2008 Female Athlete of the Year Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Robby Hedrick 75 Air Base Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Every year the Air Force recognizes the top male and female Airmen athletes in the Air Force and this year is no different except that the top female athlete of 2008 is from Hill Air Force Base. First Lieutenant Dana Pounds, 538 Aircraft Sustainment Group, won the award for a myriad of reasons. She volunteered at the United States Air Force Academy track and field program as a javelin throw coach. Lieutenant Pounds was recruited by the academy as a basketball player in 2002, and mentioned to the track and field coach that she had thrown shot put and discus in high school. He quickly steered her toward throwing the javelin. Lieutenant Pounds transitioned almost effortlessly and soon became a back-to-back NCAA champion, Pan-am competitor, and almost qualified for an Olympic birth, allowing her to be accepted into the World Class Athlete Program held at the Air Force Academy. As a member of the WCAP, Lieutenant Pounds is proud to be both a national and international ambassador for the Air Force. "The Air Force provided me with an opportunity with the WCAP that allowed me to focus on my training and it was an opportunity that can't be matched," she said. "It was an awesome journey physically, spiritually and emotionally." Through the program Lieutenant Pounds competed both nationally and internationally which allowed her to make friends from all over the world. "I really developed a great appreciation for the WCAP as well as the national and international communities," said Lieutenant Pounds. "The ability to represent the Air Force worldwide and the relationships that come along with it was an awesome opportunity." Since WCAP was an Air Force program, Lieutenant Pounds didn't have to worry about housing or money, which allowed her to fully pour herself into the program. It allowed her to train with all the intensity and passion that goes into making someone a world class athlete. "By not having to worry about anything allowed me to develop a strong work ethic with a chance to produce tangible results and give something back to the Air Force," said Lieutenant Pounds. While participating in the WCAP at the academy, she worked with 12 cadet athletes on their individual skill and throwing techniques along with administering a 20-hours-a-week strength and conditioning program. Of the 12 athletes she worked with, eight of them qualified to go to the Mountain West Conference meet with seven of them placing. Although she was taking the time to guide and mentor young individuals she hasn't rested on her laurels and is currently ranked #2 in the United States and #34 in the world at throwing the javelin. She just fell short of representing the Air Force in the 2008 Olympics by a mere two inches and she is looking forward to competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Lieutenant Pounds contributes her success to her coach from the WCAP, Tech. Sgt. Ty Reyes and coach Scott Irving, Head Throws Coach at USAFA. During this time Lieutenant Pounds also visited various venues and schools to improve awareness of the USAFA, boost morale, all the while supporting Airmen home and abroad. Lieutenant Pounds hopes to return to the USAFA as coach when her competition days are done and give back to the Air Force for the wonderful experiences that the military has given her. Her vast experience as a competitor and leader in the Air Force has prepared her well for the challenge of coaching and leading others to achieve their personal best in representing themselves and the Air Force. Having gone through the challenges of being a military member, college student as well as an athlete gives her a different perspective on working with other athletes who have other commitments other than training. She also uses her experiences to motivate and help the Airmen under her here at Hill. However, becoming the Female Athlete of the Year has made a huge impact on her that will remain for a very long time. "I consider being awarded the Female Athlete of 2008 an extreme honor that I will cherish forever," said Lieutenant Pounds.