VOICE-TRIBUNE MAY 2024

Get back in the game of life faster.

The UofL Health Orthopedic team are the go-to experts for advanced, tailored treatment plans with less recovery time. In fact, we lead the state in robotic surgical procedures that can minimize pain and improve quality of life in record time. We are renowned for high-level care and customized surgeries that treat everything from shoulders to toes, including spines. And as the official health care provider for UofL Athletics, we provide that same VIP care to every patient. With access to specialists all in one place, it’s a win-win-win for the fastest journey to recovery.

Visit UofLHealth.org today.

THAT’S THE POWER OF U

gamechanging experts

Victor Anciano, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

We’ve discovered numerous ways for you to enjoy the outdoors this spring!

Hello, readers! Welcome to our special edition of Men & Women in Sports, Homes, and Zoo!

In this Volume of VOICE-TRIBUNE, we’re thrilled to showcase our partnerships with LouCity FC, Racing FC, Louisville Ballet, and Louisville Zoo. This groundbreaking collaboration has been inspiring and breathtaking to work on.

Our team collaborated with the Louisville Zoo to pair 43 athletes with animal companions, creating delightful interactions that surpassed all expectations. A heartfelt thanks to Kyle Shepherd, one of the kindest and most inspiring animal enthusiasts I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside putting this together. Your dedication has touched not only our team but everyone around you. This project has deepened our understanding of the natural world and given us wonderful stories and knowledge to share with the Louisville community, celebrating both the animals at the Zoo and our local athletes!

A HUGE heartfelt thank you goes to UofL Health for helping to sponsor this sports spread and to the Louisville Zoo, Louisville City, Racing Louisville, and Louisville Ballet for saying “yes” and making this extraordinary sports edition of VOICE-TRIBUNE possible.

Why did we do this?

We aim to bring the entire Louisville community together at the Zoo this July. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet athletes from Louisville City FC, Racing FC, Louisville Ballet, and, of course, our Zoo’s animals. We’re also excited to invite you to bring copies of the VOICE-TRIBUNE publication for autographs from all the athletes!

I’m thrilled to share more exciting updates with you! We’ll introduce the 502 Dragon Boat and tag along on a captivating conversation with Bill and Russ. We’ll also highlight the Louisville Bats, UofL’s Coach, and the inspiring journey of Tori Murden McClure, whose Olympic rejection fueled her to pursue even greater ambitions. Stay tuned for updated news on EthanAlmighty and Jeff Callaway, and we’re eager to announce the winner of two season tickets to the Louisville Orchestra. Congratulations to the Lucky winner!

Additionally, explore the interiors of various local homes for inspiration to transform your living area or to discover intriguing aspects of your home’s history. The season is ripe for gardening, making it an ideal time to explore the diverse selection of plants available at Yew Dell. Don’t forget to visit the onsite Martha Lee’s Kitchen, and check the site for the Sunday Hounds on the Grounds, where you can bring your dog along for a walk: Please note, sometimes special events mean we must leave our pets at home.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Zoo for the Wild Lights Asian lantern festival, continuing until May 23rd. This could be the final year it is hosted at the Louisville Zoo, and it promises to be the most spectacular yet!

Support all your athletes!

Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville!

MAY 2024

PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD MANAGING EDITOR, AMY BARNES OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER, JULIE KOENIG EDITOR, RAGAN VAN HECKE

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS, CHIEF EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER, KATHRYN HARRINGTON

CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ANNABELLE KLEIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JOSH ISON EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER, MATT JOHNSON FASHION EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER,ANTONIO PANTOJA

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, ALISHA PROFFITT FASHION STYLIST, ASHLEA SPEARS

DISTRIBUTION: KELLI VAN HECKE, JILL AND JOHN MINNIX

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

RUSS BROWN, ALISON CARDOZA, BILL DOOLITTLE, GILL HOLLAND, LISA HORNUNG, UOFL HEALTHCARE, DR. RANDY WHETSTONE, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, ASHLEA SPEARS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

JOLEA BROWN, BILL DOOLITTLE, 502 DRAGON BOAT, FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM, WILL FRENTZ, GILL HOLLAND, GIRL KYLE PHOTOS, LOUISVILLE BATS, LOUISVILLE CITY FC, MOLLY MARKERT, TORI MURDEN MCCLURE, GIOIA PATTON, ALISHA PROFFITT, KYLE SHEPHERD, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, TORBITT SCHWARTZ, ASHLEA SPEARS, KEITH TAYLOR, AMY TOUCHETTE, UOFL ATHLETICS

CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & MAKE-UP ARTISTS

J MICHAEL’S SALON (MARIAH LEBRENE-SANCHEZ AND TEAM: CORINNE BUTCHER, DAYANNARA CHUELA, MAKIAH KING)

10 A VOLTAGE TO MUSIC’S POWER: GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING PRODUCER TORBITT SCHWARTZ 16 A CONVERSATION WITH LOUISVILLE’S LITERARY LIONS!

22 BILL & RUSS’ EXCELLENT CONVERSATION: SPORTS SCRIBES TOSSING AROUND THE TOPICS OF THE DAY

26 L’S UP! IN PAT KELSEY, UOFL HAS A ‘BALL OF FIRE’ WHO IS OFF TO A ROCKIN’ REBUILD OF CARDS OPPS

32 HEUSER HEARING INSTITUTE: CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP HELPING THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

38 SOCCER HELPED WILL FRENTZ OVERCOME DEAFNESS ON HIS JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

44 LOUISVILLE CITY FC “BOYS IN PURPLE” ARE HUNGRY FOR A “BOUNCE BACK” SEASON

50 AND THEN ONE SUMMER, THE PROSPECTS CAME TO LOUISVILLE, AND BATS MANAGER KELLY SENT THEM ON THEIR WAY – TO THE BIG LEAGUES

54 THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BALLS AND STRIKES – AND DON’T BE ARGUING!

56 ROWING ON THE RIVER: 502 DRAGON BOAT

62 I LIKE TO THINK I WILL NOT STOP: A Q&A WITH TORI MURDEN MCCLURE

66 ETHAN ALMIGHTY: FROM RESCUE TO ADVOCATE

70 YEW DELL BOTANICAL GARDENS OFFERS NATIVE NATURE, HISTORY, AND HORTICULTURAL HELP

76 CELEBRATING GENERATIONS AT MILESTONE

80 KENTUCKY SELECT’S WHITNEY BIANCHI LOVES HELPING NEW LOUISVILLIANS AND LOCALS

83 IN THE STYLE LOUP: ELEVATED GAMEDAY STYLE FOR THE WIN

86 GAME-CHANGING EXPERTS: UOFL HEALTH INSERT

94 LOCAL LEGENDS IN THE WILD: LOUISVILLE ATHLETES VISIT LOUISVILLE ZOO LOU CITY FC, RACING FC, AND LOUISVILLE BALLET

186 MEET LOUISVILLE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER KYLE SHEPHERD

192 VOICE TRIBUTE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

OCCASIONS & CELEBRATIONS

200 FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM 20TH ANNIVERSARY

NEW SOCIETY

203 SCAN OUR QR CODE TO EXPLORE OUR NEW SOCIETY WEBSITE; WE’LL RETURN NEXT MONTH WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE DERBY WRAP-UP VOLUME.

ON THE COVER:

LESLIE SMART, CFRE, LOUISVILLE BALLET

REGAN NICHOLS, MARKETING & ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, LOUISVILLE BALLET

HELEN DAIGLE, PRINCIPAL REPETITEUR + SENIOR REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

JAMES MCKINNEY, LOUISVILLE ZOO BIRD CURATOR

MIKELLE BRUZINA, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, LOUISVILLE BALLET

HARALD UWE KERN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, LOUISVILLE BALLET

NATALIA ASHIKHMINA, COMPANY ARTIST, LOUISVILLE BALLET

ANDREW SCOGGAN, ZOOKEEPER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

ANNA DEWITT, ZOOKEEPER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

JEREMY WILCHECK, ZOOKEEPER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

OLIVA TRUSTY, STAFF MEMBER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

LISA TRUSTY, STAFF MEMBER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

LAURA WILOUGHBY, ZOOKEEPER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

COLEEN MCKENNA, ZOOKEEPER, LOUISVILLE ZOO

KYLE SHEPHERD, MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

A Voltage to Music’s Power: Grammy-Award winning producer T bitt Schwartz

By: Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr.

Photos Provided by: Amy Touchette, Virginia Poundstone, and Torbitt Schwartz

Music has been described as a universal language, an invisible motion that is audible to the ear, comforting to the heart, and palpable to the soul bringing people from all walks of life together. Music isn’t just a profession, but it’s an art, a power, an emotional eruption of expression and creativity. This is how music is conveyed by Louisville-born Grammy-award winning producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist, Torbitt Schwartz, aka, “Little Shalimar”. I had the chance to chat with the Grammy-award winner who wrote two songs on Grammy-winner Killer Mike’s (winner of best Rap Album, Rap Song, and Rap Performance) album, “Michael”, as well as co-produced and co-written four of the “Run The Jewels” albums.

Share a little bit about your background, and how you got to where you are currently in your career?

“Sure. I’m Torbitt Schwartz, I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and moved to Brooklyn, New York when I was 10. I moved back to Louisville, Kentucky for the end of high school where I met Jaliel Bunton, who became my kind of “ace” down there… I’ve been a musician, producer, and I’ve spent a lot of time DJ’ing just to pay the bills, but that was never really where my heart was at. I was a touring musician for a bunch of years, and then I had a kid. I didn’t want to be on the road all the time. I’d always been the person in my band that produced the recordings, and I had done a fair amount of little production here and there, but I decided to really focus on production once I had a kid so that I’d be a little bit more in control of my schedule, and I’d be in town more often. That’s where I’m at.”

Was music always an interest of yours? At what age do you think your drive and spark began in the music industry?

“You know, I always loved music. I started becoming interested in it when we lived in an apartment in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and my mom just said, ‘No, you can’t do that’. Then it was when I went back to Kentucky and when I met Jaleel and saw here’s this person that’s my age. I was like, ‘he’s actually doing it’. He can actually pick up the guitar and play and it sounds like music. So that was kind of a spark of like, ‘oh, maybe I can do this.”

Then I think for my 18th birthday, I got a guitar as a present and I went away to college. I went to the University of Vermont, where I was like, ‘oh this is not for me’. I hung out in my dorm room and practiced guitar. Then after that, after a few months, I started playing and people would be like, ‘Oh, wait, what?’ Blah, blah, blah, you know, but I would tell people, ‘Oh, yeah, I just started playing’. So, it came pretty natural and easy to me. So, in my late teens is when it really started happening. I started hearing music in my head all the time.”

You know, that’s fascinating because now we fast forward the clock some years later, and you’ve become a recipient of one of the most prestigious awards in the field (of music), a Grammy. Congratulations to you! Talk a little bit about that recognition and how it felt.

“Once we got nominated for it, I didn’t really think much about it. I mean, I was like, ‘okay, you know, I’m gonna go out there just for the business aspect of it’. So, I went out there to kind of just go to parties and do the professional thing. I ended up deciding not to go to the actual ceremony. I was watching it on live stream and as soon as we won, I was like, ‘damn, I played myself, I should have gone’.

“I mean, of course, that day for me, and our whole crew was particularly wild, though, because of events that followed the ceremony. That’s Mike getting arrested. You know that was a real emotional roller coaster. I went from drinking champagne with my brother… Celebratory, celebratory! I’m sending messages to Mike and his team, ‘congratulations, I love you so much’. So, it went from elation to then getting a text, ‘yo, Mike just got arrested’. I’m sitting there Googling it, you know, like, what’s going on? What’s going on? I didn’t find out until maybe 10 o’clock that it was all good. I met up with him afterwards.”

“Mike wanted to win this Grammy. Like, it mattered to him. So, to me, I’m like, even more than me winning a Grammy, I wanted Mike to win one, because I just know it was deeply important to him and he’s my brother.”

“In terms of the award itself and what that means, if I’m being honest it’s meaning to me (is) mostly a practical meaning. The number of superior musicians, producers, and songwriters that I know that have never gotten close to any kind of love from the Grammys is staggering. So, I’ve always known, it doesn’t really mean much outside of a professional (recognition).”

What it was like working with Killer Mike? Working with the crew and creating this masterpiece…. How was that experience?

“Um, that was an interesting one, you know. Mike called me in maybe December 2020. So, we’re like, deep in the pandemic, and I’m inside. Like, I’m fully inside because I got a kid. What my role would be wasn’t clear. You know, it could have been (anything) from my boy who comes and listens to some stuff and gives me their opinion to producing a record…. “

“I went down there and waited to listen in Stankonia where I’d worked with Mike a few times before. Despite the fact that I had done stuff with Stankonia before, I hadn’t been down there with a whole room full of Atlanta producers. It was really eye opening and really beautiful to see how the community was really rallying behind Mike. Like everybody just wanted Mike to win. Everybody in Atlanta was like, ‘Yo, this dude Killer Mike, he’s a beast. He might be the best rapper here’. He wanted to make a record really specifically about his experience as a Black man in Atlanta. It was really interesting and inspiring to see just a team effort.”

What would you consider to be one fact about the music industry? A good fact and a bad fact? And why?

“I think this is a multi-tiered thing. I think that it’s inexpensive to make a record and I think compared to other art forms, you know, theater, unless you’re doing a one-person thing, you need a space to perform it. Film, forget it. TV, forget it. You can write a book, but you need someone to commit to sit down and read your book. You can get anybody to listen to your song if you can get in front of them. The kind of democratization of music by the internet and technology is fantastic. You know, with a $200 laptop and an idea, you can do it now. “

“I think a negative thing that I can say about the music industry is because anybody can do it, it’s very difficult to unionize. Someone else can just come along. So as a result, it’s very difficult for us to get a fair market share of the material that we create. The number of supremely talented musicians that I know who can’t make music because they can’t afford to make music because they don’t make enough money (to) make music is staggering. So, I think there’s got to be a way for us to hold the streaming companies accountable.”

What has been your biggest inspiration in the music industry and what’s the mark you want to leave behind in the field of music?

“My biggest inspiration still has to come down to Jimmy Hendrix. I was like, ‘oh, you can do that. A human being just did that, I want to do that. I want to make people feel the way that dude made people feel’. That’s the same legacy I want to leave. When I die, I want my son to be able to look and be like, ‘wow, my dad did some s***. My dad did some cool s***! He believed in the power of the soul and the ability of this abstract expression that is music to capture the volcanic power of the soul and translate that into something you can share. So, that’s what I want to do.”

By: Gill Holland

A Conversation with Louisville’s Literary Lions!

Photos By: Molly Markert, Jolea Brown, & Gill Holland

I have always called James Markert the “John Grisham of Louisville,” even though now he has an alias: JH Markert; and JH Markert could be called “Louisville’s Stephen King!” A University of Louisville graduate and former tennis pro, James wrote one of the funniest scripts I have ever read. I ended up producing that film, 2nd Serve, which shot all over Louisville and featured a “rag tag bunch of misfit tennis semi-pros” taking on the country club elites. His first major novel A White Wind Blew, (under its previous title The Requiem Rose) won the prestigious IPPY award (the Independent Publisher Book Award). In 2023, JH Markert released two books: The Nightmare Man, which has sold in multiple countries, and Mister Lullaby, a Barnes & Noble bestseller. His newest book, Sleep Tight, releases in September and already has glowing reviews: author Peter Farris calls James “a clear heir to Stephen King,” and Publishers Weekly says “Markert evokes the style and substance of horror’s golden years.”

For years, James had an agent in New York City, which, in competition with London, is the center of global publishing. Then, a couple of years ago, James introduced me to his new agent, and I was surprised and pleased to learn that she lives here in Louisville with her husband and two sons. Agents can be very hard to find, much less access for information, so we are fortunate that Alice Speilburg was so generous with her time and info in this interview!

A UK graduate with a journalism degree (after a brief stint going pre-vet!), Alice worked as the cops’ beat reporter and assistant news editor at the Kernel, UK’s daily newspaper. She moved to NYC after graduation and worked at the famed global publishing house, John Wiley & Sons, and then became an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.

I decided it would be fun to ask them each a couple of questions and put the answers in an article for folks who have always wondered how agents work, how writers even find agents, and how agents and writers can develop a great working relationship.

I figured when one is interviewing two of Louisville’s “literary lions,” I should just ask questions and then let them run with it! So here it goes!

GH: Alice, I think most folks can understand the creative urge behind why writers write, but how does one decide to become an agent? What path led you there?

ALICE: “I knew I wanted to work on books, and I thought that meant I wanted to be an editor. But editors still rely on the sales department to tell them which books they’re allowed to work on. I realized that agents have more freedom to follow through on the books they believe in, that they can keep working with that author until the book finds the perfect publishing home. I started doing informational interviews with agents around the city, and soon made a move over to a boutique agency in Brooklyn.”

“The other really fascinating part of agenting is that I work on every stage of the publishing process, from editing and submissions, to contracts, marketing and publicity, and even foreign rights sales. There’s never a dull moment.”

GH: So, James, what do you look for in an agent?

JAMES: “Early on, I think, for any writer, we just look for anyone who will take us! It took me eight years and three unpublished novels before I signed with my first agent at Writers House, which is one of the biggest agencies around, and even though my agent there sold five novels for me, I always felt like a small fish in a big pond, and I never had the personal connection that, over time, I realized I needed and craved. I have that personal connection in abundance with Alice. She

Alice Speilburg and James Markert celebrating at James’ 50th birthday party at The Irish Rover

‘gets’ me and understands my vision and ideas. Kudos to her, as I’m not sure that’s always easy to do. I’m now writing under two names, and Alice didn’t even laugh at me when I mentioned writing under a third. I’ve always published just enough to stay relevant, but it took signing with Alice and a rebranding for me to jump to the next level. We hope to keep that momentum going. Alice thinks ‘outside the box’ more than any agent I’ve known, willing to attack new avenues to bring her writer additional income and notoriety. For years I thought I needed my agent to be in New York, but having Alice in town, here in Louisville, where we can meet face to face whenever necessary, has been a true blessing. Alice, for me, has been a career changer and a gem.”

GH: And, Alice, what do you look for in a writer?

ALICE: “First and foremost, I’m looking for good writing. Once I find that, I’m hoping that the writer is a professional, that they can handle constructive criticism, and even see beyond what I’m asking for, to make the book better in their own unique way. I love writers who can brainstorm plot lines with me, who see the story as organic and are interested in shaping it into something we can sell, and further, something that will

resonate with readers. I’m also looking for writers who respect our partnership, who are open to collaboration and see me as a part of their team, not just a ticket to get through the pearly gates of publishing.”

James, of course, meets all of these criteria and more. He’s kind and thoughtful, just a wonderful person to work alongside. Which is great, because he continues to write book after book, each one better than the next.”

GH: James and Alice, what have you each learned, and what advice do you have for other writers in terms of expectations from their work and from a relationship with an agent?

