Anthony “Zig” Ziegler he/him
Program Manager
Zig first started playing ultimate in the 3rd grade at Bailey Gatzert (go Bears!) and his love for the sport stuck with him, leading him along the Southend Ultimate pipeline to play at Asa Mercer Middle School starting in the 7th grade (peep that pic to the left) and play on the first Franklin High School boys ultimate team. His love for the Southend Ultimate community and AGE UP runs deep – he’s coached at the schools he’s played at and even when he went out of state for college and wasn’t on the AGE UP staff, he would never hesitate to drop by and hang out during programming. Some other fun facts about Zig: he played college football in California and got a full ride scholarship to a DII school in Oklahoma, his family makes THE BEST Fry Bread (super fluffy and delicious), and can make farting noises with his hands.
Ari Lozano she/they
Co-Executive Director
Ari first started playing ultimate in the 7th grade at Asa Mercer Middle School (Zig was on her team and Sam was the coach!) and hasn’t stopped playing since! Ask her about her ultimate resume if you’re curious. Ari loves the Southend Ultimate community and her job at AGE UP. She grew up in this community, lives in this community and feels so lucky to be able to work with young people who remind her so much of herself. Some fun facts about Ari: she’s really good at watching lots and lots of TV, hates the texture of applesauce but loves the taste, can easily be bribed with bubble tea, and on multiple occasions has been mistaken for Ash (they tell everyone that they’re twins now).
Ash Escobar they/them
Program Director
Ash was first introduced to ultimate at South Shore K-8 (go Sea Dragons!) but didn’t really start playing until all their friends started to join the team their freshman year at Cleveland and they needed to waive PE credits (lol). They had no idea how much they would love playing and coaching, and they’ve been a part of the Southend Ultimate community and AGE UP ever since. Ash loves AGE UP because they get to coach young people that are growing up in the same community they did, and it doesn’t hurt that the food at program nights is pretty good as well. Some fun facts about Ash: Akira the office pet is their son, they refuse to eat bananas, is the best chicken adobo chef, and is twins with Ari.
Hana Kawai she/her
Co-Executive Director
Hana is an ultimate super star but is way too humble to brag about it so go ahead and just do a Google search. She started coaching at Franklin High School in 2010 with Lisa Niemann and is one of folks we can thank for AGE UP’s existence! Hana’s favorite part about the Southend Ultimate community and AGE UP is the people and the fun vibes even when things are serious. Because she doesn’t want to share more about her ultimate resume, here are some funny random facts about Hana: she’s worn glasses since the 2nd grade, hates scary movies and spicy food, makes terrible breakfasts, and has read everything ever written by Octavia Butler.
Marc Muñoz he/him
Program Manager
Marc is an OG Boy’s Program participant – he first started in AGE UP as an 8th grader in 2013 (!!!!). He was one of the youngest participants in that first cohort and was excited to join on as an intern to help lead with Justin Jones. Born and raised in the Southend, Marc is an Asa Mercer Middle School and Franklin High School alum. He’s been playing ultimate since the 4th grade! Marc believes that being aware of social justice and giving back to the community that built you up is IMPORTANTE. Weird Ultimate fact: He hand blocked Zig with his face in elementary school camp one summer LOL.
Janyla Chavez she/her
Program Manager
Born and raised in South Seattle, Janyla first started playing ultimate in the 7th grade at Asa Mercer Middle School! She had no idea what it was and played because her friends joined. Janyla continued to play at Franklin High School and was also an AGE UP participant! She realized how much of a positive impact the Southend Ultimate community made on her and wanted to give back as a coach. She’s been coaching at Asa Mercer since 2018!
Sam Terry he/they
Director of Programs
Sam’s so much of an OG in the AGE UP & Southend Ultimate community that some folks dubbed him the nickname “Jesus” (but also peep his hair in the pic to the right). We can also thank Sam for AGE UP’s existence because he’s one of the founders and has been coaching in the Southend for almost 20 YEARS! WILD! We’re still waiting on Sam to share more fun facts so we can update his bio so he’ll just remain more of a mystery on our website.