also important to show the next generation a pathway like mine, where you can pursue collegiate gymnastics and a degree.”As soon as Amara set foot on the UW’s campus she knew it was where she was meant to be. “One of the biggest reasons I came to UW was because of the team atmosphere. Right away, I realized the team was one, as opposed to the individuality of the sport in high school,” describes Amara. “At UW we say, ‘Give your 100% every single day’ not just for yourself but for your teammates. I love that we’ve adopted a mentality that teaches you to do it for the person next to you, both in sports and in life.” Coming from a talented family of athletes, Amara learned valuable life lessons from both her parents while growing up. Her mom, Chinazo, played Softball and her father, Everett, played Baseball — both at Northwestern.“Both of my parents had a unique upbringing,” recalls Amara. “My dad grew up without many resources in Iowa, and my mom was born in Nigeria. Now, they are both successful leaders in their elds and making incredible eorts to improve the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The fact that they were able to become scholarship Division I athletes — all without the same opportunities that I’ve had — motivated me to live up to those standards.” Amara has an “all or nothing” approach to life. She commits herself fully to practice, training, school and life with a deep sense of responsibility not just for herself, but for her teammates and the young athletes who look up to her. “Young Black girls come up to me at the end of meets, and I know that I’m their inspiration,” she reects. “I think that’s what I’m here for now.” Although Amara, who graduated last June with a degree in Nutrition, is a power gymnast through and through, she shares her journey and goals with grace and poise. She recognizes that being a leader on her team and having the honor of inspiring young women of color wouldn’t be possible without the support from donors. “I’m extremely grateful,” says Amara, who is a Scott G Greenwood Memorial Scholarship recipient. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them. This support not only funds my ve years at Washington but impacts the rest of my life.” Now, Amara is focused on competing and her academics as she decides where she wants to attend physical therapy school. 10 | THE TYEE DIFFERENCE Spring 2023

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DAVE AND RUTH COHN ALUMNI MERIT AWARD2022 Ingrid Russell Narcisse2019 Pete Shimer2018 Mary Whipple Murray2017 Bruce Harrell2016 Eric Cohen2015 Patricia “Trish” Bostrom2014 Blake Nordstrom2013 Jim Lambright2012 Mike Rohrbach2011 Bob Houbregs2010 John Wilcox2009 Denise Ashbaugh2008 Steve Hawes2007 Andre Riley2006 Lorenzo Romar2005 Tom Turnure2004 Bruce Richards2003 Greg Lewis2002 Bill Douglas2001 Warren Moon2000 John Buller1999 Bruce Kramer1998 John Meyers1997 Bob Flowers1996 Rick Redman1995 Norm Dicks1994 Charles Mitchell1993 Dick Sprague1992 Frank Orrico1991 John Nordstrom1990 Rich Worthington1989 Torchy Torrance1988 Jim McCurdyFRANK ORRICO AWARD2022 Jim Kenyon2018 Herb Mead2017 John Runstad2016 Jim Houston2015 Jim Rose2014 John & Kathy Connors2013 Dave Rost2012 Kristie Forrest2011 Neal Dempsey2010 Nick Keller2009 Col. Don Wiethuechter2008 Anne Gittinger2007 LaGayle Sosnowy2006 Maxine Barnard2005 Jack Rhodes2004 Gertrude Peoples2003 Dave Torrell2002 Bob McMillen2001 Tom Porter2000 Tom Wolthausen1999 Mike Malone1998 Don Barnard1997 Ron Crockett1996 Dave Cohn1995 Wayne Gittinger1994 Bruce Nordstrom HONOR AND EXCELLENCEUW Athletics is excited to announce our 2023 recipient of the Dave and Ruth Cohn Alumni Merit Award — Men’s Basketball legend and Husky Hall of Famer Detlef Schrempf. The honor is awarded to alumni and former letter winners who demon-strate tireless dedication, leadership qualities, integrity in sportsmanship and an extraordinary commitment to Husky Athletics. While at UW, Detlef led the Huskies to two Pac-10 titles and consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen run in 1984. A rst-round NBA draft pick, Detlef played 11 years in the league, winning the Sixth Man award twice. Detlef is still deeply involved with the UW Men’s Basketball program, providing mentorship and an endowment for student-athletes.Distinguished UW alum Alex Washburn earns the highly-esteemed Frank Orrico Award. The award celebrates a notable member of the UW Athletics community through their generous contributions, service and devotion to Washington. Alex previously held a role on our Tyee Board of Advisors, and he currently serves as managing partner and co-founder of Columbia Pacic Advisors and Wealth Management, as well as being an integral part of our Tyee Executive Committee. A Tyee Club Champions Circle member, Alex has supported UW Athletics in numerous ways, including as a Game Changer and through an endowed Men’s Golf scholarship.DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECEIVE THE PRESTIGIOUS COHN AND ORRICO AWARDS TO RECOGNIZE THEIR OUTSTANDING DEDICATION TO HUSKY ATHLETICSUWTYEECLUB.ORG | 11

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