JAMES: “My number one bit of advice for any writer, whether seeking an agent or represented / ‘agented’ and seeking a publisher, is patience. The publishing world moves at its own pace and that is generally slower than the writer writes. And rejections, even with accomplished writers, are par for the course. Every writer expects their newest book to be the ‘next best thing’ and while it very well might be, you cannot let ‘softer’ sales get you down. Always remember why you started writing in the first place, because you love it, and not necessarily for success and money, which is the icing on the cake.”

ALICE: “I’ve talked to some writers who are afraid to ask their agents questions, or follow up on something from several months ago. To me, this signals a problem. A relationship between an author and an agent is built on trust, not fear and power. And I would remind those writers that the agent works for the writer, who is paying them a commission of their royalties.”

GH: Alice, what do you think the percentage of manuscripts that you actually read lead you to then sign the writer? (In the film world, I am at like 1% of scripts I read, I sign on to produce)!

ALICE: “If we’re talking about cold submissions, it’s probably less than 1%! After reading a sample, I might request a full manuscript from 3-5% of submissions, but I’ll sign only one in every five of those requests. But the rate is much higher for referrals. Generally, these would be writers who are in a writing group with one of my clients, or someone who was previously represented by an agent who is retiring. Often I’m already familiar with that person’s work, and it’s just a matter of whether I feel confident enough to sell it.”

GH: What percentage of your time do you spend reading and editing manuscripts and what percent or your time are you pitching publishers?

ALICE: “The Venn diagram is more complex than that, but I probably spend more time pitching. It’s an ongoing process, which might start with a conversation with an acquiring editor months before a book is ready to go out on submission. After we send it out, I follow up for months later, until we have a response. Even after a book is published, I update our rights catalog as new reviews and awards are added to a book, so that we can pitch it to foreign publishers and Hollywood. As most publishing folks would attest, our days are gobbled up by emails, so most of our reading happens in the evenings and on weekends. Sometimes I can dedicate a morning to edits, usually on Monday or Friday, when everyone else is also avoiding email.”

GH: I see there are Speilburg Literary agents in several places around the country; does that help in finding regional voices, or are you focused on things that go national?

ALICE: “We are scattered across the map these days, even more so since remote work is more common now, and agents who work for agencies based in NYC can work from anywhere. This is helpful from an industry perspective for a few reasons. We are ‘on the ground’ finding regional writers more naturally, but most agents (myself included) focus on categories of writing more than where a writer comes from, since our editor connections are focused on a category. But this shift away from NYC has given access for so many more people to enter publishing, people who couldn’t necessarily afford to work for $30k in one of the most expensive cities in the country, and people who simply had no desire to move to a big city. As readers (because all of us in publishing are readers!), we’re drawn to voices that might feel familiar, so having a broader range of people enter the industry, as agents, should theoretically invite a wider range of writers into the submissions that publishers are considering. Which is to say, I’m focused on things that go national, but if I find something brilliant that also captures the bright anticipation of a spring morning in Kentucky, when the dogwoods are in bloom and jockey silk decorations hang on every door, I’m going to be drawn to it in a way that other agents might not be.”

You can find more information on both James and Alice on their websites: jamesmarkert.com and speilburgliterary.com.

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Sports scribes tossing around the topics of the day Bill and Russ’ Excellent Conversation:

With all the Earthshaking News in College Basketball –could Everything just end up Better for All?

By: Bill Doolittle and Russ Brown

RUSS – I know you’re not gonna want to hear this, Bill, because you’re always giving me flak about my love for basketball, but by far -- without question -- the most interesting things going on in Louisville and the state right now involve basketball, as usual. Do you want me to fill you in?

BILL – Roll on, Russ.

RUSS – The Cliff Notes version of what has happened since we talked last time is that Louisville hired Pat Kelsey from College of Charleston to replace Kenny Payne and John Calipari dropped a bombshell by resigning from UK, which quickly named former Cat Mark Pope as his successor. Pope, who played on UK’s 1996 national championship team, has coached an entertain-

Photos By: Matt Johnson, Louisville Athletics & Keith Taylor

Bill Doolittle & Russ Brown

ing brand of basketball at BYU for five years. Like Kelsey at UofL, Pope was UK’s third choice after Baylor’s Scott Drew turned down the job and UConn’s Dan Hurley said he wasn’t interested. Many in Big Blue Nation are lukewarm at the choice, to say the least, but Pope got a glowing endorsement from Rick Pitino, so we’ll see how it pans out.

BILL – Well, I think it is interesting Russ, though most of my springtime attention has been focused on the Cincinnati Reds and mowing the grass. But at least you know what you are talking about! What do you think of Pat Kelsey, the new Louisville coach?

RUSS – I’m impressed. I couldn’t have told you who the coach of the College of Charleston was if you asked me. I didn’t know Pat Kelsey from Bill Doolittle when they hired him.

BILL – I’m the coach of the College of Corydon.

RUSS – I guess that makes me the coach of the College of Salem. Kelsey was U of L’s third choice. But to me, he was the second choice, because they weren’t going to get Scott Drew, and they tried to get Dusty May, the coach at Florida Atlantic. I’m going to tell you Pat Kelsey is a lot more impressive than Dusty May.

BILL – Really?

RUSS – By a long shot. I watched Dusty May’s introductory press conference as the new coach at Michigan. Bo-rrring. No personality to speak of. Kelsey – he’s dynamic. I mean he was very, very impressive: energetic, dynamic, personable. And a good coach. He’s had 11-straight winning seasons at Winthrop and Charleston, and that’s not easy to do.

BILL – That is good, Russ. When you coach at schools like that, in mid-major conferences, you have to win to get in the NCAA. None of this stuff like they take those 17-game winners from the big deal conferences because they finished fourth and have a following. Look at the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. You think they got in the NCAA because of the prestige of the Horizon League? No, they won their way in. And knocked off Kentucky.

But in the meantime, we have to talk about NIL – the benefits players can receive from licensing their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). What do you think, Russ?

RUSS – Well, there’s no question that NIL is driving college athletics, especially football and basketball, and even to an extent some of the lesser sports. There is very little known about it.

I don’t know all the details, but Utah recently passed a state law dealing with NIL. The basic premise is that all the state univer-

Pat Kelsey Photo

sities in the Beehive State have to account for where the money is coming from, how much and who gets it. In other words, open records, which is what this should be. I wish Kentucky would pass a similar law. Nobody knows the names of most of UofL’s 502Circle collective donors, although the Kueber brothers of Planet Fitness fame promised to match donations up to one million. The main mystery is how much individual sports are benefitting and which players are profiting the most.

BILL– I think the most interesting part is WHO is the person who pays the NIL money to sign top players. I don’t mean who are the rich donors who stock the NIL bank accounts. What I want to know is who is the actual person, the title of the person, who signs the prospects. Most people think that’s the coach. But I wonder.

Seems like it would be a great spot for a super salesman. Not some assistant associate athletic department person, but a true salesman. The guy who gets the player to “ink pact,” as they say. The Closer.

The coaches at Louisville – Pat Kelsey, Jeff Brohm, Jeff Walz, Dan McDonnell, Dani Busboom Kelly and others – could probably use the services of, say, the No. 1 salesman at the top car dealership in town. Or a finance whiz who sells million-dollar bonds to billionaires. Like, say you had the top salesman at Sam Swope Pontiac. The coach is hoping to sign a star running back, and the bidding is going on. When the Florida State guy says he has to step away for a minute to “talk with my general manager,” our guy says, “Hey, you know what you really need besides all this money? I got this cherry red GTO parked right out here at the curb. Here’s the keys and we can go for a drive right now.”

Nobody walks away!

RUSS – Maybe. But I think that with most of these kids, it’s going to come down to who’s paying the most. I mean, you can throw in all the bells and whistles you want but if you can’t match or beat the player’s best offer from another school, you’re probably not going to get him or her. I also think that kids want to hear mostly from the coaches they’re going to be playing for because they’re never going to see this “salesperson” again.

BILL – Perhaps I am living in another time.

RUSS – It has almost become an employer/employee relationship. We sportswriters have always joked about so-called student athletes, as the NCAA insists on calling the hired guns. Many are simply athletes and classwork is just a necessary evil. And with basically free agency now due to the transfer portal, it’s more that way

New Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope. Keith Taylor photo

than ever. Even before the recent changes, however, you very rarely heard an athlete proclaim that he is enrolling at UofL, for instance, because it has a great business school or medical school. And I am still waiting for the first athlete to say he chose a school because he really liked the biology professor (or whomever) he met during his visit.

BILL – Before we forget, what about John Calipari? How about him saying sayonara to the Big Blue.

RUSS – The blockbuster, or the bombshell since we last published was Calipari resigning at Kentucky and then almost immediately going to Tyson University,

which is also Arkansas. The Tyson chicken people threw a bunch of money at him, instead of eggs. I don’t know, but I think he’s probably making about as much as he was at Kentucky.

BILL – It’s a fresh start for him, and the end maybe of the one-and-done thing at Kentucky.

RUSS – Calipari wasn’t winning, that was the bottom line. They have won one tournament game since 2017. As many as Louisville won since 2017. One game each.

BILL – What about the new coach, Mark Pope?

RUSS – Did you ever see BYU play? They’re real interesting to watch; pass the ball – a lot of passing – shoot the three, scoring a lot. Very good offensive team. Probably a little better defensive team than Indiana State, but that’s who I would compare ‘em to. And of course, the Cat fans don’t like Pope. They thought they should get Rick Pitino or Billy Donovan or Jay Wright.

BILL– Or Adolph Rupp. He’s the only Kentucky coach to ever win more than one championship.

RUSS – I think Pope is going to be good. But to get back to Calipari. I think he recognized that that program was broken and he wasn’t going to be able to fix it. So he was going to leave. And I think the relationship with (athletic director) Mitch Barnhardt was ruptured. I think there’s a lot more to that that we don’t know as far as the reasons he left and how that all came about.

BILL – It all reminds me of a horse we had one time named Better for All. He was a beautiful horse, but he wouldn’t win. So we put him in a sale up in Ohio. He was a really good-looking gray horse and Jackie Gray, the trainer, had this stuff he said he got from the “high-tails” (show horses) that he rubbed all over the horse and when he went into the ring he looked like a million dollars. He didn’t bring that much, but he did sell for $1 thousand more than the claiming price he wasn’t winning for. Just like basketball. The horse, the people, everybody needed a change … Better for All.

Kentucky coach Mark Pope’s wife Lee Anne, with daughters (l-r) Ella, Avery, Layla and Shay. Keith Taylor photo

L’s Up! In Pat Kelsey, UofL Has a ‘Ball of Fire’ Who is Off to a Rockin’ Rebuild of Cards Opps

By: Russ Brown Photos provided by: UofL Athletics

It’s a sure bet that if you had asked Louisville fans in March for the name of College of Charleston’s coach, all but the most rabid, well-informed college basketball followers among them wouldn’t have known. They do now, and Kelsey has injected new energy and optimism into a program that has had little of either over the past five seasons, including a 12-52 record in two dismal years under Kenny Payne.

Kelsey has already had an impact in two crucial areas — season ticket sales and to the school’s NIL (Name, Image, License) 502Circle Collective. New season ticket holders were approaching 1,000 in early April and renewal numbers were also encouraging. After the Rick Pitino years produced consistent sellout crowds of 22,000 in the KFC Yum! Season ticket holders dropped from 12,150 to 10,743 between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons and tickets scanned for the Cardinals’ home games this past season plummeted to an average of 6,504.

The 502Circle announced on April 1 that it was embarking on its largest ever campaign drive, and that it had received an immediate boost with a $1 million matching donation from local businessmen David and Rick Kueber of Glow Brands, which encompasses Planet Fitness, Sun Tan City and Buff City Soap. The release said that the Circle is hoping to expand its membership base to over 2,500 members. New revenue generated through memberships, up to $1 million, will be matched by Glow Brands.

Donations to 502Circle, a crucial tool in recruiting, began virtually as soon as Kelsey’s introductory press conference ended on March 28 and has since exceeded $500,000.

“I think we all understand how important the success of Louisville basketball is to the city,” Rick Kueber said at the time. “We’re super excited that coach Pat Kelsey is here with us. I think there are great times ahead. . .This money is really important. We want Pat and his staff to get off to the right start, and we need to put together a roster that’s competitive.”

The Kuebers have been longtime supporters of Louisville’s athletics. In 2018 the Kuebers purchased the naming rights for the Planet Fitness Keuber Center for $3 million. The facility, near the UofL campus across Floyd St. from the Denny Crum Hall dormitories, houses offices and training facilities for men’s and women’s basketball and women’s lacrosse.

“The energy, it’s infectious,” 502Circle President Dan Furman said in reference to Kelsey’s immediate impact on UofL’s fans, who are starved for a return to the days when the school’s basketball program was a national power under Denny Crum and then Pitino. “It’s hard for (fans) to not want to be a part of it.”

Kelsey, 48, brings a potent mix of passion, energy, confidence, humility, gratitude, humor and optimism to his first high-major head coaching job after nine seasons at Winthrop and three at Charleston, com-

piling a 261-122 (.681%) record with four NCAA Tournament appearances and 11 consecutive winning seasons. From all evidence he is as relentless as a dog that grabs your pants leg and won’t let go.

“Ready to rock. Let’s go!,” Kelsey said during his introduction to Louisville fans. “I’m excited. I’ve worked my whole life for this. This is the pinnacle, the ultimate job. Let’s go after it. Ls up, go Cards!”

Kelsey was described by one colleague as “college basketball’s energizer bunny,” and his old high school coach has called him a “total gym rat.”

And Kelsey noted that the late Skip Prosser, his mentor and former college coach, once told him that he “makes coffee nervous.” But the resemblance to a caffeine high simply comes naturally to Kelsey, the son of a Marine and a native of Cincinnati, because he claims to drink only one cup of java a day.

His father, Mike Kelsey, called his son “a ball of fire” and a non-stop worker.

“I think he is up to (the UofL job), there’s no doubt about that and that’s not just me talking as his father,” the elder Kelsey said. “One thing about it, you haven’t seen an intensity like him. He’s wired. It’s 4 o’clock in the morning on the job for him and he’s always working and going at it. That’s just who he is. He’s wound up. Nothing he does surprises me.”

There are videos on social media of Pat Kelsey running around during practice, jumping and hanging on the rim. And he has been known to do 75 pull-ups, which an assistant coach describes as “one of his weird talents.”

True to his reputation, Kelsey wasted no time getting started on his rebuilding project. Within two days, he had secured commitments from his first two recruits, who followed him from Charleston. Within a few weeks, he added two more recruits and hired a complete staff of assistants and support personnel. One of the latter is Peyton Siva, a popular former Cardinal star who played on the 2013 national championship team. He will serve as Director of Player Development/Basketball Alumni Relations.

Somewhat ironically, Kelsey has close ties to a former UofL coach, Chris Mack, who parted ways with the program midway through the 2022 season. Kelsey was Mack’s associate head coach when they were at Xavier. More irony: Mack has succeeded Kelsey as Charleston’s coach. There are no counterfeit traits to Kelsey’s peppy personality — what you see is what you get.

“There’s nothing false about his energy level,” Mack says. “It is never ‘off.’ I don’t even know how Pat vacations, if he ever does. He is 24/7. He’s constantly pushing guys to match his energy.”

Asked about a timetable for turning around a proud program that has endured the worst back-to-back seasons in program history and a 15-67 record over the past 2 1/2 years, Kelsey replied: “If you don’t plan on winning, don’t put your shoes on. I’m just being honest,” he said. “That’s how I’m wired. It may not be the right thing to say when you’re trying to build this thing, and they won 12 games over the last two years — but I don’t know how to play any other way. We want to win ACC championships and compete to hang banners for national championships.”

Although he may not be willing to divulge a timetable, he has made it clear that he thinks winning can come faster than many might expect, due in large part to the instant fixes available through the transfer portal. That’s undoubtedly where most of Louisville’s 2024-25 roster will come from since there are few attractive high school prospects still on the market.

“I really believe that in today’s game you can get good quick,” he says. “You look at what we did two years ago at Charleston. Had a magical season. Top 25, won 31 games, won 22 in a row. Season ends and a bunch of guys graduated, a couple other guys went to Power Five teams. We had four guys on our roster in the middle of April, and we rebuilt it and we did it again.”

There are only two coaches in Division I this season who are encountering a situation similar to the stern challenge that Kelsey faces this season. Every player on this past year’s UofL team entered the portal, so he is building from ground zero. Only Eric Musselman, whose first Southern Cal team lost 10 of 11 players, and John Calipari, who had no returnees at Arkansas when he moved from Kentucky, are also in such dire circumstances.

“The transfer portal is ‘giveth and taketh away,’” Kelsey says. “And the transient nature of the business now with guys coming and going, it’s a constant approach where you have to think roster management, you have to think talent acquisition, you have to put the pieces together.”

“And then once your team gets there together in June for summer school, I think part of the secret sauce and the teams that are the most successful are able to put the pieces together and very, very quickly create a winning culture, get everyone moving in the same direction and go attack for a championship.”

Kelsey’s five-year deal guarantees a base salary of $2.3 million per season, not counting incentives and other perks. He can earn substantially more in bonuses valued at $1.3 million for various achievements such as winning an ACC championship, getting an NCAA Tournament berth and advancing in the Big Dance.

If he can lead the Cardinals out of the college basketball wilderness and back on a path to national relevance, he will earn every penny and it will look like Louisville got a real bargain.

Heuser Hearing Institute: Celebrating 75 Years of Leadership Helping The Deaf and Hearing Impaired

By: Amy Barnes

Photos By: Matt Johnson

It’s 12:30 pm, and a rambunctiously adorable group of three-andfour-year-olds are gathered inside the cafeteria at Heuser Hearing & Language Academy (formerly known as Louisville Deaf Oral School). They’re wrapping up snack time, smiling, chatting and communicating around a small table in their classroom.

Their teachers signal to the children it’s time for recess. It’s indoors on this particular cold on this rainy almost spring morning. The children attentively listen and line up; some communicate through sign and lip reading; while others communicate with hearing aids and cochlear implants; other children at the school largely have their hearing intact — they could be there in support of a sibling, or for other reasons.

75 years ago, as a result of the vision of two organizations, Heuser

Hearing Institute was formed. It was the seed that sprouted the Institute to grow into a statewide organization serving the state’s population of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The school is part of the larger nonprofit organization, Heuser Hearing Institute, which serves thousands of patients per year for clinical and diagnostic care — both children and adults — or as Education Director Debbie Woods relays, the Institute serves patients “from twinkle to wrinkle.”

