Australian Shepherds are the best.They are known all over the world as the supreme frisbee catching dog. Every year at the World Championships, their breed takes home the title with their unmatched style, precision, and finesse.

Aliene Howell, Guilford’s Ultimate Frisbee team captain catches Frisbees, too, and she is better than a dog.

“She is definitely better than a dog,” said teammate Lauren McCathren. “Are you serious?”

Howell, a junior, has been on the Frisbee team for two years, but this is the first year she has been captain.

As the captain, Howell juggles many responsibilities including coaching, finding out about tournaments, and managing the budget.

“It’s definitely more stressful than being a player,” Howell said. “Last year I could blow off practice, or show up late, but this year it’s like my job.”

“Howell is a great captain. She doesn’t just bark orders,” said Gardner. “She encourages everyone and provides good constructive criticism.”

“She is really good at making practice fun,” said junior Ted Fetter.

Howell has shouldered the responsibility of leading our Ultimate Frisbee team during a rebuilding year.

“Most of our players are freshmen,” said Howell. “So we aren’t quite a cohesive unit yet, but we are definitely getting better.”

“We are a young team, but we are definitely getting better,” said Fetter. “We beat UNCA last weekend.”

As the team becomes tighter, the freshmen are benefiting from Aliene’s leadership.

“Aliene has really helped me progress this year,” said McCathren, who is a freshman.

“Aliene is a really smart player who isn’t scared to go up against anyone,” said Fetter. “I think that rubs off on the rest of the team.”

However, next semester the team will have to do without her leadership as captain while she studies in Rome through the Tyler School of Art.

Howell is an art major who recently received a prize in Guilford’s art show. She is also a teacher’s assistant for Painting I.

“We are definitely going to miss her next semester,” said Gardner. “She has done so much for this team.”

Even if she can’t catch a frisbee in her mouth, I am convinced that she is better than any Australian Shepherd. She has provided spectacular leadership to a young team, while excelling at art.

I don’t think an Australian Shepherd could have done all of that.