Kat Johnson
Player #33
Shredding zones and throwing bombs are just part of another day for Kat (aka Zikov) who returns to Zen for her third year (and third jersey design.) She’s quick and deliberate and isn’t afraid to throw a convincing fake to tell her cutter to get the hell out of her lane. Welcome back Kat!
Zen – 2016 Kat has had a love for ultimate ever since she was just a little girl tossing the disc around with her parents. After playing in High School and TSSC, Kat decided she wanted to take the next step and try out for a touring team. To her delight, she played on MMV last year and achieved her personal goal of making Zen in 2015. Her passion knows no boundaries as she has combined her love for travel and ultimate and played several international tournaments such as Melbourne Hat in Australia, Boracay Open in the Philippines, and Porangahau Hat in New Zealand. Although she plays several nights a week and on average, 2 tournaments per month, Kat’s obsession with the sport only continues to grow and is always looking for ways to grow as a player!
Number: 33
Is there significance behind your number?
3 has been my lucky number for as long as I can remember. I figured, what could be luckier than 3?
Position:
Handler (most of the time)
What do you bring to the team?
I can sometimes throw and cut good. I’d like to think I also help motivate and support my fellow teammates through the good and the bad.
Previous Experience:
This is my fourth year touring in the mixed system. I’ve been playing on Zen for the past 3 years and before that was my first year touring – with MMV.
Zen (Mixed – 2016)
Zen (Mixed – 2015)
Mars Meet Venus (Mixed – 2014)
Current Team(s):
Currently trying to lay low this summer and only playing on one other league team called Hustle and Flo with a lot of current Zen members. I can’t seem to get away from these people!
Nickname(s):
Ugh…Unfortunately, Newell and Pat have recently started calling me Rat/Rat in the Hat (because I wear a hat – HOW CLEVER, GUYS!) Sometimes people call me Little/Small Cat (Bru is Big Cat).
Do you have a go-to pre/post game meal?
You’re almost guaranteed to find me eating a banana before a game, especially at a tournament. Other pre-game go-to’s are: Clif/Larabar + protein shakes, pita and hummus.
Do you have a pre/post game ritual or any other superstitions?
Just lots of stretching. I’m “superstitious” that if I don’t warm up or stretch I will have a bad time the next day.
Least Favourite/ Favourite Fitness:
Favourite: Sally (mainly because the song makes the squats tolerable). Least favourite: Pyramid track workout. CURSE IT TO HECK!
Favourite Pump-up Song:
Lately, it’s been Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise.
What is your favourite TUC League/ Team to play on? Why?
Cheers for 3 – the team is made up of players I’ve known since almost day 1. We started off as a hat team called Friendly Strangers in the MSSC league and after one season, we decided to stick together. We since have become great friends on and off the field and have grown and improved together tremendously.
Favourite Zen Tagline
#zenitals, #hundop, and of course…#bringsallyup
If there is anything else you would like the world to know?
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
What teammate do you admire and why?
Granny – because she’s super fit (I wish I were as fit), very knowledgeable about the sport, and not to mention a great person!
Is there any specific moment/ drill/ game that you consider a highlight of the season so far?
Hands down our game against Union at Regionals where we not only exceeded our expectations but everyone else’s too. It was proof that we can do great things if we’re determined and work hard.