The Heuser Team: A Special Connection to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Somewhat unintentional and somehow serendipitous, several of the team members have personal connections to those with disabilities and hearing loss. CEO Brett Bachmann, J.D., LL.M, spent years as an attorney representing parents with special needs children. In addition to both his grandfather and father having suffered from hearing loss, Bachmann also struggles with it, like many aging adults. Debbie’s late daughter, Maddie Makenna Garvue, was deafblind and went through the school. Her research for the best care and education is what led her to move to Louisville. Philanthropy Officer Will Frentz, a former student who has a double cochlear implant, returned to the school that gave him his start; his mission is to help raise funds to benefit others in the community who are experiencing similar struggles. Longtime employer Dr. Ingrid Edwards, Au.D., an audiologist, has been Heuser’s clinical director since 2014, working in speech and mental health.

”Before the pandemic hit, we noticed people that had the initial diagnosis of hearing needed additional services. These services are now provided by an on-staff social worker,” said Bachmann.

The Academy

Heuser Hearing & Language Academy (HHLA), has served our community since 1948. It began through joint sponsorship of the Woman’s Club of Louisville and the Kiwanis Club. Now located inside a 35,000 square-foot building, the school — the first of its kind in Kentucky and a leading model in the US and across the globe — serves over 120 children (ages birth through seven) and their families annually, offering state-of-the art educational instruction through its Parent Infant, Preschool and Kindergarten Programs. The Academy’s staff also work with patients inside Heuser’s Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, through Statewide Technical Assistants Efforts and its Regional Cochlear Implant Program, providing comprehensive hearing services for adults and children (deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and speech/language delayed) on its campus and inside the institute.

In fact, the Institute’s outreach has become so nationally and internationally known, families have moved to Louisville from all across the globe to gain access to its services.

“We’re one of the few nonprofit institutions that offer comprehensive audiology, speech and mental health services — all under one roof — in the region,” said Bachmann, who has served as the Institute’s CEO since 2013.

Adult Services

Heuser Hearing Institute’s adult services are designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals experiencing hearing loss. With a commitment to providing comprehensive care, the institute offers a range of specialized programs aimed at restoring and enhancing auditory function in adults. From advanced diagnostic evaluations to personalized treatment plans, its team of audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals deliver unparalleled expertise and support every step of the way. Whether it’s fitting state-of-the-art hearing aids or exploring innovative rehabilitation techniques, Heuser Hearing Institute prioritizes individualized care to help adults regain confidence and reconnect with the world around them.

“While I am not a doctor of Audiology, my particular hearing loss was due to noise while I was in my 20s,” said Bachmann. “I wish I understood the importance of hearing protection back then, which is why Heuser focuses so much on community outreach and education on preventative care.”

Through counseling, auditory training, and assistive technology, the Institute empowers individuals to navigate everyday challenges and embrace life with renewed vigor. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the Institute improves auditory function and enriches the lives of adults, enabling them to fully engage in conversations, enjoy music, and participate in social activities with newfound clarity and joy.

Not only do Heuser Hearing Institute’s adult services provide crucial support for individuals experiencing hearing loss, it also plays a vital role in sustaining its broader mission, particularly in supporting its children’s school. Payment for adult services contribute directly to the resources needed to maintain and enhance educational programs for children with hearing impairments. The funds support specialized classrooms, cutting-edge technology, and experienced educators who work tirelessly to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially. Thus, by investing in their own auditory health, adults also become champions for the next generation, enabling Heuser Hearing Institute to continue its transformative work in empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing children to reach their full potential.

Partner Agencies and Programs

Throughout the years, Heuser Hearing has developed partnerships with several local and statewide nonprofits and organizations, colleges and businesses. At

press time, Bachmann counts more than 50 in total. They include ATA College of Nursing, Family Health Center, First Steps, Gentiva, KY HEARS, Lou Metro, One MD, Simmons College, Veterans Choice, The Woman’s Club of Louisville, Kosair for Kids, FBI (ear safety program), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Louisville Ballet, Louisville Orchestra, and a fire alarm program for the deaf and hard of hearing, and an ear safety program with the FBI.

“Since the pandemic, I have realized the importance of partnering with community nonprofits. With all the need out there, only together, in unison, can we elevate our community,” said Bachmann.

Heuser Hearing Institute’s 75th Anniversary Comprehensive Campaign

While the Institute and its programs are incredibly successful, more help is needed for the nonprofit to continue to grow, and allow the Institute to see more patients. The main building where medical services are offered — at 100 years old — is in great need of repair and renovation. The school facility requires continuous upgrades to ensure patients receive the greatest medical care and services as technology continues to progress. Finally, Heuser Hearing Institute wants to expand its statewide services further, as it is currently operating at — or even beyond — its current capacity.

“Part of what we do and, the reason we have this campaign, is, we

Education Dircetor Debbie Woods

have so many services under one roof, and we have five other locations — we’re ‘kind of’ a ‘one stop shop’ for all hearing healthcare,” said Bachmann. “In addition to that, for speech delays, we have speech pathology, audiology and mental health — all on our downtown campus, and then we have speech and audiology at our remote sites.”

The Institute also started a program called Kentucky Hears. Heuser now has mobile clinics in 17 Kentucky counties.

“We committed with the state to improve hearing healthcare access and to help close education and hearing healthcare gaps that we see in rural Kentucky,” said Bachmann.

Former VOICE-TRIBUNE columnists and contributors — Society Columnist Carla Sue and husband and former Broadway Series CEO Brad Broecker, along with the late society darling Sue Schusterman — have actively supported the nonprofit. In fact, Carla Sue encouraged Edith and Henry Heuser to lend their name to the Institute; the Heusers gave the initial gift to build the new school in 1999. Building upon this generous donation, Carla and Brad were instrumental in helping to raise additional funds for the Institute.

“While our comprehensive campaign is currently seeking monetary donations for our restoration and renovation, we are also seeking people to donate their time and talents to help us uplift our community,” said Bachmann.

To learn more about Heuser Hearing Institute, visit thehearinginstitute.org, or click the QR code below.

CEO Brett Bachmann with Philanthropist and Board Member Brad Broecker

Soccer Helped Will Frentz Overcome Deafness on His Journey to Success

By: Russ Brown

Photos provided By: Will Frentz

Will Frentz describes his life as being “a lot of ups and downs,” but these days the ups far outnumber the downs after a series of struggles and challenges related to his lack of hearing.

Frentz, 33, was born profoundly deaf in both ears, but has overcome the handicap with the help of his family, the Heuser Hearing and Learning Academy in Louisville and his love for soccer, a sport he has played since childhood and which he credits with enabling his social growth and providing other benefits.

Frentz has undergone three rounds of cochlear implants, beginning at age five, and after an arduous journey from a silent world into a hearing world, can now communicate on a virtually normal level. He is a 1997 graduate of the former Louisville Deaf Oral School (now Heuser Hearing Institute) and a 2002 graduate of Centre College, where he majored in history with a minor in political economics.

With cochlear implants, there is a risk of developing very bad vertigo, but Frentz escaped that threat, and with the third implant in 2019, his ability to hear in various situations improved markedly.

“Technology has really improved my quality of life,” he said. “It helped so much with my ability to hear on the phone and have conversations with people I would have had a harder time understanding, especially if I didn’t know the person well, or people with accents.”

After spending nine years in banking, Frentz joined the fundraising team at Heuser and was recently named Philanthropy Officer. So he has come full circle, returning to where his journey began 30 years ago. His schooling has included speech therapy and sign language, and as you could surmise, his path wasn’t an easy one to navigate.

“I was the only deaf person in elementary and middle school,” Frentz said. “So that was definitely an isolating experience for me, being different from all the other kids with those kinds of issues of just understanding and communicating. But now I’m happy. It’s part of who I am, but it was definitely difficult. I didn’t really participate in group conversations. I could only communicate with people one-on-one until well into middle school, so I was really behind in that aspect. Growing up, I didn’t have any deaf role models at all to look up to.”

Frentz credits his mother, Cynthia, who passed away a year ago, with providing the drive for him to succeed, even to the extent of selling her healthcare business so she could spend more time helping him progress.

“My parents really, really pushed me, my mom especially,

to do well in school, read a lot on my own, helped with my exercises,” he said. “She gave up her career to stay home with me, so she’s definitely my hero for that.”

Heuser was also instrumental in Frentz’s education and development. Formed in 1948 as the Deaf Oral School, it was the first of its kind in Kentucky.

“Thanks to the generosity of the community, it’s been a mainstay for 76 years and helped hundreds and hundreds of kids reach their full potential,” Frentz said. “Kids with hearing loss have so many challenges living in a hearing dominated world that they need all the tools they can get to succeed.”

Soccer, which he began playing at age three, provided another boost and developed into a passion over the years.

“Soccer was a really great way for me to make friends,” Frentz said. “It gave me something in common with other kids. My parents wanted me to be in a mainstream school setting like that and to start figuring out how to make friends with kids who do not have hearing loss. Sports are a natural way to make friends.”

Frentz went on to play soccer at Manual High School and Centre, and with Javanon FC soccer club while also competing with the U.S. Deaf Men’s National Soccer team and later becoming a board member of the non-profit USA Deaf Soccer Association. He served as captain of the national team until retiring several months ago after becoming a world traveler with trips to six countries. He intends to stay involved as an assistant coach and says that at some point he would like to become head coach.

In the meantime, Frentz coaches the soccer teams of his daughters, Josephine, 7, and Hudson, 4. He also conducts regular soccer clinics in the community for kids who have suffered hearing loss, along with children of deaf adults.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “The kids love it, but I get just as much out of it, trying to give back and serve as the deaf adult role model for them that I never had as a kid. So I’ve been blessed. For most of the last 10 years I’ve been focused on training and staying in shape for the national team, but now I’m spending more time with my family [which includes wife Kacie].”

Aside from his coaching and clinic responsibilities, Frentz also gives motivational speeches and has been asked to give more and more talks in his role as a fundraiser at Heuser.

“That’s been an enjoyable experience, just stepping out of my comfort zone,” he said. “For a long time I was very self-conscious about the clarity of my speech in front of an audience. So that’s been a new challenge for me. But I like challenges and I’ve grown stronger because of the challenges I’ve gone through.”

“You can get overwhelmed, but I always try to keep a good outlook, as you can tell from what I’ve done. And that’s just a little bit of it. I’ve never let anything stand in my way of doing what I wanted to do. I was just going to do it. That’s the only way you can handle it. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something. Just get it done.”

That’s the Will Frentz way, and he can certainly serve as a role model and an inspiration not only to deaf children, but to anyone facing difficult challenges.

LouCity FC “Boys in Purple” Are Hungry for a “Bounce Back” Season

By: Russ Brown

Photos provided by: Louisville City FC

Welcome to Louisville FC Soccer Club’s “bounce back” season, as the organization has proclaimed its 10th anniversary 2024 campaign. Although it managed to advance to its ninth straight trip to the USL conference final, Louisville City FC (LouCity) lost 12 of its 34 regular season games and finished fifth in the Eastern Conference, both club “worsts.”

To try to avoid a repeat, LouCity’s roster has undergone what has been referred to as a “generational shift” from the one that carried the club to league championships in 2017 and 2018. Only three players remain from those days — Niall McCabe, Brian Ownby and Sean Totsch — and Ownby is out for the season with a leg injury.

When LouCity opened the season on March 16 with a 1-0 victory over host El Paso Locomotive FC, there were six new players in the starting lineup following a very busy offseason, during which third-year manager Danny Cruz went after top players he feels are still motivated and intent on winning a title.

They include two All-League First Team performers from 2023 in Arturo Ordonez (Pittsburgh Riverhounds) and Taylor Davila (Rio Grande Valley FC). Adrien Perez signed after enjoying the best season of his career with San Diego Loyal, which folded after the 2023 season, and Sam Gleadle came in as a rare paid transfer after getting five goals and six assists for Monterey Bay FC. They joined a core of talented returning players headed by striker Wilson Harris, who scored nine goals last year. Also back are Dylan Mares, Ray Serrano, Jorge Gonzalez and defenders Kyle Adams and Wes Charpie.

“Estopinal End” - Supportors zone - Lynn Family Stadium In honor of Wayne Estopinal who helped start the club

“We feel really good about the group of players we brought in,” Cruz says. “It was important that we brought in the right people that we believe fit into the culture and have the right mentality. Yes, we brought in a couple of guys that are all-league, but more importantly than that, these are guys that are hungry. They are good players who have had success in the league individually, but haven’t won anything. These are guys that are not content with an all-league selection. They came here to win a trophy. Also, through the interview process, they are people we wanted in our locker room. We’re confident in the group we have, and how they have come together.”

LouCity certainly needed an influx of new blood with the departure of all-time leading scorer Cameron Lancaster and longtime captain Paolo DelPiccolo, who retired to assume coaching duties with the club.

Then the team absorbed another serious blow when Ownby, its star forward, suffered a leg injury in the final preseason game and under-

Wilson Harris (14) (Forward)

went surgery that will keep him sidelined all year. Ownby, 33, was coming off a 2023 campaign when he led the club in chances created (47) and assists (5) while also scoring for goals. He is LouCity’s all-time assists leader with 37 and was set to captain the team this season.

“We’re really disappointed for him,” Cruz said. “He came in the most fit I’ve seen him in my entire time here. He was going to lead the group this year and he took a lot of pride in that. He brought the locker room together and there’s still going to be a role for him on a daily basis as he continues to lead in a different way.”

The blend of returning players and newcomers has worked well in the early stages of the season. LouCity matched the best start in its history at 4-0 before falling at Charleston Battery 3-2. They’ll get a chance to avenge that defeat when Charleston visits Lynn Family Stadium on Aug. 17.

Ordonez, a former star at the University of Pittsburgh who was named USL Defender of the Year last season with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Pittsburgh conceded an Eastern Conference low of 29 goals, with Ordonez numbering 239 recoveries and 106 aerial duels won. He said that signing with LouCity was appealing because of its history of success and the opportunity it provided him to improve his game and compete for a championship.

“For me it was a challenge to come here and be part of that winning culture that has been set for the past 10 years,” Ordonez said. “I’m at a point in my career where I’m in my prime and I want to keep growing and reach my highest level, and I felt that coming here with the staff and the players returning was the perfect setup for me.”

LouCity is favored to win the Eastern Conference this season, but Ordonez says that is irrelevant because the standards are always high among the Boys in Purple.

“Our expectations and standards we set for ourselves are so high we don’t even look at those (predictions),” he said. “We already know our goals and our objectives and we don’t even have to talk about it. Coming into this season, you strive and you want to win everything you play for. We want to win it all and bring another star to the team.

“I feel the culture within this group, thanks to the returning players but also the new players, is great. We are all very, very hungry. The new guys are very humble and from day one they wanted to show their value by working hard and not taking anything for granted.”

Gleadle said he’s glad to be in Louisville, even though he had to leave Southern California’s sunny beaches for the “lot less attractive” and weather-challenged banks of the Ohio River.

“Honestly, you heard stuff about facilities here and how the club’s standards are very high,” he said. “It’s definitely met and exceeded those. This is basically an MLS club here at this level. So it’s an honor to be here. It’s a great place to work and compete every day. I think our vibe is that we want to add another piece, another chapter to the history. We’ve gelled really quickly already, so I look forward to continuing to grow as a group.”

LouCity’s next home game will be on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. against Orange County SC. After that, there will be 26 games remaining on the 34-game regular season schedule, 12 of them in Lynn Family Stadium. Season, group and premium tickets can be obtained on LouCity.com/tickets or by calling (502) LOU-CITY (568-2489).

REMAINING LOUISVILLE CITY FC HOME SCHEDULE

May 11: Orange County SC, 7:30 pm

May 29: Detroit City FC, 7:30 pm

June 8: North Carolina FC, 8pm

June 22: Rhode Island FC, 8pm

July 19: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 8pm

July 27: Monterey Bay FC, 8pm

Aug. 10: Sacramento Republic FC, 9pm

Aug. 17: Charleston Battery, 9pm

Sept. 6: Loudoun United FC, 7:30pm

Sept. 28: Memphis 901 FC, 7:30pm

Oct. 2: Miami FC, 7:30pm

Oct. 12: Tampa Bay Rowdies, 7:30pm

Oct. 26: Phoenix Rising FC, 7:30pm

Niall McCabe (11) (Midfielder)

Lynn Family Stadium Waterfront Supporters Zone

On the base paths with Blake Dunn, looking for bases and looking for runs.

And Then One Summer, the Prospects came to Louisville, and Bats Manager Kelly Sent them on their Way –

By: Bill Doolittle

Photos By: Louisville Bats

Louisville Bats manager Pat Kelly takes his regular spot at the home plate end of the Bats dugout at Louisville Slugger Field. He’s the big guy, No. 33, barrel chested, powerful arms – standing tall and resting his old catcher’s hands on the top rail of the dugout fence. Taking in the game. A word to a player headed to the plate, an instruction to an infielder. Maybe a little help for the umpire – you know, when the need arises. But mostly seeing everything. Knowing what to do. Looking every bit the part of manager of a professional baseball team.

to the Big Leagues

Louisville manger Pat Kelly is nearing his 2,000th win, and looking looking another big Bats season.

This is Kelly’s 25th year as a minor league manager. A former player, with just a cup of coffee in the big leagues, but a long career coaching and managing minor league ball teams. From Billings, in the Pioneer League, to Reno and Rockford and Richmond. North to Ottawa. South to Pensacola. Now nicely ensconced at Triple A level Louisville – where he is greatly appreciated by fans, and highly valued in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Which, by the way, is going pretty good right now. It’s Kelly’s job to mold the talent coming up through the organization and send them on to the majors. That happened perfectly last season, as no less than six young prospects arrived in Louisville, set the club on fire, and went right on to the majors, shooting a lightning bolt charge through the Reds. It was the first winning season for the Bats in a decade, and almost the only one for Cincinnati in even longer. Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and more. They hit, they fielded, and they blazed over the basepaths at Slugger Field and Great American Ballpark. The crew, famously led by shortstop sensation Elly De La Cruz, caught baseball’s eye when they arrived in Louisville, and kept everyone mesmerized in Cincinnati. And nobody loved it more than Kelly.

“It was just a magical year,” says Kelly. “McLain started with us, but then we got De La Cruz, Marte, Abbott … they just kept coming, and then they left us, and they never missed a beat. It’s just a fantastic thing to watch, and probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing. All those guys who came through here, they’re going to be up there for a while, which is really exciting.”

And, Kelly says, the talent may keep coming. The Bats presently have a few new players, with more at Cincinnati’s Double-A team in Chattanooga, and some just coming into the game at Single A Dayton. No. 1 draft pick Rhett Lowder, a right-handed pitcher out of Wake Forest, for example, is just getting started at Dayton, but could rise quickly.

“The talent in Chattanooga is pitching,” says Kelly. “There’s some really good arms, that as the summer goes along, we’ll probably see. And they’re very close to helping in Cincinnati.”

The death (hopefully) of the manly strikeout

As the season begins, Louisville pitchers have done well, particularly relievers, keeping the games close for Bats batsmen to put together winning rallies.

