You may not always “see” this player out and about, or as an active face on Team Munzee, but she’s the amazingly creative mind behind every pin we hunt after, every badge we seek out, and all the stunning graphics we see on the website and Social Media. This week’s Player of the Week goes to our very own Team Munzee Designer, Trish Vandehey (Vanderarban)! Let’s take a moment to get to know the incredibly creative player that’s brought us Mustaches, must-earn badges, and impossible Munzee-capable smartphone printers!
Who are you?
Trish Vandehey aka Vanderarban
Where in the world do you live?
Denison Texas, a little town on the border of Oklahoma on beautiful Lake Texoma and just an hour north of Munzee Headquarters! (Editor’s note: Perfect Munzee scenery and MHQ? That deserves the lucky “badge” right there!)
How long have you played Munzee? Almost a year
How did you find Munzee?
I had gone out with my other half, Hayden, to do some walking and caching. While searching out the first one at the entrance to the park I spotted a Munzee. I had seen a few articles about it in the previous year and had mentioned it to Hayden, so I was pretty excited to spot one and be reminded about the game. Unfortunately, my signal was really bad and I was unable to capture the Munzee. But the second I got home I made an account and starting playing. I plan on going back soon to scan that first Munzee.
How did Munzee “Find” you (how did you become a member of Team Munzee)?
I was in contact with Rob from almost the start. Hayden and I had met up with him a few times to play and offered our talents excitedly to grow the game. Later on Rob contacted us to help out with a project and that was followed by BADGES! It’s been a great ride ever since!
Trish and Rob introduce us to Rover!
What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
Hmm, that is a tough question. I really love everything about Munzee!
Initially Munzee was a great excuse to get out and get moving. I have a tendency to “forget” about cardio when I get wrapped up in everything going on. Munzee gives me motivation to get out and get stepping!
The player community is really amazing. I started using the forums and later Munzee Madness Facebook group as a new player to learn more about optimizing my Munzee experience. Everyone was really awesome and helpful. There was a real sense of community. I have made some really great friends both far and near (a few I have yet to meet)!
Trish is the center of attention (or at least this group shot) of cool players met at MM III!
I think one of the biggest assets Munzee has that I noticed from the start was the Team. I was really impressed as a new player how involved Team Munzee was in the player community. Whether chatting online or at an event they are really active within the player community. I am really lucky to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of people!
What is on your wish list for Munzee?
I’m really excited about how much Munzee has grown since I started playing, I am looking forward to seeing it get even bigger and be in the middle of it.
I had a lot of fun at MM3 and look forward to seeing a future mega Munzee event that I would be able to attend and meet some of the amazing players that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet in person.
Vanderarban and Rynee having a silly time at Munzee Madness III!
Specials, I really like those, who doesn’t 😉 And maybe some really cool ridiculously hard to figure out badges.
Tell us about yourself!
I grew up in Oregon where I spent most of my time wandering around in the woods. I moved to Dallas about 20 years ago and after awhile decided I needed to be somewhere with more trees again so I moved north to Lake Texoma. I have a really amazing fiance, Hayden, who is also a designer and sometimes helps me out with the artwork when I have creative block or he isn’t to busy. We are raising five, yes i said FIVE, children together. ” Insert silly country girl joke here ” -after all I do run around barefoot most of the time 😉
When you’re not drawing up the latest icons, Facebook covers, or coming up with amazing event ideas, how are you spending your free time?
Free time? What’s that? Just kidding. Actually, as it may be becoming apparent, I really enjoy the outdoors. When it is warm I like to hike and spend time at the lake. I’m a crafter of just about anything I can dream up, from costumes to soap. I also enjoy reading, singing bad karaoke and travelling when I can (insert “Hangover” movie reference here).
Trish was awesome enough to share her special Social with us, here it is below!
Thanks Trish for all you contribute to Munzee, and we hope to see you at more events! Maybe we’ll hear you on the podcast soon?
If you know a player that should be nominated for Munzee Player of the Week, shoot us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com -Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!