Meet IFCS Team USA 2026
Members prepare for April competition in Spain.
Congratulations to the outstanding competitors selected to represent Team USA this year! These talented athletes will head to the 2026 International Federation of Cynological Sports (IFCS) World Agility Championship (WAC) at Moura Tours - Valencia Equestrian Center in Valencia, Spain, April 28 to May 3. Hailing from all around the country, team members represent a diverse group that includes large and small dogs, newcomers and past medal winners. See the complete team list here.
The 2026 Team Manager is Courtney Keys of Austin, Texas. A former World Team competitor, she has been involved in the sport since 2008 and judging USDAA® since 2012, including several times at Cynosport.
2026 Team Manager Courtney Keys
Northeast
Heather Adams and Star (Pembroke, New York): In 2004, Heather started in agility to do something fun with her Golden Retriever, Tucker. She now competes with her 9-year-old Border Collie, Star, who is both her best friend and an extension of herself in the ring. “Star is so happy all the time and loves to train,” she said. “She gets very excited for competitions, but she’s all business once she’s at the start line. I’m looking forward to the energy and fun atmosphere of a world event like this and the opportunity to run some exciting courses with her.”
Heather Adams and Star (Moto Pet Photo)
Amber McCune, Shelby-Cobra and Prove-It (Bedford, New Hampshire): With experience in the horse jumping world, Amber first saw dog agility over two decades ago and thought it would be fun to try with her Border Collie. She was immediately hooked after one lesson and is now the owner and trainer of American K9 Country, a dog boarding, training, daycare and event center in Amherst, New Hampshire. “I’m so honored and proud to be part of the IFCS team once again,” she said. “I’m super excited to run Shelby-Cobra (7-year-old Border Collie) and Prove-It (3-year-old Border Collie) on the world stage again. I am so, so grateful to be their teammate, and I can’t wait to show off our skills.”
Amber McCune with Prove-It and Shelby-Cobra
Rachel Molenaar and Hazel (Dracut, Massachusetts): Rachel has been interested in agility since college and started competing in 2008 with her Border Collie, Gromit. She is excited to join Team USA with her 4-year-old Papillon, Hazel. “Hazel is all go-go-go on the agility field, but at home, she is cuddly and sweet,” Rachel said. “She knows how to relax and enjoy herself, but when it is her turn on the course, she yells loudly and runs her heart out. We look forward to helping and cheering on the team this year!”
Rachel Molenaar and Hazel
Reese Spindle and Havana (Severn, Maryland): Reese has been hooked on agility for eight years and actively competing for six. While her second dog, Havana, was carefully planned from her breeding to every step of her training in hopes of competing at the highest levels of the sport, Reese never imagined they would represent Team USA at the IFCS for three consecutive years. “What makes Havana truly special are her instincts and competitive intelligence,” Reese said of her 4-year-old Miniature Poodle. “She has an incredible desire to be right and an almost relentless drive to improve. She doesn’t just love agility — she studies it. She reads lines, commits fully to her choices and brings a level of focus and intention to every run that continues to surprise me. I can’t wait for another adrenaline rush in Spain with my best girl.”
Reese Spindle and Havana
Southeast
Barb Davis and Brewsky (West Palm Beach, Florida): A longtime dog lover, Barb began showing Wire Fox Terriers in conformation and obedience in 1970. She started in agility in 1993 with her Shelties, and in 2001, she got her first Border Collie, Zesty. Since then, she has competed at nine national agility championships and 10 world events, returning to Europe this year with her 4 ½-year-old Border Collie, Brewsky. “Because of Brewsky’s fantastic performance at Cynosport®, Ken Tatsch invited us to join the IFCS world team, and we decided to accept!” Barb said. “I had quit trying out for teams because our retirement budget can’t handle the international travel, but we are thrilled to go out and compete for our country one last time!”