“I just think we’re different this season,” says Kelly. “Last year we had tremendous hitting. We just tried to outscore everybody.”

Which made for a raft of 13-2 games – some 13-2 winning, some 13-2 losing. In 2024, the scores are closer. The games tighter. The other day the Bats won one on a wild pitch in the 10th inning. A close, tense game. Won suddenly.

“I want to see how it all plays out,” says Kelly. “Last year we set all kinds of offensive records, but I don’t think we have the same offense right now. So, we may have to play a little ‘small ball,’ which I think is the way the game is going, anyway.”

“Small ball” is the baseball art of “manufacturing runs” – carving out a run at a time. Less home runs and less manly strikeouts. More putting plays on and stealing bases.

Kelly says the trend began last year and spread through the International League. “More stolen bases. More bunts. I think the game is adapting.”

Toss in a few double plays and runners getting thrown out at the plate, and the game contains more action for fans. Less strikeouts by medium-frame men trying to hit monster-sized home runs.

Perseverance

A faster game will be fine with Louisville Bats outfielder Blake Dunn, who has speed – and knows how to use it.

“I want to do something every single day that’s going to help us win,” says the blond-bearded outfielder from Saugatuck, Michigan. “It’s tough in baseball, you’re not going to get a hit every single day. But my goal is to compete in the (batters) box. Fight as long as I can. I hate striking out.”

The Bats next Dog Day at the Ballpark is May 9.

— Bill Doolittle Photo

“But I also know that I can help win on the defensive end,” Dunn adds. “Take away as many hits and runs as I can with my speed and glove. Win some games by getting walks, stealing bases, scoring runs.” It was Blake who raced home to win that 10th-inning game on a wild pitch.

Last year, the Cincinnati Reds led the majors with 190 stolen bases, and through the first month of 2024 continue to lead in steals.

“That’s kind of what our organization preaches,” says Dunn. “We want to be aggressive. We want to steal bases.”

So far, the Bats haven’t stolen that many. But they’ve gotten good hitting from outfielder Conner Capel, second baseman Levi Jordan and designated hitter Mike Ford to put some runs on the board. And the pitching has been steady.

Which could be enough for a baseball-wise skipper like Kelly. At 68, he’s fourth among active minor league managers in victories, beginning the season with 1,955 wins. Sometime this summer he’ll reach 2,000.

“It’ll be a fun accomplishment, and I like round numbers,” Kelly says with a laugh. “But I think it shows perseverance, which I’ve always preached to players. Just to be involved in that many games, it shows how much perseverance means, and what the game is all about.”

Take me out to the ballgame!

The Bats generally play at home for a week, then away a week -- Tuesday through Sunday in the International League schedule. Louisville’s first home series in May is with Indianapolis, May 7-12.

The next Dog Day at the Park is Thursday, May 9, gametime 6:30 pm. Tickets purchased online at batsbaseball.com are $10 per human, $3 for dog – with the $3 donated to the Kentucky Humane Society.

The Brave New World of Balls and Strikes – and Don’t be Arguing!

By: Bill Doolittle

Photos By: Louisville Bats

The big news in major league baseball has been the adoption of a pitching clock, which forces batters to stay in the batters’ box instead of preening around outside it – and pitchers have 20 seconds to deliver the next pitch. The clock has lopped a full half hour, on average, off every major league game. And last year there was not a single game that lasted four hours.

Great news. But it’s Old News in minor league baseball, where the pitch clock was pioneered.

Today, the big changes coming are in umpiring, with the Louisville Bats and other AAA teams now testing an electronic system of calling balls and strikes. Two systems, actually.

Billy Rappaport, a producer of the Kentucky Derby and Olympic Games for NBC, is also a baseball fan with box seats on the first row at Louisville Slugger Field, right next to the Bats dugout. So he’s a close-up witness to the Brave New World of electronic umpiring.

“It’s only balls and strikes,” says Rappaport. “We’re not talking about plays safe or out at the plate or anything like that. Just balls and strikes.”

“Basically, you’ve got two scenarios,” Rappaport explains. “They’re taking every home stand and splitting it in half. So, the first half of the week — Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday — it’s all ABS — Automatic Balls and Strikes. They’ve got cameras set up all around the field that configure the strike box. The pitch comes in and the cameras see if it’s a ball or a strike — and automatically the umpire hears ‘ball’ or ‘strike’ in his earbud. An electronic voice. If he hears strike, he calls strike. If it’s a ball he may call ball, or might say nothing, the way some umpires like to do. But it’s all automatic. And there’s no ‘chirping’ from the dugouts. No arguments from the players. There’s nothing but ‘play ball,’ and the umpire is sort of taken out of the mix.”

“So, the umpire is just a functionary,” continues Rappaport. “He’s just communicating what he’s being told in his ear. And it’s all electronic.”

That’s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they go to the other system.

In this system the umpire calls balls and strikes the old fashioned way. But each team has three challenges it may use during the game to get a second opinion on the umpire’s calls. With the second opinion made by the electronic camera. But that’s only when there’s a challenge.

“So let’s say you don’t like the call,” says Rappaport. “There’s only three people who can challenge: the batter, the catcher or the pitcher. They signal that challenge by putting a hand on their cap. If you get the challenge right, the challenge doesn’t count against you. You could do it thirty times if you keep getting it right. But if you get it wrong, you lose. And so, at the end, if you’re out of challenges there’s nothing you can do.”

Louisville Bats catcher Michael Trautwein likes that manager Pat Kelly mostly leaves it to him about calling a challenge.

“We have the best view of it back there (in the catcher’s box behind home

Louisville Catcher Michael Trautwein hits left, throws right, and has the call on balls and strikes challenges.

plate),” the catcher says. “I’ve missed some, I’ve gotten some. I’m still learning the zone and getting a feel for it.”

The main thing, says Trautwein, is, “you try to use ‘em in big spots. Or early in the game to stop a team building a big lead. Mostly you try to save the challenges for late in the game: close games, runners in scoring position, two outs, strikeout pitches. That’s when I try to use the challenges. To utilize them.”

“You gotta look at the challenges like they do in football,” says Rappaport. “It’s a card you can turn over, or not turn over.”

Which system does he like best?

“Well, I like a good rhubarb as much as anybody, but the ABS keeps the game moving, without all the stuff – and I think that’s good,” says TV producer Rappaport. “Fans today accept the precision of the electronics, and they’re not there to see a game go five hours.

“But there’s a bit of an art to the challenges, and I like that, too,” he adds. “The best thing about the challenge is that it’s resolved quickly. Not like those endless replay videos that drag out forever. Ball or strike. Play ball!”

Louisville Bats hitter Hernan Perez touches his hat to challenge a called strike. Two pitches later ...

Scan QR code to see video!

Rowing on the River 502 Dragon Boat

By: VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos provided by: 502 Dragon Boat

502 Dragon Boat Executive Director Eryn Kelleher always enjoyed spending time around the water. A Florida native, she says she “basically learned how to swim as [she] learned how to walk.” Below, Kelleher shares her journey to her role on the river with VOICE-TRIBUNE, including how it came full circle, and how her passion turned into sharing this sport that benefits team building, social and mental health, in addition to physical fitness.

Tell us how you got into rowing or other related sports that led to this passion. “My first official job was being a lifeguard, and I was on a swimming and diving team from ages 4-13. As I’ve matured, grown my career, and become a mom, life’s responsibilities did not keep me waterside! It was definitely one of those things that I didn’t realize how much I missed, until it all came rushing back in a new form of dragon boating.”

“I started with Dragon Boat in 2014 — 10 years ago, which blows my mind! I came on board by chance, when I volunteered my services to help promote and organize a dragon boat festival here in Louisville. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, but was very intrigued by this unique ancient sport. When I finally got to experience the rush and exhilarating adventure of being on the water, working together with 20 other people, it was truly a life changing event!”

“At the time I started with Dragon Boat, I was also a new mom to sweet baby twin boys! There’s nothing I love more in this life than being their mom, but it was definitely a ‘challenging’ time trying to figure out how to manage nurturing them, every other part of my life, and myself. I found it nearly impossible to carve out any ‘me time’ to care for myself in a way that didn’t seem urgent or necessary, because everything else was! Dragon Boat really helped me through this transformative time, and made way to a very happy and healthier path for myself and others.”

“Since dragon boat was ‘work’...I had to be there. Luckily, I felt very blessed that I really wanted to be there too! I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet so many kind and inspiring people in our weekly community practices. It was work, and a workout that didn’t feel like it! When I go to Dragon Boat I feel like I’m meeting up with an awesome group of friends for an adventure every weekend!”

“I’ll always be grateful for Dragon Boat and the way it helped me physically, mentally, socially, and deeply in my soul.”

When did you decide you would turn your love for rowing into a full-time business?

“This is my passion project, and always will be. I decided from that first year, I will always want to work in organizing and promoting dragon boat communities and events. There are just so many benefits that it provides to individuals and communities at large! My favorite parts are that, first, anyone can do it! Dragon boating is a sport that is practiced from youth leagues to the very thriving and exciting international senior groups. All fitness levels can participate and enjoy being on the boat. You can join a team, and make it whatever you want — Social and fun, or traveling with competitive crews.”

“Secondly, It is all about the teamwork! That really is what does it for me. I love time spent together, in these serene moments on the water, and it is all about unity. It doesn’t matter how many muscles you have, or how fast you can paddle, unless you work TOGETHER. Which is a little harder than it sounds, but I always like to tell people during intro sessions ‘as long as your paddle is hitting the water at the same time as everyone else, you’re doing a great job!’”

At what point did you make the decision to create your business as a nonprofit?

“502 Dragon Boat Community was formed in 2020 by avid dragon boat enthusiasts, and supporters that wanted to take our vision to the next level. Beyond events, we wanted to provide community services with weekly sessions, training programs, and healthy activities.”

Describe your approach toward team building and healthy initiatives.

“Team building truly is the core of this sport. I’ve worked with groups from high school sports teams to corporate and doctor’s offices who come out to try dragon boating. I love to see, for example, all roles of the office finding new ways to communicate and cooperate to propel this giant 40-ft.-long watercraft. It’s so rewarding to witness, everytime, on so many levels.”

“Dragon Boat is obviously oriented towards physical health. It is an excellent full body workout, not just your arms! Paddlers use their core mostly, plus their arms, even their legs in their best form.”

“Dragon Boat also is also really great for social and mental health. Spending time on the water with friends is such a treat that I wish for everyone to enjoy!”

Share with our readers the experience of a first-time session.

“If people want to give Dragon Boat a try we offer weekly open to the public introductory sessions for anyone ages 12+. They are held every Saturday, and we host as many as we can! If sessions fill up, we add more.”

“These sessions are designed for beginners, and all fitness levels are welcome! We provide all the equipment we have: the boat, lifejackets, paddles, and water. Quick dry materials, and water shoes are recommended but not required. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable working out in and would not mind getting wet! No, that doesn’t mean we’ll be going in the water, but you may get splashed.”

“Our intro sessions are held on a nice, calm channel that is off of the main part of the Ohio River. It is a ‘no wake zone.’ which means motorized boats have to go super slow, and we have land near us on both sides of the inlet. As far as locations go, this is a very safe spot to try getting on the water! We share the channel with the Community Boathouse, UofL Rowing, and LMPD station.”

“The first session is usually for people to get comfortable being in the boat and on the water. It’s a very beautiful and exciting outing that many people enjoy with their family and especially teenagers during the summer. Very family friendly and effortless activity to plan!”

Tell us about the competitive side of your organization.

“If paddlers do want to take it up a notch though, we definitely go there! We also offer weekly advanced training on Thursday evenings, and have a very strong and dedicated group of paddlers that form our competitive travel team — 502 Dragon Envy. They competed in KY, and Nashville last year. Some of our members even traveled with other teams to places like Florida, and Canada. The world really is your oyster with Dragon Boat! You can truly take it as far as you want, for the span of your life; It’s such a wonderful worldwide community that I’ll be forever grateful to be a part of eternally.”

I like to think I will Not Stop:

A Q&A with Tori Murden McClure

By: Kevin Murphy Wilson

Photos provided by: Tori Murden McClure

We recently caught up with Tori Murden McClure, a local hero known for her many challenging roles: chaplain, lawyer, and university administrator among them. McClure ultimately secured her place in history (as evidenced by her popular exhibit in Louisville’s Frazier History Museum) with her daring escapades as an athlete and adventurer. She insists that, in spite of all the danger, these experiences were really all about reminding herself (and the rest of us) that “love and friendship are the things that make our humanity bearable.”

How in the world did you prepare yourself for scaling Lewis Nunatuck summit in Antarctica or your epic and now legendary Atlantic ocean crossing?

“I was in Divinity School, at Harvard, when I decided to ski across Antarctica to the geographic South Pole. I trained on roller skis, skiing about 20-miles a day on the bicycle paths along the Charles River.”

“In 1992, I tried out for the US Olympic Team as a rower. I did not make the team. I was too slow. I had an automobile accident on the way to the Olympic Trials, broke two ribs, and chipped my tibia, but I would have been too slow even without the accident. I was not fast enough to race at the Olympics, but I could go forever. I just picked a longer racecourse.”

Were there any particularly harrowing moments when you thought, “How did I get myself into this?” during your many adventures?

“There have been dozens of harrowing moments. The most life-threatening was tossing through Hurricane Danielle in a 23-foot rowboat.”

Was your connection with Muhammad Ali an impactful one for you personally?

“I do not know anyone who spent significant time with Muhammad Ali who was not changed by the experience. After Hurricane Danielle, Muhammad asked me, ‘Were there times [out on the ocean], when you wondered, why am I here?’ I answered, ‘Were there times in the boxing ring when you wondered, why am I here?’ Muhammad just laughed. We both laughed. ‘Why am I here?’ is a close cousin to ‘How did I get myself into this?’”

As someone still very much alive and well and active, did it seem somewhat surreal to be included in the Frazier History Museum?

“Yes, it is surreal. Almost as surreal as watching a musical based on one’s life. Two amazingly gifted artists, Dawn Landes and Daniel Goldstein, wrote a musical based on my book, A Pearl in the Storm. The show is titled, ‘Row.’ It is smart, funny, and extraordinarily faithful to my book. There have been moments, in this past year, when I wanted to vent my temper. What stops me is that I do not want to do anything that might bring shame to the writers of ‘Row.’ They have worked too hard for me to give into being small.

Spalding University has been greatly reinvigorated since you first took the helm of that historic institution. What comes next for you now that your time as President is winding down?

“I am proud of the twenty-five years I have spent in service to Spalding University, fourteen as the President. I am not sure what is next. There are some short-term ambitions: build a small sailboat and learn how to sail it. I would like to learn how to weld. I expect that in a few short months, I will be looking for another challenging job. I am a firm believer in the Biblical passage from Luke, ‘To whom much is given, much shall be expected.’ I think I am still searching for ways to improve our community, and I like to think I will not stop.”

“Even though rowers make progress by facing backwards, I am not genuinely wired to look at how far I have come. When I consider my childhood, I feel lucky to have traveled in a positive direction. However, when I consider all the problems that I have not been able to solve, all the people I have not been able to help, I see only the distance we have left to travel. There is much work left to be done. I hope my legacy is that I did my part or that I never stopped trying.”

EthanAlmighty: From Rescue to Advocate

By: VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by: Matt Johnson

We recently shared the story of EthanAlmighty, a local animal shelter rescue rescue who was dropped off at the main facility at close to 30 pounds and starving. His owner, Jeff Callaway — previously a director of facilities at the organization — adopted Ethan and nurtured him into the healthy, 130-pound dog he is today.

On the heels of his rescue, Ethan and Callaway quickly gained followers on social media, garnering national attention and becoming one of the best-known and honored dogs in the country. Following this success, Ethan was named Humane National Shelter Hero Dog of the Year in 2022. Governor Andy Beshear named January, “EthanAlmighty Shelter Animal Awareness Month.” The amount of accolades the pair has received is numerous.

VOICE-TRIBUNE recently caught up with Callaway, who is often on the road with Ethan advocating for legislative change in their work in promoting awareness of animal abuse. Below, Callaway relays his most recent updates to our readers.

You and Ethan were recently successful in getting Ethan’s Law (HB 258) passed. What was it like taking Ethan to the capital to advocate for legislation?

“Getting HB 258 passed was years in the making. For several years it wasn’t called at all. Then it was called but not voted on. Before the 2023 session, the bill got a complete rewrite and was vetted through some influential organizations like Protect the Harvest, the Houndsmen and Farm Bureau. In 2023, it was called in the house and passed 92-6. Ethan and I were lucky enough to be there to see it pass that year. We had watched the

house many days that session and were excited to see it moving to the Senate. Unfortunately, the writing was on the wall when it was not assigned to a committee in the Senate. More work needed to be done. So in the summer of 2023, we spent many days scheduling and meeting with Senators to talk about the bill. What they liked, what they didn’t. What would they change? One of the most important things we did was reach out to Representative Susan Tyler Witten about being the sponsor. Susan and I testified to the House Judiciary Committee where it passed and was brought to the House floor for a vote and passed there several days later 79-9.”

“A week or so later we went to testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it also passed out of committee. It had never gotten this far and we were so excited. More days of following the bill in the senate until the day it was to be called for a vote. We arrived early to get the best seat. It was a long day but eventual-

ly HB 258 was called. After some spirited debate opposing the bill and two floor amendments being withdrawn and two others being voted down, it was voted on and finally, Ethan’s Law had passed 31-5. It was an incredible day for cats and dogs in Kentucky.”

“To be a part of passing animal welfare legislation, in a state like Kentucky is unbelievable. To have Ethan’s name attached to it is truly the most amazing thing he has accomplished to this point. To go from a parking lot, left to die, just three years ago, to having a law named in his honor that will help cats and dogs survive and punish the people that commit these crimes, like the very atrocities that were committed against him is really quite remarkable.”

Can you share the news with our readers on the upcoming film?

“The Ethan movie will be called EthanAlmighty, One dog…and one kind act changed the world. It is being produced and screenwritten by Tane McClure films. It is in pre-production with the screenplay being finished soon. The majority will be filmed in Kentucky. I’m so excited about getting Ethan’s story on the big screen and being able to tell his journey to people around the world. I think the heart of this movie touches every single person. Filming should begin by early fall.”

Ethan’s Foundation recently partnered with Shirley’s Way. Could you tell us a little about each of the nonprofits, and the details of your partnership? “Ethan’s Foundation, EthanAlmighty’s Blessings, has partnered with Shirley’s Way to create Furever Friends. We will help animals in our community with so many things. From helping to pay vet bills to helping provide pet food or assist with spay/neuter and microchipping. I want to highlight different people, organizations or animals in our community that are making a positive impact. These are two great organizations teaming up to help as many animals and people in our community as possible.”

Finally, you and Ethan seem to spend 24/7 side by side. Tell us about the day-to-day, and what the routine (home and travel) look like. How do you both unwind?

