Counselors

Next Level counselors and staff are hand-selected based on their ability to lead and supervise. Our counselors are some of the best leaders and players in the sport of Ultimate. They're amped to impart their knowledge and experience onto campers through drills, discussion and play.

Ron Kubalanza

Current Team: Seattle Sockeye
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Coaching Experience: Head Coach University of Washington Element 2008-Present, Head Coach Western Washington Chaos 2007-2008, Head Coach SAAS High School Lady Cardinals 2006-Present, Coach Castro Valley HS 2005.

Having been to UPA Club Nationals with 7 different teams, including Boston's DoG, Vancouver's Furious George, San Francisco's JAM, and Seattle Sockeye, Ron brings a wealth of experience to any organization. He has coached at all levels of the game, most recently with UW's Element and is excited to share his tips on mental toughness with the next generation of ultimate players.

Dan Heijmen

Current Team: Pride of New York (New York City, NY)
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Coaching Experience: Captain, Minnesota Sub Zero 2008. Captain, University of Wisconsin-Madison 2006-2007.

Dan was first introduced to Ultimate during his time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After showing up to tryouts his freshman year wearing shin-guards, Dan continued on to graduate five years later as one of the most accomplished college players to date. Having two national championships to his name, along with the Callahan award in 2007, Dan knows what it takes to be not only a leader on the field, but also a champion. Dan's friendly nature and extensive experience make him an exteremly valuable addition to our staff at Next Level.

Sam Harkness

Current Team: Seattle Sockeye
College: North Seattle
Coaching Experience: Assistant coach to the 2005 Seattle Open YCC champion team Drizzle. Assistant coached Seattle Academy 06-08, Coached 2007 Seattle Open YCC champion team Juggernaut. Coach/Councelor at Seattle Ultimate day camps 2005-2008. Current Western Washington Women's team coach.

Sam is one of the most accomplished ultimate players for his age in the nation. From his beginnings at Nathan Hale HS and MoHo in Seattle, he has risen to represent his country with both Team USA Juniors in 2004 and Team USA Open in 2008. As a player, he combines the savvy of a fifteen year vet with the explosiveness and grit of a 23 year old workhorse. As a coach, he has developed all the tools to get the most out of his teams and players.

Jolian Dahl

Current Team: Johnny Bravo
College: University of Colorado-Boulder
Coaching Experience: Counselor at JEM (2005). Coach Monarch HS (Louisville, CO) 2008-Present.

Jolian began his playing career with the prestigious Paideia HS program in 1999, and soon went on to become one of the most dominant players in both club and college. After three finals appearances and one championship in college with Colorado's Mamabird, Jolian helped lead Boulder's Johnny Bravo to consecutive semis and finals berths at the UPA Club Championships. As a veteran of the two-year JEM (Junior Elite Methods) Camp in Boulder, he brings a great knowledge of competitive youth ultimate to Next Level this summer.

Dan Miller

Current Team: Minnesota SubZero
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Coaching Experience: Captain, Minnesota Sub Zero 2007-2008. Captain, Winona State 2002-2003. Co-creator of the Minnesota State High School League, in 2002.

As a player, Dan Miller has it all: throws, hops, speed, and a fantastic field sense. Three years with the Wisconsin Hodags, two with Winona State, and six with Minnesota's SubZero have brought a steely discipline to his talent - and that is what he hopes to impart to campers at Next Level. Dan is also a Certified Athletic Trainer, and will serve as the camps full time trainer and health care provider.

Hector Valdivia

(Guest Counselor)

Current Team: Minnesota SubZero
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Coaching Experience: Head Coach University of Wisconsin-B 2008-Present, Head Coach Fairview High School (Boulder, CO) 2005-2008.

Hector cut his teeth with the University of Wisconsin's program in the early days of its success. He was an indespensible part of the core that lead the Hodags to their first championship in 2003, and has continued to be a leader and supporter of the Madison ultimate community. Having coached at the High School level in Boulder, CO with Fairview High School, Hector now brings his enthusiasm and work ethic to the Next Level Camp.