Barb Davis and Brewski (Great Dane Photo)
Brian Ferrand and Marvel (Mills River, North Carolina): Brian has been involved in agility for about half his life, having discovered the sport with his unlikely rescue dog, Satchmo the Chow Mix. He first became involved in hosting events, then as an instructor, opening High Flyer Agility Center in 2009. Brian became a USDAA judge in 2014 and was honored to judge Cynosport in 2021. This year, he looks forward to getting a chance to compete at a new level with his canine partner, Marvel, a 6-year-old Working Kelpie. “He’s really good-natured and rowdy,” Brian said of Marvel. “He goes at everything with a lot of enthusiasm, and it’s kind of infectious!”
Brian Ferrand and Marvel
Courtney Moore and Butter (New Orleans, Louisiana): Courtney started competing with her mom in obedience and agility in the mid-’90s and has never looked back. For 30 years, she has found her passion in spending time with her dogs and always looks forward to competing at great events and having fun as a team. “Butter is one of a kind,” she said of her 6-year-old BorderPap partner. “She has the ability to captivate an audience and charm everyone out of hugs, kisses and cookies!”
Courtney Moore and Butter
Nanette Nance and Arai (Rogers, Arkansas): Over a decade ago, Nanette decided to try the sport as a fun way to play and compete with her dog, and she has continued to participate because of the depth of partnership and level of communication it requires. She has found even more joy in the game with her 4-year-old Border Collie, Arai, whom she considers a thoughtful and highly driven teammate. “Arai brings intention to the game and makes the sport fun,” Nanette said. “He adds engagement and connection to our partnership. I’m most looking forward to representing Team USA alongside a talented group of teammates, measuring our work against a strong international field and learning from the experience.”
Nanette Nance and Arai
Pamela Reid, Tweeker and Grifter (Hendersonville, North Carolina): Pamela started competing in 1989 with her Saluki, who became the first of his breed to earn an AD title. She earned a silver medal with Tweeker and a gold medal with Grifter in Agility Standard at IFCS 2025.
Pamela Reid with Grifter and Tweeker
Danielle Scott and Iron Man (Charleston, South Carolina): Danielle fell in love with agility after seeing it on television and started her journey as a junior handler over 20 years ago. She now competes with Iron Man, a 7-year-old Border Collie who “is a very happy dog with an incredibly unique and goofy personality. He has the ability to make any situation fun with his antics,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the entire IFCS experience,” she said. “The camaraderie that comes with international team events is always so amazing. I am also excited to experience a new country with my dog, which makes the journey even more meaningful. And of course, nothing compares to the rush you feel when you step to the line.”
Danielle Scott and Iron Man
Jamie Lyle and Kasey, Powder Springs, Georgia: Jamie started in agility about 15 years ago after looking for something fun to do with her Lab who had lots of energy. She's looking forward to attending IFCS in Spain this year and representing Team USA with Kasey, a 4-year-old Border Collie. "It’s a honor to run with all the incredible teams at IFCS WAC," she said. "Kasey is a super special dog and literally my best friend! She’s got the coolest personality and I can’t wait to travel to another country with her!"
Jamie Lyle and Kasey
Midwest
Ava Gardner and Merlee (Minnesota): Ava and her Shetland Sheepdog, Merlee, represented the United States in the 2023 FCI Junior Open Agility World Championship, where they placed in the top 10. At Cynosport® 2025, the team placed second in the 12” Purina® Pro Plan® Grand Prix of Dog Agility®.
Ava Gardner and Merlee (Great Dane Photos)
Debbie McLean and Gem (Fenton, Michigan): Sixteen years ago, Debbie had a rescue dog that needed an activity; they tried agility and never looked back. She loves every opportunity she gets to play with her dogs, including her current world team partner Gem, a 2-year-old English Cocker Spaniel. “Gem is the sweetest, happiest, most food-loving creature I know,” Debbie said. “I look forward to representing the U.S. at a world event together, cheering on our teammates, making new friends and visiting a foreign country.”
Debbie McLean and Gem
Finley Richgels and Joker (Middleton, Wisconsin): Thanks to her mother, Shawna, Finley has been a part of the agility world since she was born. She accompanied Shawna to agility classes and competitions throughout her childhood, learning how to handle dogs with other people’s more experienced partners. At age 7, she entered her first competition; then, in eighth grade, she got her own dog, Joker. “Joker is my best friend; I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without him,” Finley said of her now-8-year-old Border Collie. “He has been perfect as my first dog and taught me so much. We love to run international-style courses together, and I am so grateful for all the trips he takes me on! I’m also looking forward to being a part of my mom and Pato’s first team.”