“Ethan goes with me everywhere I go. We attend so many events and functions in the community. Anywhere we are asked to attend in order to raise awareness or spotlight a cause, we always participate. Ethan loves to ride in the car and even flys with me to different events in other parts of the country. We spend downtime walking through our neighborhood or through local parks. We are season ticket holders and enjoy relaxing and having fun at all the LouCity FC soccer matches.”

By Lisa Hornung • Photograhy by Matt Johnson

A day at a botanical garden can be relaxing, energizing, and restorative. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood, Ky., offers this chance and more.

Yew Dell’s origins were in 1941 when Theodore and Martha Lee Klein bought property to start their small farm and raise their family. They also began what was to become a very successful ornamental plant nursery, originally focusing on yews and hollies. Theodore Klein was an avid plant collector who traveled the world looking for unique plants to test in Kentucky. Those that did well made their way into the nursery.

Now, the property is managed by a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “spark a passion for plants and gardening through accessible science and inspiring beauty,” said Manda Barger, Yew Dell’s public relations and marketing manager. “Visitors can find inspiration in several ways at Yew Dell, from our display garden beds to our trails in the woodlands to the Fairy Forest,” Barger said. “Volunteers every year create these fantastic little magical fairy houses and it continues to grow.”

The fairy forest is truly magical, Barger said. “We also have a mailbox out there that everyone has used to send letters to fairies. We’ve seen a 2-year-old doodle on a sheet of paper to a 70-year-old asking the fairies for help. Being able to take in that experience is just really soul-inspiring.”

Getting in touch with nature is a benefit of visiting Yew Dell. “Especially since we’ve installed the Reflection Lake, more native wildlife has been coming back to that area. We’re getting a lot more birders out here seeing that,” Barger said. “The lake collects runoff, and we pump it to help water the nursery as we look for more sustainable ways to garden.”

There are also more than a dozen display gardens designed each season by Garden and Arboretum Manager Sayde Heckman. They showcase beautiful plants that do well in Kentucky’s climate. “Sayde’s goal out of that is showing what plants can do and how cool plants can be in exciting the senses, whether it’s from a color aspect to a sensory aspect to smell or, ‘I’ve never seen this kind of thing before.’ Then taking that spark of plants home with you,” Barger said. “And we match that with our plant market and nursery. These are plants that have gone through our horticulture staff to know what’s the best. Most plants have been on the Yew Dell property for at least a year, if not several years, before we put it in the nursery for people to try at home.”

For those interested in man-made structures, the architecture of Yew Dell is unique. All the older buildings were designed and built by Theodore Klein himself. He built the Klein House and several other structures, including the Klein Castle, which was originally meant to be a pool house. Newer buildings have been built with the help of de Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop and won awards.

Some of the trees in the arboretum were planted by Klein in the 1950s and ‘60s. “So, you’re getting to see them at and older form when they’re just now hitting nursery markets,” Barger said. “You’re getting to see 40-year-old specific cultivars of a redbud that you normally don’t get to see.”

When you bring your family to Yew Dell, be sure to visit Martha Lee’s Kitchen, the on-site cafe that serves delicious seasonal food.

Visitors can bring their dogs on most Sundays for Hounds on the Grounds, but check the website to be sure because some special events mean that the hounds need to stay at home.

Admission is free for members. Non-member admission to Yew Dell is $9; seniors 65 and older and ages 6-17 get in for $5. Children 5 and younger get in free. Veterans and active and retired military personnel get in free with ID.

Visit YewDellGardnes.org for more information.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

Photos by Matt Johnson

WHAT DOES INCREASING NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEBT MEAN FOR THE U.S. AND THE WORLD?

AN APOCRYPHAL WORLD WAR II-ERA QUOTE CREDITED TO A GERMAN TIGER I TANK COMMANDER SAYS, “I COULD ALWAYS TAKE OUT 10 AMERICAN TANKS, BUT THEY HAD 11.” IT MEANT THAT NO MATTER THE COMMANDER’S SUCCESS, AMERICA’S SUPERIOR NUMBER OF TANKS WON THE WAR.

One of the primary reasons the Allies and Americans won World War II was because of the economic strength of the United States. How did our debt level help us in 1944? And how does our country’s debt impact families in 2024? Today, our debt is a staggering $34.6 trillion, or $266,950 per U.S. taxpayer — and it is rising every day.

A strong economy made America a world power. America had production power and had borrowing capacity based upon the American economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). GDP is the measurement of all the goods and services produced by every American corporation and individual.

A strong economy and strong military are history’s hallmarks for great nations and world powers. The United States did not have better weapons than its enemies in World War II. It just could produce more weapons.

Prior to World War II and after the Great Depression, America’s national debt had reached one of its highest points at $40.44 billion, or 44% of GDP, in 1934. This means in 1934, America had approximately $40.44 billion of U.S. Treasury debt compared to GDP, which equaled $91.9 billion. By the end of WWII, this level of debt increased to its then all-time record of $241.86 billion or 113% of GDP.

World War II is arguably one of the greatest disasters the world ever

faced. The world was on the brink of becoming ruled by fascist and totalitarian governments. America was there to meet the challenge and sustain a world with freedom and democracy.

The United States’ current debt level — and where it should be.

Post-World War II, the U.S. reduced its debt to a GDP level at 33% by 2001. This is a healthy level of debt and sustained America as one of the top economic powers, according to an article in The Atlantic.

After the Great Recession and the global Covid-19 pandemic, as of January 2024, America’s national debt has ballooned to over $34 trillion, or 123% GDP. America’s debt, on a ratio basis, has surpassed the post-WWII level. America is on track to spend $870 billion on interest payments this year, more than the $822 billion the nation will spend on the defense budget.

According to the Committee for Economic Development, America should carry a debt level no greater than 70% of GDP. The European Union recommends that European countries carry a level no greater than 60% of GDP.

What to expect for the future.

What does this mean for the U.S. and the world? It means that America has significant limitations on its capacity to help the world in global disasters and conflicts, putting into question the United States’ ability to thwart regional, let alone global, conflicts. Domestically, it means

we may need to apply additional resources to support the military, which means significant reductions in social security, education and other fundamental pillars of society. The U.S. will simply be strained for money.

Recently many financial CEOs from the world’s largest banks have recognized this issue as America’s greatest risk. A crisis could be upon us, and if we do not make changes within the next decade, many pillars of our society could vanish.

Back to the number of $266,950 in debt per U.S. taxpayer — while locally, we may feel we have little direct say that affects national-level decisions, it is here in our communities that we see the health of our economy on display daily. Our economy is driven by the spending decisions we make in our neighborhoods and the cities we live in. Positive change often begins with small ideas that grow.

Independence Bank has been helping small businesses grow for decades. Committed to local and family-owned businesses is how we impact the economy and serve throughout Kentucky. As we navigate the changing economic landscape together, we invite you to stop in and see us today. You can find us at our St. Matthews location at 3901 Shelbyville Road or online at 1776bank.com.

Louis R. Straub, II President Loan Officer Independence Bank

Celebrating Generations at Milestone

By: Alison Cardoza

Photos By: Matt Johnson

Sponsored Content

In the month of May, we acknowledge and celebrate the most important women in the world to us- the woman that brought us into this world. Sonia, Shannon, and Cidney are all members at Milestone Wellness Center. These three women share a special bond together as family. Sonia, age 70, the mother of Shannon and grandmother to Cidney, has been a member at Milestone for over a year now.

Sonia enjoys the water aerobic classes we offer at Milestone. Her daughter, Shannon encouraged Sonia and Cidney to take the Interval Inferno class, taught on land by Rebecca Wine, and they loved it! “I never would have taken that class on my own. I have to modify a lot of the exercises and use lighter weights than most participants, but my goal is to eventually be able to do the entire class without modifications. I have high blood pressure and kidney disease, so I have to avoid sodium. I seldom eat food that I have not prepared myself. I also try to eat whole food, plant-based, and avoid animal products. I do like to occasionally grab lunch at Milestone Cafe. I enjoy their vegetable soup, veggie wrap, and black bean burgers,” says Sonia.

We asked Shannon what piece of advice she would give to others that are getting started on their fitness journey and her response was inspiring. “The piece of advice I would give others is to just do it. Stop making excuses for why you cannot get healthy or in shape and take the necessary steps to start. I would also suggest that you share your journey with others, including your accomplishments and setbacks. Being able to share your journey, knowing there are people who support you, and that you are not alone in your journey makes it easier and more fun. Everyone has setbacks and when you do, just acknowledge you got off track, and then take the steps to get back on. There have been times when I have not felt like going to workout or attending a class that I normally do, but then when I find out my mom or daughter wants to go, and I will find myself at the gym. In the end, I am glad that I went, because I feel better and happier afterwards, plus I get to spend time with people who mean the world to me,” says Shannon.

We want everyone to feel welcome at Baptist Milestone. Even if you are not related like these three, we want to welcome you to our Milestone family. We care about your health and wellness and want to see YOU succeed in life.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.

Sonia, Shannon, and Cidney enjoy walking the indoor track at Baptist Milestone for cardiovascular endurance.

Sonia, Shannon, and Cidney take their cardio exercise outdoors to release endorphins and get a natural source of vitamin D.

Kentucky Select’s Whitney Bianchi Loves Helping New Louisvillians and Locals

By: Lisa Hornung

Photos By: Matt Johnson

Sponsored Content

While living in Houston, Texas with her family, Whitney Bianchi decided a career change from healthcare consulting to real estate was right for her. A friend was building a real estate team, and she joined, not only gaining mentorship and establishing connections but unknowingly growing an opportunity that would lead to something greater.

When her family moved back to Louisville for her husband’s job, luckily, it was where Bianchi had wanted to live all along. “I always planned on dragging him back at some point,” she said. “And we’ve just been so happy to be back. Louisville is my favorite place. I think it’s the best of all the worlds. You kind of get, you know, the amenities of a bigger city in terms of restaurants and music, culture, art, but you are not stuck in traffic, like in Houston. Everything is very accessible.”

“I didn’t have children when I lived in Louisville before,” Bianchi said. “We had our son (Leo, 5) while we were in Texas, and moving back as a family, doing that multi-state move and relocating and finding a home. It really gave me such an appreciation for what my clients go through.” Because of her first-hand experience, Bianchi has a greater love and appreciation for supporting local, actively fostering new relationships that build community, hospitality, and connection. She delivers on her effort to meet people where they are, making them feel as seen, heard, and as appreciated as possible. The support they feel and level of care and compassion she provides makes the home buying/selling experience as approachable as possible.

Her time in Houston allowed her to meet contacts from around the country who know her as their Louisville connection. This brings lots of clients who are relocating to Louisville, with more than 65 percent of her business coming from out of state. “It’s been so fun to help them learn more about Louisville and even show locals how to learn to love it in new ways. I share not just the neighborhoods, but the restaurants and the shops and the places to hang out and the places where they might want to consider living, depending on where they are sending their children to school, giving them tastes of experiences here so they can grow to love it just as much as me.”

With her genuine approach to giving people an idea of what it will be like to live in Louisville, Bianchi loves creating spaces to express her hospitality. “Having a way to connect with others and find community is what we are all looking for,” Bianchi said. “I value community, connection and service, and the relationships I’m cultivating are a benefit to anyone who works with me. I am a resource for real estate needs and beyond.” One event she hosted centered around a ladies’ bourbon tasting – held at a woman-owned business (the Butcher Rose). She curated a list of her clients from interesting backgrounds around Louisville and had a female CMO from Buffalo Trace lead the tasting. It was the thoughtful planning and small details that made it a success, creating lasting memories and building new networks outside of real estate.

It’s that client-centered approach that Bianchi brings to real estate. Of course she loves to sell homes, but even more, she loves connecting people to the culture of her beloved home state.

SHARE IN THE LEGACY OF VINCENZO’S UNIQUE HISTORYENJOY OUR ELEGANT DINING ROOM AND TABLESIDE DINNER PREPA TION BY TUXEDOED CAPTAINS.

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Director of Events - 502.393.4413

LUNCH: MONDAY - FRIDAY 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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gamechanging experts

Arthur Malkani, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS

Nicholas Ahn, MD

Victor Anciano, MD

James Baker, MD

David Caborn, MD

Jon Carlson, MD

Miguel Daccarett, MD

Andrew Duffee, MD

Kevin Harreld, MD

Brandi Hartley, MD

Todd Hockenbury, MD

Arthur Malkani, MD

Logan Mast, MD

David Seligson, MD

Edward Tillett, MD

Rodolfo Zamora, MD

Jiyao Zou, MD

Full list of providers here:

Get back in the game of life with less recovery time.

UofL Health – Orthopedics, renowned for high-level surgical expertise, can provide care for everything from shoulders to toes, including spines. Our team:

• Leads the state in robotic surgical procedures that minimize pain and improve quality of life.

• Pioneers leading techniques and innovative advanced surgical methods.

• Includes world-class researchers and professors at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

• Serves as the official health care provider for UofL Athletics, helping D1 athletes get back in their game faster — and we provide that same VIP care to every patient.

• Provides the fastest journey to recovery, as well as an improved quality of life with a network of specialists throughout Louisville.

• O ffers access to world-class care from UofL Health–Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, one of the most innovative and state-of-the-art rehab facilities in the country.

Andrew Duffee, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

leading the state in

robotic expertise

UofL Health offers the most advanced robotic technology tailored to treat each patient and significantly improve outcomes. Utilizing a variety of cutting-edge robotic techniques, our patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and more rapid recovery.

With prolific success, we have performed more than 3,000 joint replacement procedures using Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery technology. Our expert surgeons also utilize the ROSA® Robotic Hip & Knee Systems giving them the opportunity to examine 3D models and plan the surgery in advance. In addition, Globus ExcelsiusGPS® combines navigation and robotics to allow surgeons extremely precise placement of tools and implants along a pathway that gives them real time feedback. Treatments and services for complex spine cases feature state-ofthe-art and technologically advanced minimally invasive surgery, including Louisville’s only stereotactic radiosurgery Cyberknife® .

Jon Carlson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

the region’s premier trauma experts

UofL Health – UofL Hospital – J. David Richardson Trauma Center is the region’s only American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level I trauma center for adults. O ffering the highest level of care to severely injured patients, our orthopedic specialists bring a unique set of expertise to address the most complex injuries and conditions including:

• Orthopedic trauma

• Pelvis and acetabular fractures

• Cartilage defects

• Meniscus, cartilage and ligament tears

• Malunions, nonunions and infections of upper and lower extremities

• Orthopedic oncology

Nicholas Ahn, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

joint experts life-changing

HIP

Hip Replacement

UofL Health–Orthopedics specialists’ goal is to minimize hip pain, restore your highest level of function and improve your quality of life. As the area’s go-to orthopedic and joint replacement specialists, we offer both anterior and posterior hip replacement, and personalized care based on each patient’s needs.

Hip Preservation

We are experts in the ground-breaking field of hip preservation, providing both surgical and non-surgical options to alleviate hip pain. This relatively new option in hip care helps to delay or prevent the development of arthritis in the hip joint, avoiding or delaying hip replacement.

SHOULDER

Shoulder Replacement

State-of-the-art shoulder replacement options allow specialists to implant personalized replacement components with pinpoint accuracy, and you may be able to go home the same day or the next day comfortably.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Based on a patient’s injury or condition, reverse shoulder replacement expertly reverses the orientation of the ball and socket joint.

UofL Health–Mary & Elizabeth Hospital has received certification for its shoulder surgery program, demonstrating excellence in orthopedic solutions for shoulder pain and complicated problems with the upper extremities.

At UofL Health–Orthopedics, we perform minimally invasive spine surgeries for patients with previously failed back surgeries and those who need complex spinal surgery. We use an innovative, evidencebased approach to get our patients back to life faster and minimize post-surgery pain. In collaboration with our Comprehensive Spine Center, our patients’ care doesn’t end after surgery. Favoring a multidisciplinary approach, the spine center develops individualized comprehensive treatment plans for each patient.

Rodolfo Zamora, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Our comprehensive joint program offers state-of-the-art techniques and implants that improve a patient’s quality of life, minimize pain and accelerate recovery time. As premier orthopedic and joint replacement specialists, our physicians are leaders in the field who train other doctors in advanced surgical methods.

KNEE

Partial Knee Replacement

For patients with limited damage to the bone and cartilage, this procedure carefully replaces only the damaged areas using a small incision that allows for minimal recovery time.

Total Knee Replacement

Our state-of-the-art implants created from titanium, chromecobalt, ceramics and cross-link polyethylene are designed to ensure optimal joint mobility for each patient.

FOOT & ANKLE

Our team of fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide advanced treatment options for everything from minor conditions to the most complex foot and ankle injuries and deformities. We are at the forefront of artificial ankle joint design and ankle joint replacement.

UofL Health–Orthopedics also offers specialized expertise in foot and ankle care at UofL Health–Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. The hospital received advanced certification in foot and ankle surgery, which affirms this facility’s ability to provide bestpractice, comprehensive care for patients requiring advanced foot and ankle surgery.

Victor Anciano, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Local Legends in the Wild: Louisville Athletes, Lou City FC, Racing FC, and Louisville Ballet Visit Louisville Zoo

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photography: Kathryn Harrington, Matt Johnson, Antonio Pantoja, Kyle Shepherd

Videographers: Amelia Frazier Theobald, Kathryn Harrington, Alisha Proffitt

Production Managers: Julie Koenig, Alisha Proffitt, Mary Zoeller

Graphic Artist: Annabelle Klein

Stylists: J Michael’s Spa and Salon

Last month, VOICE-TRIBUNE partnered with athletes from Louisville City FC, Racing FC, and Louisville Ballet, along with Louisville Zoo, to bring this uniquely epic photo essay to our readers. Stay tuned and subscribe to the VOICE-TRIBUNE calendar for upcoming educational meet-and-greet events at the Louisville Zoo in July, when our featured athletes will appear alongside the animals for a special autograph opportunity. Special thanks to UofL Health for sponsoring this athletic collaboration with the Louisville Zoo.

Additional accolades to Zoo Media & Public Relations Manager Kyle Shepherd, who guided our team and contributed photography and content throughout our multiple days at Louisville Zoo.

“This photoshoot draws inspiration from our commitment to wildlife education through the Louisville Zoo and our support for the dedicated and elegant athletes of Louisville. Our goal is to inspire everyone to have a fantastic summer filled with outdoor activities. We hope you find inspiration and connection through these spreads. And we look forward to seeing you in July,” said Amelia, CEO of VOICE-TRIBUNE.

We are grateful to the Louisville Zoo, Racing FC, and Louisville City FC for their support of this project, as well as to the athletes who participated in the shoot. A special thank you goes to the zookeepers who brought everything to life for our athletic guests and fostered a greater appreciation for our animal friends.

Thank you to the Staff at the Gorilla Forest, Islands, Glacier Run, Valley Staff, Lorikeet Landing, Boma Petting Zoo, The Bird Staff, The Giraffe Staff, The Herp Aquarium, and the Elephant Staff.

