What is your favorite part of collegiate bowling?
I love the competitiveness. The feeling I get when I need to strike in that moment to win a match or make it close is what I live for. I thrive on the high-pressure moments. Being able to come through in those moments, knowing that it was for my teammates and coaches, is an amazing feeling.
What is your preparation routine?
Before every tournament, I stretch and listen to music to get me in the zone. Before every shot I grab my ball, wipe it, visualize my targets and take a deep breath. Once I get onto the approach, I don’t think; I get comfortable and then make the shot.
How often are you/your team working on your game(s)?
As a team, we practice three days a week on the lanes for a couple hours each. Some of us practice more on our own time to work on certain areas of their games one on one.
What is teamwork? What does it look like on the lanes?
To me, teamwork is being able to overcome obstacles together. Everyone works together to help each other out. At tournaments, we typically do not know what the pattern looks like, so as a team we have to work together to overcome that obstacle. Bad shots will be made, spares will be missed, but when your teammates tell you “It’s okay, shake it off! We’ll pick you up” and then as a team, we do, that is a prime example of teamwork!
How important is the physical and mental game? Is one more important than the other?
While they are both important, the mental part of your game will make you succeed further. You can have all the best techniques with your physical game. However, if you allow something to impair your mental game, it will negatively affect your overall game.
How does Storm and their products help you and your team?
Personally, Storm products match up best with my game. I know that my teammates love Storm products as well. Storm bowling balls cover every type of ball you need from fresh to burn. The characteristics of these balls prepare us to compete to the best of our abilities. I’m thankful to bowl for a program sponsored by such a great company.
What is your life like as a collegiate athlete?
Life as a collegiate athlete requires many hours in the classroom, outside the classroom studying, and on the lanes perfecting your game. It requires time management, teamwork, and the perseverance to push you further. Being a collegiate athlete teaches you that when you feel that you’ve pushed yourself to your limits, you can always push further to achieve more.
What does a typical practice session look like at your program?
We start with an open discussion led by Coach Littig regarding a variety of topics. We then break into the men’s and women’s teams where we warm up for twenty minutes before working on specific drills to improve our techniques. We periodically have team competitions to add a little fun.
Are there mandatory workouts at your program?
In the past, we have not had mandatory workouts, but we are planning to have team workouts this coming year.
How close/far is/are the practice facilities?
An advantage that our bowling program has is that we have the luxury of utilizing two different facilities, which are both within ten minutes of campus. This is an advantage because it gives us experience on two types of approaches, lane surfaces, and oil conditioners. This makes us more adaptable for both wood and synthetic approaches.
How interactive are your men’s and women’s teams?
Both teams interact throughout campus. Since our school is a private institution, we see each other often on campus. Generally, we like to hangout after practice and go to dinner.
What is your favorite Storm bowling ball? Why?
So far, my favorite Storm ball is the Lock. I have had three in the past two years because I love the ball so much. I have had great success with them. I used my first one most of the week at the 2016 Team Trials where I made Jr. Team USA. It has also been my go to ball during both years of college, especially this past year.
How do you pick your limited (5 or 6 balls) arsenal for collegiate tournaments?
It is tricky because we don’t know the patterns and there are so many options, but I talk to Coach Crawford about what we both think I should bring. We try to take an arsenal that covers everything by avoiding any gaps between ball characteristics. I always have my spare ball, so it can be even more challenging when having to pick just four or five other balls.
What is it like competing against friends on opposing teams?
Competing against friends on opposing teams is tough when we go head to head. You have to keep in mind that you’re friends off the lanes and you wish them the best of luck, but you want to win for your teammates and yourself.
Is it possible to have a job at your program while going to school full time, bowling most days a week, traveling, etc?
At our program, it is definitely possible to have a job, but the main concern is making sure the individual isn’t too overwhelmed with their personal schedule. This can vary depending on the individual’s preferences, what their major demands of them, how flexible their bosses are with their busy schedule, etc. It can be difficult at times, but it is possible and will teach you various skills. For the most part, I prefer to be busy. I’m most productive when I’m busy.