Finley Richgels and Joker (Great Dane Photos)
Shawna Richgels and Pato (Middleton, Wisconsin): Twenty-eight years ago, Shawna was looking for something new and fun to do with her energetic Boxer when she decided to try agility. Now the owner and director of Canine Sports Zone in Middleton, Wisconsin, she looks forward to every opportunity to play the game with her 4-year-old Border Collie, Pato. “Pato was placed with me at nine months old by a dear friend, Greg, who was diagnosed with a difficult cancer,” Shawna said. “He put a fantastic puppy foundation on her, and I know he would be very proud of her now. I can’t wait to be on the same team with her, my lovely daughter, Finley, and her boy, Joker. If plans work out, Greg’s wife will be coming to Spain as well to cheer us on, so it will be very special indeed!”
Shawna Richgels and Pato (Great Dane Photos)
Southwest
Stacy Bols and Kozmoz (Roanoke, Texas): Over 22 years ago, Stacy started competing in agility after winding down her volleyball career. Stacy thought that combining her two loves — dogs and competition — was a match made in heaven. An agility instructor and coach, she previously competed at IFCS in 2014 and is very excited to represent Team USA once again. This time, she will be joined by her 6-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Kozmoz. “Kozmoz is a one-of-a-kind Miniature Schnauzer,” Stacy said. “His love for the game with me is unmatched, and he is very vocally energetic while running. This will be his first trip to Europe to compete!”
Stacy Bols and Kozmoz
Abby David and Bungee (Houston, Texas): Abby and her 5-year-old Border Collie, Bungee, will celebrate their fourth year with Team USA in 2026. Abby looks forward to another year of representing USDAA and exploring a new country with some of her best friends, while also trying her hardest to overcome every challenge the IFCS judges present. “Bungee is everything to me,” she said. “She just never quits and is so easy. We’ve fallen into sync now where it almost feels like she reads my mind. She’s absolutely amazing; I just have to show her off correctly.”
Abby David and Bungee
Brenda Kelly and Ember (Flower Mound, Texas): Brenda became involved in agility in 2008 after a long history in equestrian sports; she started teaching classes in 2012. She has had four dogs since that time, all of whom were World Team members and some of whom brought home Cynosport championship titles. She and her current partner, Ember, competed in the 2025 IFCS World Agility Championship in Switzerland.
Brenda Kelly and Ember (Great Dane Photo)
Janet Terry and Scenic (Humble, Texas): Janet quickly became addicted to the sport after trying it in 1998 with her Sheltie, Molly. She fell in love just as quickly with Scenic, her now 4-year-old Border Collie partner, after holding her at just one hour old. This year is the duo’s second year competing in IFCS after winning the gold medal in the 60cm Individual Standard last year. “Scenic is smart, athletic and funny; she makes me laugh every day and is a total joy to me,” Janet said. “I am looking forward to sharing this great experience with her and all our other USA teammates!”
Janet Terry and Scenic
Heather Venkat and Lyla (Surprise, Arizona): Heather started in agility with her coworker and their rescue dogs in 2018 and, like many handlers, was immediately hooked. Now, she competes with a 5-year-old BorderPap named Lyla. “Lyla is always up for anything, from hiking to agility and other dog sports to just cuddling on the couch,” Heather said. “When it’s competition time, she gives me 110%! She’s also such a quick learner; I don’t have to do many repetitions with her at all. I look forward to testing our skills on the international stage and the overall camaraderie between our teammates throughout the competition!”