For all Animal Facts, scan the QR code!

Amelia Frazier Theobald, Matt Johnson, Kathryn Harrington, Leslie Smart, Alisha Proffitt, Dana Prior, Regan Nichols, Helen Daigle, James McKinney, Mikelle Bruzina, Harald Uwe Kern, Natalia Ashikhmina

Public Disclosure : Balls are not permitted at the Louisville Zoo

Sam Gleadle #20

Sam Gleadle, a defender born on March 20, 1996, hails from Chichester, United Kingdom, stands 5-foot-10 tall, and previously played for Monterey Bay FC.

2024: The club completed a paid transfer with Monterey Bay FC to acquire versatile defender Sam Gleadle and will arrive to Louisville after registering a team-high 6 assists to go with 5 goals last season at Monterey Bay.

Before Louisville City FC: Born in England, Gleadle moved with his family to the United States at a young age. He went on to play collegiately at the University of New Mexico before stints professionally at Reno 1868 FC (2018-2020) and San Antonio FC (2021).Having signed with Monterey Bay for its inaugural season, Gleadle experienced a breakout 2022 campaign. He scored a career-high eight goals — including one at Lynn Family Stadium in a victory over LouCity — adding 3 assists, 23 chances created and 18 interceptions.

Position: Defender

Favorite Food: my wife’s chicken piccata

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: spending time out with family / real estate

Favorite Thing about Louisville: amount of restaurants/coffee shops and how friendly everyone is!

Baridi Masai Giraffe

The Louisville Zoo offers a giraffe feed in its spring/summer season daily at 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays) and 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Daily). Featured here is the Zoo’s 8-year-old male Masai giraffe Baridi.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Niall McCabe #11

Niall McCabe, born on October 6, 1990, in Dublin, Ireland, is a 5-foot-8 midfielder who previously played for Young Harris College.

2024: McCabe will continue his unprecedented run on a new contract, continuing as the only member of the inaugural roster to have represented LouCity all 10 seasons of its existence. That makes him the longest-tenured current player at one club in the league.

Last Season: He scored LouCity’s first goal of the 2023 season four minutes into the campaign but was then sidelined through the end of June due to injury. McCabe returned to make his 200th club appearance in purple on July 22 against Birmingham.

Highlights in Purple: McCabe ranks second in the club’s all-time appearances with 211 heading into 2024. He was a pivotal part in 2017 and 2018 title runs, particularly in 2018 when he went the full 90 in three of four postseason games, scoring 2 goals. The midfielder was on pace for one of his best campaigns in purple before suffering a broken foot during warmups ahead of an Aug. 13 victory over Tampa Bay Rowdies. McCabe, who had a late start to the season due to illness, had rebounded to number 3 goals and 5 assists in 11 starts.

Before Louisville City: McCabe came to America to attend Division II Young Harris College in Georgia along with former LouCity teammates Ilija Ilic and Paco Craig. Before signing his first pro deal with LouCity, he played for NPSL side Chattanooga FC, leading them to the final against New York Cosmos B.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: golf & playing guitar

Favorite Thing about Louisville: the amount of independent restaurants with great food

Letterman Rhino

The Louisville Zoo has two southern white rhinoceros. Featured here is 9-year-old male Letterman. Naill got a special encounter with Letterman as part of the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program. You can learn about the backstage pass at https://louisvillezoo.org/backstage/.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Tola Showunmi #24

Tola Showunmi, a forward born on July 3, 2000, hails from London, England, stands at 6-foot-3, and previously played for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

2024: The 23-year-old Showunmi joins LouCity after a rookie season with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in which he numbered 4 goals and 3 assists.

Before Louisville City FC: The London, England, native made his move overseas to star first at Merrimack College in Massachusetts before transferring. At the University of New Hampshire, he was named the United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team and named the America East Conference’s Striker of the Year in 2021. Showunmi earned his first professional deal from Pittsburgh after emerging from a preseason combine and trial. He went on to number 28 appearances for a Riverhounds side that earned the Players’ Shield for posting the USL Championship’s best regular season finish.

Position: Forward

Favorite Food: Turkish

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Basketball

Favorite Thing about Louisville: the food

Goats: Cowboy, Lily and Clary

The Boma petting Zoo is located near the Zebras at the Louisville Zoo and is open year-round. And features an up close experience with some of the Zoo’s goats like Cowboy, Lily and Clary

Damian Las #18

The goalkeeper, Damian Las, was born on April 11, 2002, in Des Plaines, Illinois, stands 6 feet tall, and previously played for Austin FC.

2024: Las joined LouCity on loan from Major League Soccer’s Austin FC, where he is under contract through 2026 with an option for 2027.

Before Louisville City FC: MLS Next Pro’s 2023 Goalkeeper of the Year, Las guided Austin FC II to the third-division league’s title while registering 12 clean sheets – double the number of any other goalkeeper – as well as posting a 79.2% save percentage and 0.74 goals-against average. Las originally signed with Austin FC in 2022 on a transfer from English side Fulham FC, where he appeared for the club’s U-23 squad in Premier League 2. He has so far represented the U.S. at the U-15 and U-17 levels, making a start in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: reading, playing video games, golf

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Discovering hidden restaurants in the city

Public Disclosure : Balls are not permitted at the

Lions

The Louisville Zoo has three African lions. Male Siyanda (9) and females Amali and Sunny (are both 11) are located near the camel in the African area.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Leigh Anne Albrechta

A proud native of Fremont, Ohio, Leigh Anne Albrechta started her ballet training at The Fremont Ballet School, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, and later studied at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Upon graduating, she danced with Charlotte Ballet for two years as a trainee and apprentice, earning the opportunity to work with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Mark Diamond, and Dwight Rhoden. In 2009 Leigh Anne joined Louisville Ballet as a trainee and was hired into the company the following season.

In her time with Louisville Ballet, she has enjoyed performing a range of classical and contemporary roles. Highlight performances include Juliet in Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, Aurora in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, Valencienne in Ronald Hynd‘s The Merry Widow, Sugar Plum Fairy, Rose, and Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, and Andrea Schermoly’s Limbic and Rite of Spring. She has also performed principal roles in Balanchine’s Serenade, Emeralds, and Kammermusik No.2. While at Louisville Ballet, she has been featured in works by Lucas Jervies, Andrea Schermoly, Tim Harbour, and previous Artistic Directors Robert Curran, Bruce Simpson, and Alun Jones. Leigh Anne was selected to dance with the Moving Arts Company in Kansas City and Cincinnati in the summer of 2022. She is extremely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Louisville community.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: lox and cream cheese on an everything bagel

Favorite Pastime/hobby: Working out….yoga, barre, walking, riding a bike.

Something you Love about Louisville: All of the delicious local restaurants.

Chilean Flamingos

The Louisville Zoo has 83 Chilean Flamingos which makes it one of the largest flocks in North America.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Ashley grew up in Richmond, Missouri and began her studies in dance at the age of three. She received her formal training at age nine from the Kansas City Ballet School on full merit scholarship. After spending her senior year as a Student Apprentice with KCB she went on to study Ballet and Journalism through Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. There she had the privilege of being coached by Violette Verdy, Cynthia Gregory, Helen Starr, Michael Vernon, and Deborah Wingert, and was awarded the Friends of Music Scholarship and the National Society of Arts and Letters award.

In 2008 Ashley joined Louisville Ballet and enjoys dancing in the classics reimagined by Val Caniparoli, Robert Curran, Ronald Hynd, Alun Jones, André Prokovsky, and Bruce Simpson, as well as new works by Ma Cong, Tim Harbour, Adam Hougland, Lucas Jervies, Daniel Riley, Andrea Schermoly, and Amy Seiwert. So far her favorite experiences on the KPA stage have been the role of Ballerina in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Soloist in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and as The Sugar Plum Fairy in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

Ashley is a passionate advocate for the power performance art gives to a community, and was honored in receiving the 2015 Artist Enrichment Grant for her choreography through the Kentucky Foundation for Women. This springboard has led her to collaborate with Louisville Free Public Library, 21c Museum Hotel, and Kentucky Refugee Ministries. After a day of dancing, Ashley teaches within The Louisville Ballet School, Core Fluency Pilates, and manages the mind. body. balance. Adult Division.

Ashley Thursby

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: The food I can’t wait to eat postpartum is sushi! My fav spots are Hiko-a-Mon, Oishii and Dragon Kings Daughter.

Favorite Pastime/hobby: I love staying active outside of ballet by taking Pilates, Gyrotonic and Yoga classes around Louisville!

Something you Love about Louisville: I love how connected the people of Louisville are. It is a great community of individuals that support one another. A fantastic balance of small town feel in a city setting.

Macaws

The Louisville Zoo bird trail in the Islands exhibit is open year round and features a variety of beautiful birds including pictured here the lovely blue Hyacinth Macaw “Saphira” (4 years-old and the vibrant red Green Winged Macaw “Fig” (19 years old).The bird trail features 23 species and 46 birds flying around in a beautiful and lush setting.

Khalil Jackson

Khalil Jackson is from Georgia and is in his second year as a Louisville Ballet Company Artist. He has danced for 6 years and is grateful to be pursuing his dance career in Kentucky and to continue to take in knowledge wherever his career takes him. He has learned a lot from Louisville Ballet and will keep the knowledge for the rest of his career as a dancer.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Chicken sandwich

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Recording songs

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The livelihood on the weekends

Lorikeets

Louisville Zoo guests can experience these beautifully vibrant birds landing on them at the popular Lorikeet Landing. (open daily when the temperature is 55° or above unless we are experiencing thunderstorms or high winds).

Daniel Scofield

Daniel Scofield joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. During previous seasons, his stage appearances included: In G Major by Jerome Robbins, restaged by Phillip Neal, the Center Russian in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, #fourwithsix by Dysart Award winner Anne Jung, and a Rose Adagio Gentleman in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Burgers

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Hiking and video games

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Childhood home, the people, the history, the bourbon

Maned Wolf

The Maned wolf is the largest canid of South America. It looks more like a long-legged fox than a wolf. Genetic studies show that it is neither fox nor true wolf, but a distinct species. It is the only member of its genus, Chrysocyon.

Qannik was rolling around in the mulch this day and was more like a brown bear!

Mark Alan Krieger Jr.

Mark, a Virginia native, studied dance under Jefferson Baum at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. In 2004, Mark joined Ballet Tucson where he danced for two seasons before joining Columbia City Ballet. He spent five years with the Columbia City Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Mark has been a Company Artist with Louisville Ballet since 2012.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Sushi or pizza, or any snack food (doritos, candy, cookies, ice cream)

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Ju jitsu & motorcycles, and naps

Favorite Thing about Louisville: I love Louisville’s quiet, laid-back feel. It’s a community where people know each other, can rely on each other, and where the people and arts are connected and intertwined.

Qannik Polar Bear

Thirteen-year-old Qannik is one of the Louisville Zoo’s most famous animals. She is a wild born rescue and came to Louisville when she was found alone on the North Slope in Alaska having been separated from her mother at a vulnerable age. Qannik’s “selfie station” is a popular spot at the Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run exhibit.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Mexican Burrowing Python

Featured with Caitlin is a Mexican burrowing python that can be seen in the Zoo’s HerpAquarium. Caitlin had an exclusive encouter getting to hold this beautiful snake. The Zoo let her name the snake for the day. She chose the name Penny!

Hair & Makeup: J Michaels

Caitlin Aurora Kowalski

Caitlin started dancing in Radcliff, Kentucky. She was inspired by her teachers who were Louisville Ballet alumni and attended the Louisville Ballet School summer intensive in 2014. She attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts in 2016 as a dance major, and then joined De La Dance Center in Cincinnati as a trainee. In 2017 she returned to Kentucky as part of Louisville Ballet’s trainee program, now known as Studio Company, and was invited to join the Company in 2021. She also performed as the Sylph in La Sylphide.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Mac and cheese & ice cream

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Crafts and outdoors

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The feel of small community and big city at the same time.

Elizabeth Abbick

Originally from Overland Park, KS, Elizabeth (Ellie) Abbick began her dance training at Legacy School of the Arts. She continued her education at Butler University on the Presidential Scholarship, performing soloist roles in works such as Gerald Arpino’s Viva Vivaldi, Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, as well as Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. She graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a BFA in Dance Performance with highest honors, and a minor in Mathematics.She completed the University Honors Program, writing a thesis discussing the importance of K-12 arts funding. Ellie danced as a trainee and in the Studio Company of Louisville Ballet for three seasons before joining Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. Her favorite performances at Louisville Ballet include dancing Scots Lady in George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Effie in La Sylphide, Dawn in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Liebestraume, Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green, Andrea Schermoly’s Rite of Spring, Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, and The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Ellie is looking forward to her third season as a Company Artist!

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Ice cream, pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Exploring/walking with my dog, Cleo

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The ballet! The Waterfront/Riverwalk, all the local parks, the community.

Snake-Necked Turtle

Featured here in this exclusive encounter is a snake-necked turtle named Sammy who can be seen in the Louisville Zoo’s HerpAquarium.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Ryan Troutman #30

Ryan Troutman, born on May 15, 2000, in Louisville, Kentucky, is a 6-foot-2 goalkeeper who previously played for the University of Louisville.

2024: Troutman joined LouCity for a preseason trial and wound up signing his first pro deal out of it, joining a goalkeeping corps including Damian Las and Danny Faundez.

Before Louisville City FC: Troutman was a First Team All-State selection at Trinity High School, where he returned to work as an assistant coach in 2023. Following a freshman year at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Troutman transferred to Kentucky. He made 13 appearances for the Wildcats, posting a record of 10-1-2. Once to Louisville, Troutman started 12 times in 2022, keeping a 0.98 goals-against average. He missed his final college season in 2023 due to injury before joining LouCity for the 2024 preseason.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Chicken Parmesan Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Golf

Favorite Thing about Louisville: it’s home!

Puma

“Becca” the Louisville Zoo’s Puma is located at the Cats of America exhibit near the Flamingos. She is 9 years-old.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Taylor Davila #17

Taylor Davila, born on August 4, 2000, in Sherman Oaks, California, is a 6-foot-1 midfielder who previously played for Rio Grande Valley FC.

2024: The All-League First Teamer signed with LouCity this offseason after a career year in which he tallied six goals and five assists for Rio Grande Valley FC last season.

Before Louisville City FC: Davila played one breakout season for Rio Grande Valley after spending the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with LA Galaxy II. From Sherman Oaks, California, he attended the University of California, where he was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Golf

Favorite Thing about Louisville: I love the green trees in Louisville

Cornsnake

Featured with Taylor is one of the Louisville Zoo’s cornsnakes that can be seen in the Zoo’s HerpAquarium. Taylor had an exclusive encouter getting to hold this beautiful orange snake.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Evan Davila #27

Evan Davila, born on February 2, 2002, is a 5-foot-9 midfielder from Sherman Oaks, California, and previously played for the University of California.

2024: Following his college graduation Davila joined LouCity on trial during preseason following older brother Taylor Davila’s offseason signing from Rio Grande Valley FC. Davila earned his first pro deal out of the trial.

Before Louisville City FC: Davila had his best college season as a senior. He was named All-Region and earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2023 having posted career highs in goals (five) and assists (five). Three of his goals were game-winners.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Pepperoni & Pineapple Pizza

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Cooking

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The amazing food scene

Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear “Otis” can be seen at the Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run. Fourteen yearold Otis is wild born and a rescue bear from Montana. Inset photo is Inga, his mother who is now in Colorado.

Inga, Otis’ mother

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Adrien Perez #16

Adrien Perez, born on October 13, 1995, is a forward from Ontario, California, standing 6 feet tall, and previously played for San Diego Loyal SC.

2024: Signed with LouCity after San Diego Loyal folded following the 2023 season. Last Season: Perez will make his move to Louisville after numbering 10 goals and 3 assists in 31 Loyal appearances last season.

Before Louisville City: Perez came up through Loyola Marymount University, where he was named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team in 2013 and 2014. After school, he starred for the Major Arena Soccer League side Ontario Fury, scoring 20 goals in 10 games during his final season to catch Major League Soccer side LAFC’s attention. Perez earned a contract after being invited to train with his hometown MLS side. He later went to D.C. United as part of the re-entry draft. The forward bounced back at San Diego Loyal after missing most of the 2022 campaign due to injury, with his season including a start in September when San Diego visited Louisville.

Position: Forward

Favorite Food: Mediterranean Food

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: walks with my dog

Favorite Thing about Louisville: the food

Victoria Crowned Pigeons

The Louisville Zoo bird trail in the award-winning Islands exhibit is open year round and features 23 species and 46 birds.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Manon and Ziti, both 1, are little penguins also known as blue or fairy penguins from Australia. Taylor got an exlusive encounter with these friends getting to hold them but guests can meet the penguins through the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program. Learn more here: https://louisvillezoo.org/ backstage/

Jansen Wilson #25

Jansen Wilson, born on June 14, 2001, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a 5-foot-11 midfielder who previously played for Belmont University.

2024: Signed his first professional contract this offseason after spending the previous two summers training with the team.

Last Season: Scored six goals and registered five assists in his senior year at Belmont University. Before Louisville City: Wilson starred three seasons at Elizabethtown High School, where he numbered 55 assists and 50 goals and was named Kentucky’s Boys Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year for 2017-18. He also joined Major League Soccer member Columbus Crew SC’s academy as a highschool senior. Following his impressive youth career, Wilson went on to play three seasons at Kentucky, scoring four goals to go with two assists in 41 appearances as Wildcat. He transferred after his junior year, spending his last two seasons of eligibility at Belmont, where he registered 11 assists and six goals in 36 appearances.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Salmon

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Golf

Favorite Thing about Louisville: close to home

Little Penguin

Manon and Ziti, both 1, are little penguins also known as blue or fairy penguins from Australia. Taylor got an exlusive encounter with these friends getting to hold them but guests can meet the penguins through the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program. Learn more here: https://louisvillezoo.org/ backstage/

Sean Totsch #4

Sean Totsch, born on September 16, 1991, in Oswego, Illinois, is a 6-foot-1 de2024: Totsch returns to continue a multi-year contract, marking his eighth season in purple. Last Season: Scored six goals and led the team in aerial duels won (97), clearances (92) and interceptions (48) en route to All-League Second Team honors.

Highlights in Purple: A stalwart for the club, Totsch was LouCity’s all-time minutes leader with 18,249 played as of the end of the 2023 season. He led City in tackles in 2017 and 2018 as the boys in purple lifted a pair of USL cups. Totsch has become known as City’s “Iron Man,” playing every minute of both the 2021 and 2023 seasons. During that 2021 campaign, Totsch scored nine goals, a USL Championship record for a defender in a single season, on his way to a third-straight All-League First Team honor.

