Phiona Mutesi is the ultimate underdog. To be African is to be an underdog in the world. To be Ugandan is to be an underdog in Africa. To be from Katwe is to be an underdog in Uganda. And finally, to be female is to be an underdog in Katwe. Taught chess by her Coach Robert Katende of Sports Outreach, Phiona recalls what first drew her to the game. "When I first saw chess, I thought, What could make all these kids so silent? Then I watched them play the game and get happy and excited, and I wanted a chance to be that happy." Phiona first won the Uganda women's junior championship in 2007, when she was 11. She won that title three years in a row. She is still so early in her learning curve that chess experts believe her potential is staggering.