Heather Venkat and Lyla (Great Dane Photos)
Emily Walker and Flirt (Sanger, Texas): After growing up watching her mom train and compete in sports with Standard Poodles, Emily couldn’t wait until it was her turn to play. She started training in agility after her 12th birthday and never looked back. She last competed overseas at the 2019 European Open Junior Agility Championships; since then, she has looked forward to representing the U.S. again and making more international memories. “I’m excited to compete at IFCS with Flirt! She is all heart and passion,” Emily said of her 6-year-old Miniature Poodle. “Her spirit and drive make her special. No matter what we do or what rewards I have (or don’t have), Flirt will give me her all 100% of the time. She is an incredible partner who pushes me to be the best handler I can be.”
Emily Walker and Flirt
West
Christine Brew and Indi (Montara, California): After she started running in college and found a love for 5Ks and triathlons, Christine felt it was obvious she should try agility to combine her two passions. She has been involved in the sport since 2006. She and Indi took home three medals at IFCS 2025: gold in Snooker, silver in Gamblers, and bronze in Biathlon Overall.
Christine Brew and Indi
Ginny Carlson and Trouble (Camino, California): Ginny started in the sport in the early ’90s when her local 4-H dog project volunteered at an agility show hosted by Haute Dawgs. She will be joined by her 6-year-old Border Collie, Trouble, when Team USA heads to Spain. “We struggled for a long time over her arousal issues and my handling of her,” Ginny said. “She was more dog than I ever had. We also didn’t know if we would ever compete again after a serious toe injury sidelined us for a year. I am so happy for this experience with her. It is just perfect to have her be the dog that takes me to this place I never thought I would be!”
Ginny Carlson and Trouble (Great Dane Photos)
Karena Kosco and Ronan (Poway, California): Twenty years ago, Karena became interested in the sport after her husband decided to try it. Her first agility partner, an Italian Greyhound named Cedar, provided her with a strong training foundation through his confidence and intelligence. Now, she looks forward to cheering on her teammates and representing USDAA alongside her 4-year-old Border Collie, Ronan. “Ronan has such a wonderful, balanced personality,” she said. “He’s high drive when he’s working, and he has a sweet, calm nature at home.”
Karena Kosco with Ronan, Kiwi and Jax
Kate Moureaux, Prize and Lightsaber (Simi Valley, California): In 1992, Kate’s mother opened the first agility training school in southern California, and Kate started competing with her grandmother’s English Springer Spaniel. Since then, she has become an agility instructor and world-class competitor. This year marks her eighth IFCS appearance, where she will be joined by her veteran partner Prize, a 9-year-old Border Collie, and Prize’s 5-year-old daughter, Lightsaber. “Prize and Lightsaber are the fourth and fifth generations of my Border Collie line to compete with me at IFCS,” Kate said. “I’m really looking forward to it! This will be Prize’s seventh world team competition and Lightsaber’s first.”
Kate Moureaux with Prize and Lightsaber
Kaitlyn Rohr and Brink! (Loma, Colorado): Kaitlyn started competing as a junior handler in 4-H dog agility, which sparked her lifelong passion for the sport. Now with over 20 years of experience, the full-time agility trainer and coach will join Team USA with her 4-year-old Border Collie, Brink! “My dad trained Brink! and knew from the beginning how special he was,” Kaitlyn said. “He encouraged us to compete and supported us in pursuing our dreams and goals, which makes this journey incredibly meaningful. I’m most looking forward to seeing so many incredible teams from around the world compete in one location, as well as representing our country alongside such an amazing group of handlers.”
Kaitlyn Rohr and Brink (Capture Your Ego photo)
Shelby Tilden and Moss (Corvallis, Oregon): Shelby speaks quite a bit of Spanish and loves traveling to Spanish-speaking countries; ever since she learned what a world agility team was, her dream has been to travel to Spain to compete. She is thrilled to participate in IFCS this year with her 8-year-old Border Collie, Moss, and looks forward to celebrating his last international event in Valencia. “Finishing his international career in Spain feels so fitting,” Shelby said. “I had no idea he would be the one to take me there and make the dream come true. When I held him as a not-so-tiny puppy in my arms for the first time, I didn’t know what kind of adventure he’d take me on. His registered name includes ‘Room to Grow’ — lyrics from my favorite song — and he has helped (and forced) me to grow so much.”
Shelby Tilden and Moss (Great Dane Photo)