Before Louisville City: The Illinois native lifted his first trophy with the Rochester Rhinos in 2015. Totsch suited up for the Chicago Fire U-23s between 2012 and 2014 while also starring at NCAA Division I Northern Illinois University. For the Huskies, Totsch totaled 64 appearances, with 47 starts and 6 goals. He also served as team captain as a senior. That year, he was the school’s only player to start every match and earned all-tournament honors at the school’s Adidas Invitational. Defender who previously played for the Rochester Rhinos.

Position: Defender

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Golf

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Lots of unique restaurants with local owners

Orangutan

Bella, is one of the Louisville Zoo’s female orangutans and can be seen in rotation with the other animals at the Zoo’s award-winning Islands exhibit. She is almost 40.

Harald Uwe Kern

Harald Uwe Kern joined Louisville Ballet in 2005 as the company’s Ballet Master. He was promoted to Senior Ballet Master in 2011. He has received many awards, including the Rudolf Nureyev Scholarship Award, the Paris International Dance Competition – prix d’interpretation and an Award for Artistic Achievement from the New York International Ballet Competition.

Mr. Kern has performed as a soloist and principal dancer with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, Basel Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Internationale and Charleston Ballet Theater. He has danced leading roles in most of the major classical and romantic ballets and won critical acclaim for his interpretation of roles in ballets by Sir Frederick Ashton, Cranko, Massine, Nureyev, Neumeier, Spörli, Balanchine, Kilian and many more.

Under the guidance of Irina Kolpakova and Vladilen Semyonov, he became a teacher and coach. He has been the Associate Artistic Director of the Channel Islands Ballet (Calif.) and a guest instructor with schools, colleges and companies around the USA, Europe and Japan.

Position: Louisville Ballet Artistic Director

Favorite Food: Anything Asian

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Collecting rare soul 45 rpm records, Radio DJ on WXOX 97.1 FM, 60’s vinyl DJ with Midnight Hour Sound System, LouCity season ticket holder

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The arts & music scene American Bald Eagle

The Louisville Zoo has two American bald eagles : 21-yearold female Shelby and 9-year-old male Brooks.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Lexa Daniels

Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lexa began her dance training at the Northeast School of Ballet under the direction of Denise Cecere. She continued her education at the University of Utah, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in Ballet Performance and minor in Nutrition. She began her professional career with Portland Ballet in Maine before joining Louisville Ballet as a trainee in 2014.

Two years later, Lexa was honored to become Louisville Ballet Company Artist in 2016. A few of her favorite performances include Myrtha in Giselle, Rose in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, the Wife in Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, and the Lilac Fairy in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty. Lexa has also enjoyed her time dancing in ballets such as Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Concerto Barocco, Robert Curran’s Swan Lake as the Queen and Guardian Swan, Brandon Ragland’s I Am, and in an excerpt of Alun Jones’ Trojan Women as Hecuba. Lexa is also on faculty at The Louisville Ballet School, teaching in the Pre-Professional Program.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Bike riding and playing with my cat Petunia

Favorite Thing about Louisville: the great restaurants!

Colobus Monkeys

The Louisville Zoo’s beautiful black and white Colobus monkeys can be found near the African Outpost.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Danny Faundez #25

Danny Faundez, born on February 2, 1993, is a goalkeeper originally from Seattle, Washington. He stands at 6-foot-1 and previously played for Orange County SC.

2024: Faundez signed a new contract in the offseason to start a third year in purple.

Last Season: He made three appearances in 2023: U.S. Open Cup Second Round clean sheet victory against Lexington SC and starts in LouCity’s two international friendlies against Germany’s FC Kaiserslautern and Mexico’s Atlante FC.

Highlights in purple: Faundez stood in net for City’s entire playoff run in 2022, making a key stop in a penalty shootout against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the conference semifinal round. With LouCity down to 10 men, Faundez managed a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the conference final, helping the club lift an Eastern Conference trophy. Faundez, who earned his way on the roster having impressed at open tryouts, made his first USL Championship appearance on June 6.

Before Louisville City: Faundez spent two seasons with Orange County SC, serving as a reserve in 2021 on a USL Championship title-winning squad. A dual citizen of the United States and Chile, previously had a three-year stint in the South American nation while representing first division club Everton de Viña del Mar’s youth academy system. Faundez then featured for NAIA Bellevue College in Washington before signing with Seattle Sounders 2 in 2015.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Mashers with gravy

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: basketball

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Con Huevos Restaurant

Snow Leopard

The Louisville Zoo’s Snow Leopard Pass features three beautiful snow leopards in rotation. Pictured here with Danny is 7-year old Meru.

Eleanor Prince

Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Eleanor (Ellie) Prince trained at The Louisville Ballet School from early childhood all the way through the Pre-Professional Division. She then had the honor of dancing as a trainee with the Company. She continued her training at Stanford University under Alex Ketley and Anton Pankevich, where she also graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, graduate studies in Robotics, and recognition for leadership in the arts and ballet. Some of her most meaningful performances with the company have included Balanchine’s Rubies, Robert Curran’s Giselle, Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, La Bayadère, and more. She was overjoyed and honored to join Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Ice cream

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Building robots and watching old comedies

Favorite Thing about Louisville: I love how vibrant the arts are here — the ballet, the orchestra…the list goes on!

Lemurs

Lemurs are located are one of the first animals that Louisville Zoo guests will encounter acorss from the Conservation Carousel.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Aleksandr Schroeder

Aleksandr grew up in Anderson, Indiana and trained at a small studio called Anderson Young Ballet Theater. As a freshman in high school, he was given the opportunity to train and perform as part of Anderson University’s Dance Department. While there, he had the pleasure of performing a work by Earl Mosley with Anderson University at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

After graduating from high school in 2016, he joined NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company, and after 2 years was promoted to a Company Apprentice. While with Nashville Ballet, he was granted the opportunity to perform in The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella and named roles in Nashville’s Nutcracker, Something Wicked, and Vivaldi’s Seasons. Aleksandr joined Louisville Ballet in 2019.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Burgers

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Streaming Minecraft!

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Love the food scene and all the little neighborhoods

Wallabies

Wallaroo Walkabout is located in the Australia area at the Louisville Zoo. Visitors get an up-close look at a mob of wallaroos and red-necked wallabies. Open daily yearround weather and staff permitting.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

David Allan Senti

David began dancing when he was six years old in Holland, Michigan, studying there until his junior year of high school. To further his training, he attended summer intensives at Joffrey Chicago, Cincinnati Ballet, and Grand Rapids Ballet. During his senior year, David had the opportunity to join Grand Rapids Ballet as a trainee, performing works by Penny Saunders, Brian Enos, Norbert De la Cruz III, Val Caniparoli, and Dani Rowe. After two years, David joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company, where he got to work with Andrea Schermoly, Adam Hougland, Robert Curran and Tommie-Waheed Evans. He then joined the Company in 2021, and has since gotten to perform as the Nutcracker in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and Prince Florimund in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, among other roles.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Pad Thai or sesame chicken

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Long walks/ Hikes

My favorite thing about Louisville is the pockets of character/cute neighborhoods outside downtown and the maintenance of historic buildings and houses.

Tiger

Jingga is the Louisville Zoo’s 14-yearold female Sumatran tiger. You can see her at the Zoo’s award-winning Islands exhibit. Sumatran tigers have a smaller build in comparison to the Zoo’s Amur tigers.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Fern is one of the Louisville Zoo’s female Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths. You too can meet this sweet-faced 7-year-old sloth as part of the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program (though we hear it sells out quickly). Learn more here: https://louisvillezoo.org/backstage/

Brienne Wiltsie

Brienne Wiltsie grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and danced professionally with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s company for two seasons after training in both their high school and graduate training programs. Favorite memories of performing in her hometown include Swan Lake and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Her love of being on stage then brought Brienne to Louisville, where she enjoyed performing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons (2009- 2011).

This season marks the beginning of Brienne’s 13th year teaching in The Louisville Ballet School. She feels incredibly fortunate to work with the Pre-Professional students and the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. Brienne also became a certified Pilates instructor since moving to Kentucky, and whether teaching or practicing, she loves being involved in Louisville’s Pilates community.

Brienne returned as a Company Dancer during the 2018-2019 Season under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. She has treasured every minute of being able to perform in both classical and new works, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to take on the role of Odette in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and the principal lady in Jerome Robbins’ In G Major.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Truffle fries, a good burger and all things pie

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Teaching ballet, trying new recipes and spending time in the kitchen

Favorite Thing about Louisville: I love how warm and welcoming it is. I’ve met so many amazing people through teaching, visiting local restaurants and working with the ballet.

Two-Toed Sloth

Sunni is the Louisville Zoo’s other female Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth. She is four-years-old.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Shelby Shenkman

Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, Shelby Shenkman began her dance training at Dance Dimensions and the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Ballet Theater under the direction of Angela Mauti. In 2014, she graduated cum laude from Butler University with a BFA in Dance Performance with honors and a minor in Strategic Communication.

After dancing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons as a trainee, Shelby was promoted to Company Artist in 2016. Since joining Louisville Ballet, she has enjoyed performing a variety of roles, most notably Aurora in Adam Hougland’s World Premiere of Sleeping Beauty, Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, the title role in Giselle, Miranda in the Kentucky Shakespeare and Louisville Ballet coproduction of The Tempest, a Stomper in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, and the Second Principal Variation in George Balanchine’s Emeralds.

Shelby would like to thank her wonderful family and her husband Zach for always supporting her dream. In addition to being a professional ballerina, Shelby is also a wedding and lifestyle photographer. Her newest, and most favorite, role of “Mom” began in January 2023.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Please & Thank You chocolate chip cookie- the best!!

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Playing outside and going on walks with my husband, one-year-old daughter and beagle.

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Experiencing all 4 seasons! As a Florida native, it still is exciting to see the leaves change even after living in the midwest for 14 years!

Pygmy Hippo

The Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Gorilla Forest exhibit features two pygmy hippos in rotation. Picuted here is soon to be 8-year-old female Zemora.

Amber Wickey

Amber Wickey is originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, where she began her training at Nunnbetter Dance Theater under the direction of Leath Nunn. She graduated from Butler University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy. After dancing with the Louisville Ballet Studio Company for two years, she joined the Company in 2022. During her time in the Studio Company, she enjoyed performing roles alongside the Company in their mainstage productions, including the pas de trois in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, a soloist in Dysart Award winner Anne Jung’s #fourwithsix, and Confidence Fairy in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty. Amber is excited to continue bringing dance to the Louisville community.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Ice Cream

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Reading, hanging out with my cat Marbles

Something you love about Louisville: Food, Art, music, and the people!

Giraffe

The Louisville Zoo offers a giraffe feed in its spring/summer season daily at 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays) and 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Daily). Featured here is the Zoo’s 8-year-old male Masai giraffe Baridi.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Stephen Myers

Stephen Myers, from Chesterfield, Virginia, began dance training at the age of 5, and in a few years he was competing in all genres. At 16, he decided to focus on ballet and accepted a scholarship to train at Next Generation Ballet (NGB) in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of Philip Neal and Julio Montano. While training at NGB, Stephen continued competing and became a 2017 YoungArts Winner, a Youth American Grand Prix New York finalist at Lincoln Center, and a Top 5 finalist at the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. He has since danced as a Trainee and Studio Company member with The Joffrey Ballet Academy in Chicago from 2018-2020. After dancing with Atlanta Ballet’s Second Company from 2020-2023, Stephen is thrilled to be joining Louisville Ballet for his first season. Favorite performances include Cinderella, Coppelia, Napoli, Beauty and the Beast, and Balanchine’s Who Cares?

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Hibachi

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Petting Cats

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The people are genuinely the nicest!

Eastern Bongo

The Louisville Zoo has three bongos: two females and three-year-old male Kai pictured here. Photo below is a bongo calf.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Alexander Kingma

Alexander began his ballet training when he was 17 at the Lafayette Ballet School in Lafayette, Indiana, under the direction of Sandra Peticolas and Lisa Douglas. From there, he pursued a B.A. in Dance Performance at Ball State University, studying under Vladimir Stadnik (ballet), Audra Sokol and Susan Koper (modern), as well as Christie Zimmerman and Michael Worcel (jazz). Additionally, he participated in Ball State Dance Theatre, the performing company, for all four years of study.

Alexander then moved to Louisville for the first time, where he completed the then two-year trainee program under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. Upon completion of the program, he danced professionally with Ballet Quad Cities (Artistic Director Courtney Lyon) for two years, where he danced roles such as Billy in Billy the Kid and the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. He then moved on to Central Illinois Ballet (Artistic Director Rebekah bon Rathonyi) in Peoria, where he was principal dancer for four years. During his time at CIB, he danced roles such as Prince Charming (as well as a stepsister!) in Cinderella, the titular role in Dracula, Antoni in Sweeney Todd, and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

Alexander is absolutely thrilled to return to the Louisville Ballet as a new Company Artist for the ‘23-‘24 Season of the Commonwealth!

Position:Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Shrimp Cocktail

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Bowling Favorite Thing about Louisville: The wealth of great food options!

Saharan Addax

One of the Louisville Zoo’s most endangered species is the Saharan Addax featured here.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Sarah Bradley

Sarah Bradley grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where she began her training with Cincinnati Ballet. After training in their academy, she joined the company as a Junior Trainee, and was promoted to Trainee. She later was invited and joined Cincinnati Ballet II, where she had the opportunity to work with Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, and Jennifer Archibald. Sarah then joined City Ballet of San Diego as an Apprentice in 2018. In 2020 she joined Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company Dancer, where she enjoyed roles such as Guardian Swan in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and Rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Sarah joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Burgers

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Jiu-Jitsu

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The food

Vulture

Sarah got an exclusive experience with the Zoo’s 25-year-old vulture named Vinny. Vultures are known as ‘Nature’s Clean-Up Crew’, their scavenging ways help to prevent the spread of diseases, such as rabies and tuberculosis through clearing away carcasses.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Jaelin Howell #6

Jaelin Howell, a captain and midfielder born on November 21, 1999, from Lone Tree, Colorado, stands at 5-foot-8 and previously played for Florida State University in the NCAA.

2023: The captain started 19 of her 21 appearances for Racing in 2023 and ranked among the NWSL’s best in tackles (6th), tackles won (6th) and duels won (6th). Howell was named to the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup All-Tournament Team.

2022: Howell started all 22 matches in her rookie season, logging the third-most minutes of any field player on the team. She scored her first NWSL goal in Racing’s Challenge Cup finale against the Houston Dash. Howell also logged two assists, including one to fellow-rookie Kirsten Davis in the club’s 3-1 win at Angel City FC, and finished sixth in fouls won in the NWSL.

Before Racing Louisville: Howell made 90 career Florida State appearances, scored 14 goals and tallied just as many assists there, with her honors including back-to-back ACC Midfielder of the Year awards from 2020-2021.

Howell finished her collegiate career by becoming only the sixth women’s player to win the Hermann Trophy in consecutive years, joining Mia Hamm (1992-1993), Cindy Parlow (1997-1998), Christine Sinclair (2004-2005), Morgan Brian (2013-2014) and Catarina Macario (2018-2019).

International: Howell has five caps for the Stars & Stripes. She scored her first international goal against Uzbekistan in April, earning a spot on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. Camel

Camels are known as the ships of the desert. The Louisville Zoo offers a camel ride experience for guests from March to October.

Pictured here is the Zoo’s male 20 year-old Dromedary camel Amos.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Jordyn Bloomer #24

Jordyn Bloomer, Racing FC goalkeeper born on October 14, 1997, in Hartland, Wisconsin, stands at 5-foot-8 and previously played for the University of Wisconsin (NC2023: Bloomer spent the offseason on loan with A-League Women club Western Sydney Wanderers, where she made 14 appearances and registered a 77.3% save percentage.

Bloomer made one matchday roster for Racing in 2023 before missing the remainder of the season with a back injury.

2022: The rookie goalkeeper made her professional debut in Racing’s Challenge Cup finale against the Houston Dash, where she logged two saves. She did not see action during the regular season.

Before Racing Louisville FC: The second player at her position selected in December’s draft, Bloomer was a two-time Big Ten Conference Goalkeeper of the Year at the University of Wisconsin. There, she registered a 0.65 goals-against average 0.823 save percentage.

A Hartland, Wis., native, Bloomer emerged as a serious pro prospect during her breakout 2019 season. As a junior, she received her first Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year nod in addition to First Team All-American honors, posting a 0.53 goals-against average and 0.850 save percentage. In 2021, as a fifth-year senior, she posted nine shutouts while helping the Badgers to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament, again earning the title of Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Tacos/ Burritos

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Going to coffee with friends

Favorite Thing about Louisville: All the local restaurants

Camel Camels are known as the ships of the desert. The Louisville Zoo offers a camel ride experience for guests from March to October. Pictured here is the Zoo’s male 20 year-old Dromedary camel Amos.

Kayla Fischer #9

Kayla Fischer, born on January 5, 2000, in Kent, Ohio, is a 5-foot-8 midfielder who previously played for Ohio State University in the NCAA; click here to hear how to pronounce her name. 2023:Made nine starts in 16 total appearances in her first year in the NWSL after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NWSL Draft. Fischer scored her first professional goal against the Houston Dash on June 14 in a 3-0 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup victory, and she notched her first professional assist on Paige MonaghanHear how to pronounce Paige Monaghan’s game-winner on July 7 against Kansas City Current.

Before Racing Louisville: Racing’s first pick in this year’s draft, Fischer left her mark at Ohio State, tallying 28 goals and 20 assists in five seasons with the Buckeyes. She was a two-time AllBig Ten selection and a 2018 Big Ten All-Freshman honoree. She helped Ohio State reach four NCAA Tournaments.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Basketball

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The coffee places!

African Elephant

Mikki is the Louisville Zoo’s 39-year-old female African elephant. She and Asian elephant Punch have been together since 1985. The way to tell them apart is to look for Mikki’s ears that are shaped like the continent of Africa.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Of course, there is glass between Jordan and Timmy!

Jordan Baggett #19

Jordan Baggett, born on October 28, 1996, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is a midfielder standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and previously played for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. 2023: After joining Racing via trade with the Washington Spirit in April, Baggett started seven matches and made 16 total appearances across all competitions. She notched two goals and an assist for Louisville, including the opener in a 2-0 win over Chicago Red Stars.

Before Racing Louisville: Baggett, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft, has spent her first four years in the league with Washington, making 35 appearances. The Colorado native has five goals in 26 career starts and registered her first career assist in Washington’s 1-1 draw at Racing Louisville last August.

The 26-year-old won the NWSL championship with Washington in 2021, limited to three matches that season because of injury.

Baggett played in two matches in 2023 for Washington before being traded to Louisville.

Position: Midfielder

Favorite Food: Avocado toast!

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Spending time with my family and going for walks!

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The food and the people!

Amur Tiger

Timmy is the Louisville Zoos’ 7-year-old male Amur tiger. The Amur tigers are in rotation at the Zoo’s Tiger Tiaga. This species has a much larger build than the Sumatran tigers at the Islands.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Carson Pickett #16

Carson Pickett, a defender born on September 15, 1993, in Orange Park, Florida, has a height of 5 feet 8 inches and was previously with the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.

