etnies Girl proudly announces the addition of top 10 rated Association of Professional Surfers (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfer Leilani Gryde to the team. At just 20 years young and with only two years of WQS experience under her belt, Gryde has already gotten close to making the elite ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), narrowly missing the cut by just one place last year. She joins etnies Girl’s team of elite surf, skate, snow, motocross and BMX talent, who continue to build the momentum of females in action sports.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Leilani to the team,” says Julie Shumaker, etnies Girl brand marketing manager. “She’s one of the fiercest young competitors out there and a positive role model to aspiring athletes. She will play an integral role in rounding out our talented roster of 2007 etnies Girl athletes and helping us continue to build upon advancing the progression of female athletes. We look forward to supporting her as she chases a 2008 WCT spot while on the WQS circuit this year.”
Born and raised in Kona, Hawaii, and now based in Southern California, “Lei Lei” or “Grommet” started shortboard surfing at 11 years old while at YMCA summer camp. She became a major force on the junior circuit, with an NSSA National Championship title to her credit in 2002, as well as consistent top-four placings in numerous regional events around the globe, prior to her top seeding on the WQS. In addition to her etnies Girl sponsorship, Gryde is the only sponsored female athlete on Lost Surfboards, and is also sponsored by Oakley.
Gryde joins current etnies Girl motocross star Tarah Gieger, who was recently signed to the surf team (making her the first multi-sport etnies Girl athlete), as well as longboarder Mary Osborne and WCT veteran Serena Brooke. The team is rounded out by skaters Elissa Steamer, Lauren Perkins and Evelien Bouilliart, snowboarders Leanne Pelosi and Janna Meyen, motocross riders Tarah Gieger and Sarah Whitmore, and BMX riders Nina Buitrago and Stacey Mulligan.
