Board

Mia Letterie, Chief Operating Officer

Mia (she/her) is originally from Seattle where she began playing ultimate at Whitman College in 2014. After college, she moved to Nashville and has dedicated endless hours to the Nashville ultimate community through coaching YCC, being a board member for Nashville Ultimate Machine, playing on NightShade, and captaining ‘Shine. When she isn’t busy giving back to the community, you can find her cooking amazing meals for her friends, breaking it down on the dance floor, or trying out new restaurants in the area.

Rachel Kramer, Director of Administration

Having grown up in Atlanta, GA, Rachel (she/her) began playing ultimate in high school with Paideia. Rachel (aka NASA) continued to play in college at Tufts University, and played for Boston Brute Squad for many years. She was a member of Portland Rising’s inaugural season before moving to Nashville and joining NightShade and ‘Shine. Rachel has served many roles on the team, including player, captain, coach, and board member. In her spare time, Rachel can be found baking incredible treats, walking with her small pup, or enjoying a charcuterie board with her friends.

Grace Castro, Board Member

Grace (she/her) began playing ultimate at Catholic University in 2014 where she helped lead the team to D-III Nationals. She continued to play women’s club in New England (Hope and Baywatch), Washington DC (Grit), and Kansas City (Wicked). She joined NightShade soon after moving to Nashville and now plays for ‘Shine. Outside of ultimate, she is a Quality Engineer who loves dogs, hiking/camping, and exploring her new city.

Candace Surface, Director of Development

A native of Nashville, Candace (she/her) began playing ultimate in college at Samford University, where she was a member of the Bulldogs’ soccer team. Growing up, she was (and still is) a huge fan of the Tennessee Volunteers’ women’s basketball, rooting for such Lady Vols’ luminaries as Kara Lawson and Tamika Catchings. Candace runs a nonprofit, Day 7, in Nashville which is dedicated to providing self care services for those in the nonprofit and ministry sectors. She enjoys playing sports, especially ultimate with her husband Jim, spending time doing anything outside, and trying new coffee shops.

Jim Surface, Director of Operations

Jim (he/him) grew up in Nashville and has the honor of being the first ever male ball person for the Vanderbilt Commodores women’s basketball team. He began playing ultimate at Martin Luther King High School. In college, he played baseball at Southwestern University. In addition to sports, Jim enjoys nerding out—you can often find him playing Magic: the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons—and spending time with his family, especially his rock star wife, Candace!

Ben Kurland, Director of Finance

Bio coming soon!

Katharine Gilbert, Director of Communications

Katharine (she/her) began playing ultimate in high school in the greater Philadelphia area. Katharine (aka KG) continued playing in college for the Northeastern Valkyries and played women’s club for Boston Vice and Siege during her time in Boston. After graduating, she moved to East Tennessee and became involved in Knoxville Ultimate, NightShade, and ‘Shine. Katharine now lives in Auburn, AL, where she is pursuing a M.S. in Forestry and coaching Auburn Ares. Outside of ultimate, Katharine enjoys cooking and outdoor adventures.

Ava Letterie, Social Media Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

Emily Branson, General Manager

Emily (she/her) grew up in Knoxville, TN where she began playing ultimate as a senior in high school. She continued to play at University of Tennessee Knoxville with the women’s team. She has played for a variety of club teams in Tennessee and now plays for Huntsville Space Force. Emily is an Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Nurse who loves reading and hiking in her free time.