2023: Pickett appeared in 26 matches at outside back across all competitions for Louisville in 2023, starting 24 of them. She continued as one of the league’s most attacking-minded defenders in her first season with the club, ranking near the top of the NWSL in penalty area entries (2nd), crosses (2nd) and passes into the final third (4th).

Before Racing Louisville FC: Pickett, a left back who was the fourth pick in the 2016 NWSL Draft, is a back-to-back Best XI selection over the past two seasons and won a national championship in 2014 with Florida State. The Florida native led the NWSL in assists this past season with six, a year after tying for second in the league with five.

In all, Pickett has one goal and 16 assists in 130 NWSL appearances with the Courage, OL Reign and Orlando Pride and has regularly ranked among the league leaders in chances created and interceptions, among other areas.

International: She made her U.S. Women’s National Team debut in June 2022, appearing in two matches.

Position: Defender

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Going to the beach

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The food scene

Zebra The Louisville Zoo has a beautiful herd of Hartmann’s Mountain zebras that are located near the elephants.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Katie Lund #1

Katie Lund, a goalkeeper born on November 27, 1996, in Plano, Texas, stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and previously played for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

2023: Starting every regular season and Challenge Cup match for Racing, Lund ranked near the top of NWSL goalkeepers in several categories, including saves (2nd), saves from inside box (3rd), saves from outside box (1st) and save percentage (3rd) while registering nine clean sheets across all competitions. She was recognized on the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup All-Tournament Team and awarded NWSL Save of the Week on May 10.

2022: Lund started all 22 regular-season matches en route to breaking the NWSL single-season save record with 112 saves. The goalkeeper kept six clean sheets, boasting a 76% save percentage. She also tied the single-game saves record of 12 in Racing’s 1-1 draw with OL Reign in August.

2021: Lund made her professional debut off the bench.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Anything Mexican food

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Playing tennis or pickleball and laying by the pool

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The amazing restaurants around town

Western Lowland Gorillas

The Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Gorilla Forest features Western Lowland gorillas. Pictured here is the Zoo’s 27-year-old male Jelani.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Lauren Milliet #2

Lauren Milliet, a midfielder born on December 1, 1996, in Durango, Colorado, stands at 5-foot-1 and previously played for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. 2023: Milliet started every game and played every minute in 2023. She ranked among the league’s best in possessions won (1st), recoveries (2nd), fouls won (2nd), possessions won in the defensive third (3rd) and interceptions (8th). She remains Racing Louisville’s all-time leader in appearances, with 86, playing in every single regular season and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup match in the club’s history.

2022: For the second straight year, Milliet was the only Racing player to make an appearance in every Challenge Cup and regular-season match. She scored her first professional goal in Racing’s Challenge Cup win over the Kansas City Current, then got her first regular-season goal in the club’s road victory at NJ/NY Gotham FC.

2021: In the club’s inaugural season, Milliet was the only player to see game action in all 24 regular season matches. Earning 19 starts, the midfielder recorded 13 shots with three going on target.

Before Racing Louisville FC: After being selected 14th by the North Carolina Courage in the 2019 NWSL Draft, Milliet made two appearances in her rookie season. She went on to make four appearances in both the 2020 Challenge Cup and Fall Series. Milliet earned her first career assist against the Orlando Pride to close out 2020.

Position: Defender

Favorite Food: Ramen

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Hiking/ Skiing

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The food & people

African Penguin

Simon is one of the Louisville Zoo’s African penguins. Lauren got an exlusive encounter with this 8-year-old full of personality penguin.

Parker Goins

Previous Team: University of Arkansas (NCAA)

2023: Appeared in 15 matches for Racing in 2023, starting three matches in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Goins scored her first professional goal on May 12 against the Chicago Red Stars. She scored twice more in the Challenge Cup.

2022: As a rookie, Goins made seven appearances off the bench.

Before Racing Louisville: Goins spent five standout seasons with Arkansas, where she totaled 40 goals and 38 assists in 96 appearances. She was named Southeastern Conference Midfielder of the Year and an All-American selection last season. En route to Arkansas’ 2021 SEC regular season championship, Goins ranked No. 2 in assists (14) and No. 4 in goals (11) in the SEC. Goins made Racing’s roster after a successful preseason trial.

Position: Forward

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Going to the movies and drawing Favorite Thing about Louisville: The people & food

African Elephant

Mikki is the Louisville Zoo’s 39-year-old female African elephant. She and Asian elephant Punch have been together since 1985. The way to tell them apart is to look for Mikki’s ears that are shaped like the continent of Africa.

Taylor Flint #26

Taylor Flint, born on November 22, 1998, is a midfielder from Las Vegas, Nevada, standing at 6-foot-1. Previously, she played for the San Diego Wave in the NWSL. Before Racing Louisville: Flint (née Kornieck) joins Racing after two successful seasons in San Diego, where she totaled six goals and four assists in 45 appearances between the NWSL regular season and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. She played a key role in the Wave becoming the first expansion team in league history to make the playoffs in its debut campaign in 2022, and a year later she helped San Diego win the NWSL Shield, given to the first-place team through the regular season. A three-year NWSL veteran, Flint was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NWSL Draft, the highest draft selection in Orlando Pride history. The University of Colorado legend is the program’s all-time leader in career assists and points while sitting second in career goals. She was an All-American, four-time all-Pac-12 selection and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, helping CU to three NCAA Tournament second-round appearances. She spent the COVID-19-interrupted season on loan with MSV Duisburg in Ger-

many before returning to debut for Orlando in 2021, tallying three goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. Flint scored her first NWSL goal in her debut – the April 10, 2021, NWSL Challenge Cup match against Racing at Lynn Family Stadium that was the first game in Louisville club history. International: A versatile midfielder, Flint has two goals in 12 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team, with gold medals from the 2022 Concacaf W Championship and the 2023 SheBelieves Cup.

Position: Center Defensive Midfielder

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Yoga

Favorite Thing about Louisville: All the farms. Creating relationships with locals and how friendly people are.

Perigrine Falcon

Taylor had exlusive an experience with the Louisville Zoo’s beautiful 9-year-old female Perigrine falcon Madison.

Elexa Marie Bahr #23

Elexa Bahr, a forward born on May 26, 1998, hails from Buford, Georgia, stands 5-foot-3, and most recently played for América de Cali in Colombia.

Before Racing Louisville: Bahr most recently played for Colombian powerhouse América de Cali, where she scored six goals in 17 appearances to help the club win the first stage of league play and finish as runners-up in the Liga Profesional Femenina knockout tournament.

At the University of South Carolina, Bahr became one of the program’s most successful players, tying a Gamecocks mark for most career points in the NCAA Tournament with three goals and three assists. In 88 games over her four-year career, Bahr totaled 18 goals and 11 assists, including nine helpers her senior year.

In her first professional stop, Bahr scored 11 goals in 46 appearances over two years for Racing Féminas in the Spanish second division. She had a brief stint at Deportivo Cali before moving to América de Cali early last year.

International: Bahr, who was born in Georgia and grew up outside Atlanta, was a part of Colombia’s history-making 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad that reached the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time. Deployed as a winger, attacking midfielder or forward, Bahr has made 16 appearances with Colombia, including three as a substitute at the 2022 Copa América Femenina, where the Colombians finished as runner-up.

Before switching to Colombia’s senior national team, Bahr played for the Honduras U-20 squad in 2015 U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Position: Forward

Favorite Food: Almost everything sushi or pasta

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Sleeping, listening to music, reading, painting

Favorite Thing about Louisville: How friendly everyone is! Love the small town vibes (:

Seals and Sea Lions

The underwater viewing area at the award-winning Glacier Run allows Louisville Zoo guests to see these beautful pinnipeds gracefully darting through the water. Gray seals, California sea lions and harbor seals can be found at Glacier Run in this 110,000 gallon capacity pool that never goes above 65 degrees.

Olivia Sekany #99

Olivia Sekany, a goalkeeper born on December 29, 1998, in Livermore, California, is 6 feet tall and previously played for the University of Washington (NCAA). Here’s how to pronounce her name: Olivia Sekany.

2023: Earning a contract after a successful trial with the club, Sekany made 26 matchday rosters for Racing Louisville in her rookie season.

Before Racing Louisville: Sekany, who helped guide Washington to the Sweet 16 in the rescheduled 2020 NCAA Tournament, holds the Huskies’ record for the lowest goals-against average in program history, topping Hope Solo.

Position: Goalkeeper

Favorite Food: Burritos

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Yoga

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Events at the Waterfront

Vampire Bat

The vampire bats at the Louisville Zoo can be found at the HerpAqiarum under the coolest red light. Their diet is exclusively blood.

Occasion: For Nation Bat Awareness Day. Makeup by: J Michaels

Anna Ford

Anna Ford is originally from Lilburn, Georgia. She began her training at the Northeast Atlanta Ballet. After graduating, Anna moved from her hometown to Louisville to join the Studio Company in 2020. While training in the Studio Company for three years, Anna enjoyed performing roles alongside the Company in their productions. Some of these include Cygnet in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’ Violin Concerto, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, Adam Hogland’s Sleeping Beauty, and George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony. Anna is honored to join Louisville Ballet as a Company member in 2023.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Smores Icecream

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Doing my nails

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The food and community

Piranha

The Louisville Zoo’s piranha can be found in the HerpAquarium between the Zoo’s ropes course and the Islands exhibit.

Jordan Noblett

A proud native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Jordan Noblett began dancing at Gaston Dance Theatre and Open Door Studios. In 2018, she continued her training at Kansas City Ballet School for two years, where she had the opportunity to perform Neapolitan in Devon Carney’s Swan Lake and original, award-winning works by Duncan Cooper and Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye at the Youth American Grand Prix. In 2020, Jordan joined Cincinnati Ballet as a Trainee, where she enjoyed performing and being featured in works by Amy Seiwert, Adam Hougland, and Victoria Morgan.

After dancing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons in the Studio Company, Jordan was promoted to Company Artist in 2023. While she was in the Studio Company, she had the privilege to perform the Pas de Trois in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, as a Girlfriend in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, and as a Demi-Soloist in La Sylphide, among other works. Jordan is thrilled to continue sharing art with and for the Louisville community.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Sushi, chocolate

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Being outdoors, hiking, traveling, scrapbooking, photography Favorite Thing about Louisville: Dancing and community

Rat Snake

Jordan got an exclusive experience with the beautiful red-tailed green rat snake at the Louisville Zoo’s HerpAquarium.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Christian Chester

Christian Chester, born in Ohio in 2000, joined BalletMet’s Academy in 2011 as a discover dance student, and then danced in their trainee program from 2017 to 2020. They then left BalletMet and joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company from 2020 to 2023, and are now joined Louisville Ballet as a company dancer for Louisville’s 2023-2024 Season of the Commonwealth.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Bratwurst

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Karaoke

Favorite Thing about Louisville: The friendly atmosphere

Dalmation Pelicans

One of the recent additions to the Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Islands exhibit are the Dalmation Pelicans. Christian got an exclusive experience with the pelicans.

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Louisville Zoo Photography by Kyle

Mikelle Bruzina

Mikelle Bruzina, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, is a graduate of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and joined Louisville Ballet in 1995. She retired as a Principal dancer in 2010 and has continued her tenure since as Ballet Mistress.

Ms. Bruzina began teaching in Japan in 1991 and has extensive experience teaching ballet and pointe technique as well as rehearsing and coaching young dancers throughout the United States.

As a dancer, Ms. Bruzina was recognized for her diversity in classical ballet as well as modern and contemporary ballets. As a choreographer, she has choreographed five original works for Louisville Ballet including Sansei, which was presented as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration with original score by Ben Sollee.

Ms. Bruzina credits one of her first teachers with instilling a love for the arts and the discipline for lifelong success. She is thrilled to continue to share this wealth of knowledge as an integral part of the Studio Company Program.

Position: Artistic Director, Louisville Ballet Co-Artistic Director, The Louisville Ballet Studio Company

Favorite Food: In all honesty, I enjoy ALL foods!

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: I love to cook as I find peace and rejuvenation in preparing and cooking meals.

Favorite Thing about Louisville: I love the heartbeat of the city - there is an energy that is very much alive. I think it is reflective of all the arts organizations that give breath and diversity to Louisville.

Black Swans

Mikelle got an exclusive experience with the Louisville Zoo’s two beautiful black swans Mulan and Ariel named after Disney princesses.

Addison Mathes

Addison trained at the Louisville Ballet School and attended summer programs at Cincinnati Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and the National Choreography Intensive. In 2020, she joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with artists such as Helen Starr, Adam Hougland, Andrea Schermoly, and Philip Neal, and perform works such as The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppélia, and Balanchine’s Emeralds and Scotch Symphony. After three years, Addison was invited to join the Company for her first season in 2023.

Position: Louisville Ballet Company Artist

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Pastime/Hobby: Painting

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Sense of Home

Favorite Thing about Louisville: Food, art, music and the people!

Porcupine

Addision got an exclusive experience with the Louisville Zoo’s 17-year-old female porcupine Priscilla whose squishy nose made all of us fall in love!

By: Amy Barnes

Meet Louisville Nature Photographer Kyle Shepherd

Photos by: Kyle Shepherd

Animal lover Kyle Shepherd, who has served as Louisville Zoo Media & Public Relations Manager for nearly 14 years, is passionate about animal photography. It’s where she finds her solace.

“In my photography, I am drawn to the vibrant tapestry of life, from the smallest insect like a butterfly to the mightiest of the apex predators. My love for animals is not merely aesthetic, it is rooted in a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings,” said Shepherd.

“Inspired by God’s intricate creation, I find beauty in the minutia of our colorful world, from the mundane patterns in moving water to the spectacular and majestic creatures we share our planet with. I hope to inspire a love and respect for wildlife and our planet. Through my work, I invite others to pause, look a tad closer and to marvel alongside me. Our shared existence is rich with wonder and brimming with beauty, diversity and magical moments to be taken in.”

Shepherd, who spends most of her weekends during spring and summer “with my convertible top down traveling the backroads of our fine commonwealth photographing the majestic horses that dot our countryside,” has shown in several galleries locally and throughout the state.

“One upcoming show is featuring some of my firefighter photography in a show about heroes. I produce an annual firefighter calendar that benefits the WHAS Crusade for Children featuring the men and women who rescue us and keep us safe! I have had two pieces hang at the Commonwealth’s capitol in Frankfort as part of the Team Kentucky gallery. One is currently there through June.”

She has also won awards from Louisville Photographic Society.

To learn more about Shepherd’s work, visit @GirlKylephoto or purchase her photos online at girlkylephoto.com.

Louisville Sports Successes From the Past

It’s fair to say Louisville is a city of sports enthusiasts! From UofL/UK’s friendly rivalry to high school baseball, soccer, volleyball and newer teams LouCity FC and Racing FC, we have a number of enthusiastic fans in town to support every season of athletic competition. In honor of our 75th anniversary, we’re sharing a few pieces from our archives with our readers. Racing

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 8TH

Hump Day Happy Hour: Puuurfect Pairings - May 2024

Louisville Zoo

6:30 p.m.

MAY 9TH

Sips & Science, a 21+ event

Kentucky Science Center

5:30 p.m.

MAY 9TH

Wild Lights 2024

Louisville Zoo

7:00 p.m.

MAY 10TH - 11TH

Sippy Cup Strolls 2024 - Glacier Walk

Louisville Zoo

8:30 a.m.

MAY 10TH

Bourbon Bash

The Olmstead

6:30 p.m.

MAY 10TH - 11TH

Wild Lights 2024

Louisville Zoo

7:00 p.m.

MAY 11TH

Walk MS: Louisville Waterfront Park Place 8:00 a.m.

MAY 11TH

Old Lou Farmers Market Kick-Off Event

251 W. Ormsby 9:00 a.m.

MAY 11TH

11th Annual How-To Festival

Louisville Free Public Library 11:00 a.m.

MAY 11TH

The Flea Off Market at Monnik

Monnik Louisville 11:00 a.m.

MAY 11TH

Tea in the Gardens 561 Blankenbaker Ln 11:30 a.m.

MAY 11TH

3rd Annual International Food Truck Festival

Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park 2:00 p.m.

MAY 11TH

Annual VIPS Gala

Louisville Boat Club 6:00 p.m.

MAY 12TH

Ford Mother’s Day at the Zoo 2023

Louisville Zoo 10:00 a.m.

MAY 12TH

Wild Lights 2024

Louisville Zoo

7:00 p.m.

MAY 14TH

2024 JFCS MOSAIC Awards

Mellwood Art Center

6:30 p.m.

MAY 15TH

Nature Play

Louisville Zoo

8:30 a.m.

MAY 18TH

Old Louisville Springfest 2024

Toonerville Trolley Park

10:00 a.m.

MAY 18TH

Filson140: A Heritage Jubilee

Filson Historical Society

10:00 a.m.

MAY 18TH

Annual Art Festival

Norton Commons

12:00 p.m.

MAY 18TH

Red Tulip Gala 2024

Muhammad Ali Center

5:00 p.m.

MAY 18TH

Horizon of Hope Gala

Kentucky Derby Museum

5:30 p.m.

MAY 22ND

Southern Soul & Spirits: Exploring Bourbon

Land with Chef Edward Lee

Frazier History Museum

6:45 p.m.

MAY 23RD - 27TH

Abbey Road on the River 2024

BigFour Station Park, Waterfront Park 1:00 p.m.

MAY 24TH - 25TH

Uncle Boojie’s Roots Revue

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

MAY 24TH

Olmsted Parks Beer Garden Presented by Kentucky Select

Tyler Park Neighborhood Association 5:00 p.m.

MAY 25TH - 26TH

Gazebo Festival

Waterfront Park

MAY 30TH

An Evening with Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House 829 W Main St 6:00 p.m.

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FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS

20TH

ANNIVERSARY

S tay tuned for our J uly i SS ue for full coverage of the incredible 20 th a nniver S ary c elebration !

Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support:

Adrian Hoadley- KY Select Properties

American Heart Association

Baptist Milestone Wellness Center

Barry Wooley Designs/ BW Luxe Home Outlet

Bittners

Blue Grass Motorsports

Cultured

Details Interiors

Genesis Diamonds

Independence Bank

J Michaels Spa & Salon

Kentucky Select Properties

Laura Rice - Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty

Liquor Barn

Louisville City Football Club

Racing Louisville Football Club

Louisville Zoo

Melanie Galloway - Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty

PrivateFlite Aviation

Sassy Fox

Susan’s Florist

UofL Healthcare

Vincenzo’s

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

FOR JULY's ZOO ATHLETE MEET & GREAT EVENT

Meet the athletes from Louisville City FC, Racing FC, and the Louisville Ballet! Subscribe to our calendars to stay tuned for our Big Event at the Zoo! Bring your Copy of the VOICE-TRIBUNE and collect signatures