World Team First-Timers Prepare for Competition

Big dreams and hard work pay off for Team USA newcomers.

This article was originally published in the February 2024 OVERview digital magazine. Read more about all the 2024 Team USA competitors at https://www.usdaa.com/news/ifcs-team-usa-2024-announced.cfm.

Dreams of international competition and adventure — as well as a lot of hard work — helped these handlers and their dogs prepare for their debut on Team USA this year.

Christine Brew and Indi, California

Christine Brew has always loved animals, especially dogs. She and her twin sister often jumped their family’s Bernese Mountain Dogs over broomsticks when they were growing up. After she started running in college and found a love for 5Ks and triathlons, she felt it was obvious she should try agility to combine her two passions. She has been involved in the sport since 2006.

Chris now competes with Indi, her 7½-year-old Pumi, and Indi’s 3-year-old son, Boo. She and Indi have had great success at every level of the sport, including winning the Steeplechase^® and Grand Prix^® at Cynosport^®. She is thrilled to test their skills at IFCS this year, with the new height groups making Indi eligible for the 400mm height.

“From the very start, I knew how special she was because of her natural speed and highly affectionate, empathetic nature,” Chris said. “In foundation classes, she was very quick but struggled with impulse control, but the addition of FEO/NFC at trials helped me to reward and refocus her energy. She is intense about everything she does and is my true heart dog.”

When they aren’t participating in the sport, Chris and her dogs like to hike, visit the beach, and train in nosework. Chris also leads a team of biologists at a startup company that researches new cancer therapies through AI and traditional drug discovery.

Tracy England and Flea, California

Since 2001, Tracy England has dreamt of competing with her dog at an international competition overseas. She has competed in the sport since 2003, starting her training with her English Springer Spaniel, Doc. Her initial goals were simply to earn one ribbon while fostering and rescuing dogs, but her ambition quickly grew to earn a title and participate every weekend she could.

Although Tracy has traveled to France before to perform in a student orchestra, this year will mark her first time traveling abroad with a dog. Originally from Massachusetts, she made the 2024 team with her 4½-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Flea, who will do just about anything for his treats.

Tracy is excited to step to the line with Flea in France and handle the best possible lines to help support Team USA. Outside of the sport, she is a professional dog groomer who loves the freedom that comes with being self-employed.

Rachel Molenaar and Hazel, Massachusetts

Rachel Molenaar initially heard about agility in college in the early ’90s. Although she trained for the sport with her first dog, Kizzy, who joined the family in 1998, it wasn’t until 2007 when she brought home Gromit, a Talisman Border Collie puppy, that she started competing. Now, Rachel has made her first world team with Hazel, a 2-year-old Papillon bred by Sharon Wirant (WitchingHour Papillons).

“Hazel’s litter was bred with agility in mind,” Rachel said. “She’s my first small dog, and I have enjoyed competing with and learning from other ‘littles’ handlers this year, including Heather Witt-Sullivan and Rowan. In August, Heather encouraged me to apply for the IFCS team. At first, I did feel a bit of imposter syndrome, but I decided to try after speaking more with her and other team members who competed in England last year.”

Even though Hazel is still young, she impresses Rachel with her confidence at major events; noise, crowds, new footing and weird weather rarely phase her. The duo has earned their ADCH and podiumed twice at Cynosport^® and three times at the Vermont Jamboree. Rachel owes a lot of her success to their trainer, Lo Baker.

“Lo’s support and expertise are invaluable, and I’m excited to be part of the team this year,” Rachel said. “I love analyzing a course with teammates and cheering each other on. Dog Agility Masters^® Team is my favorite thing about USDAA because of the camaraderie and collaboration. I expect the IFCS team to have a similar vibe.”

Outside of agility, Rachel teaches high school math at a Massachusetts charter school and is the Curriculum Coordinator for their math department.

Courtney Moore and Butter, Texas

Although they will join their first IFCS team this spring, Courtney Moore and Rayn’s Everything’s Better with Butter (“Butter”) have both experienced higher-profile events. Courtney started in the sport as a junior handler with her Toy Poodle, Jazz, almost 30 years ago and has competed successfully at every level, including on a previous world team — the 2023 World Agility Open with Butter, a 4-year-old Border Collie/Papillon mix.

“I tried for several teams with my Border Collie in 2019, but then COVID happened, followed by an injury, and we were not able to try again,” Courtney said. “Butter has been such a special dog, and being able to run her overseas again is so exciting. I’m thrilled to go to France this year; it’s a country I’ve wanted to visit my whole life! Representing our country there is just the icing on the cake.”

When she isn’t competing, Courtney is a full-time instructor at Happy Dog Sports in Leander, Texas. She also judges events for multiple venues and travels across the country teaching seminars and workshops.

Reese Spindle and Havana, Maryland

Six years ago, Reese Spindle sought an agility instructor when her energetic 4-month-old Havanese, Zorro, turned her backyard into his own course. The sport was a great way to channel Zorro’s energy and embrace her competitive side; she has been addicted ever since. Reese added her second agility dog, Havana, to the family four years later as a playmate for Zorro. With her sights on competing internationally, Reese carefully worked on Havana’s foundational training and overall progression. It certainly paid off: Havana earned 13 USDAA titles within her first 10 months of competition.

“From the moment I held Havana in my arms, I dreamed of getting her to Worlds one day,” Reese said. “Never did I imagine she would be just two years old when we did it! This is our first time representing Team USA, and I’m so proud of her and everything we’ve accomplished together. She never gives me anything less than 150 percent!”

Outside the ring, Reese is the Associate Director for Facilities Administration and Operations at the University of Maryland – Baltimore.