Pick the G.O.A.T. Storm Bowling Ball of the Modern Era
We want to hear your thoughts! Which Storm Bowling ball do you think is the G.O.A.T. of the modern era? Each week one ball will be eliminated from the competition until the winner is chosen! You can vote once a day.
Cast your vote here: https://bit.ly/PickTheGoat
2022 SYC Update
Have you ever been able to watch a youth athlete discover their passion? If you have, you know that it’s one of the most rewarding experiences that exist in this world.
On a Storm Youth Championships (SYC) weekend, we see youth athletes learn to navigate the chaos of travel, trust what they have practiced, discover confidence within themselves, push through doubt and reach new personal milestones. We watch them finish a block of bowling that they’re not happy with and ask for a practice lane at the front desk to keep working on what they struggled with. We watch them celebrate a win with the friends they’ve made along the way. Most of all, we’re lucky to be able to watch them grow into young adults ready to take their next steps in life and cheer them on along the way.
The first SYC took place in 2017 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. Since that event, we have visited new cities each year, returned to some fan favorite cities, met nearly 4,000 youth athletes and their families, and awarded more than $502,016 in scholarship funds.
In 2022, our SYC schedule expanded to nine events featuring four new host bowling communities. We intentionally take the SYC events to new cities each year in a quest to bring national events closer to home for more families. Three events have been completed and four remain on the schedule.
At each event, the top three bowlers in each gender and age-based division are awarded with bronze, silver and gold medals. In addition to the scholarship funds awarded to participants, at the conclusion of the tournament the overall champions receive a special SYC trophy, medal, and earn a SYC banner that will be hung at each SYC event until they age-out of competition.
In addition, each season includes one “major” event where we award the top two overall youth bowlers in each division with a spot on the Storm SYC All-American Team. In 2022, the Storm All-American Team will be named at the event in Columbus, Ohio. This will also host the return of the popular SYC Super Slam format. This three-day event during the summer when youth athletes are not in school includes an optional baker team event in addition to the singles event on the weekend. This event is sold-out with a waiting list.
Our SYC Team continues to strive to create events that include a welcoming environment where youth bowlers and their families are included in every activity. In addition to the tournament, each event includes optional activities that are available for bowlers who wish to participate in the popular activities
“The SYC was created and continues to be conducted with a pure heart and clear vision that youth are the future of the sport,” Hulsenberg said. “If you have bowled or plan to bowl an SYC, we thank you. We are committed to growing the sport together and continuing to do good along the way.”
Those youth athletes who have earned SYC Titles in 2022 are:
2022 SYC NEVADA:
U12 Girls - Anna Antony
U12 Boys - Do Hoon Kwon
U15 Girls - Gianna Brandolino
U15 Boys - Keegan Alexander
U18 Girls - Morgan Kline
U18 Boys - Mac Kaurin
2022 SYC DELAWARE:
U12 Girls - Anna Antony
U12 Boys - Do Hoon Kwon
U15 Girls - Gianna Brandolino
U15 Boys - Jos Weems
U18 Girls - Jillian Martin
U18 Boys - Brandon Bohn
2022 SYC NORTH CAROLINA
U12 Mixed - Sebastian Vetter
U15 Girls - Gianna Brandolino
U15 Boys - Aidan Furukawa
U18 Girls - Victoria Varano
U18 Boys - Carter Street
2022 SYC IOWA
Champions being crowned is a highlight of each event, but perhaps the biggest champions are the cancer patients that benefit from the money raised by linking the SYC with Ballard vs the Big “C” (BVBC), a non-profit founded by bowling Hall-of-Famers, Del and Carolyn Ballard. Each event supports BVBC in numerous ways. Every entry includes a $10 donation to BVBC. On-site at each SYC, Carolyn and Del Ballard bring silent auction items for the SYC families to bid on.
Since 2017, we have raised $54,580 in entries alone to support continued research in cancer treatment, specifically in head, neck, and throat cancer through the sport of bowling. BVBC also raises money for nutritional supplements and treatments for those going through the cancer journey. With the addition of the silent auction items on site, we have been able to raise $100,000.
The owners of IAM Bowling, Ken and Kathy Keegan provide the apparel for the SYC. IAM Bowling is the official jersey partner and merchandiser of the SYC and creates customized jerseys to help commemorate each of the SYC events. They have also created the Dan Keegan Scholarship for youth athletes to earn scholarships to use towards their education throughout the year.
New to the 2022 SYC Season, PBA Jr. has sponsored the “Never Give Up Scholarship.” At each event in 2022, the bowler in each age division with the highest five game total during the final round of the tournament will receive a $100 SMART Scholarship.
We’re proud to partner with great companies to enhance the SYC experience at events including Storm, IAM Bowling, PBA Junior, RAZE Eyewear, Kegel, Turbo 2-n-1 Grips, 3G Shoes, Quality Respite and Home Care Inc., Ballard’s Bowling Academy and Master Industries. Scores are also uploaded live through the official scoring system of the SYC, BowlMetrix.
For more information on the SYC visit www.stormbowling.com/SYC.
Why I Started Coaching and What I’ve Learned
This article was written by guest contributor: Shannon O'Keefe
In the Fall of 2009 bowling had me so frustrated that I was ready to quit and find a new path. Shortly after I had these thoughts, I was asked to be a volunteer coach for a new program starting at USBC called USA Bowling. It was with a bunch of 8–10-year old’s who ended up being my co-worker’s kids. At the time I was immediately filled with regret for saying yes, because I truly believed at that time, I had nothing to give and or teach them… I was scared I was going to let everyone down.
That first meeting/practice changed the trajectory of my life forever and I didn’t even know it. Those beautiful bright eyed little girls saw something in me that I didn’t at the time, they showed up hanging on every word I said, they were willing to try anything I threw their way and they believed that I could help them become anything they wanted. Those little girls were placed in my life at the perfect time, and I know it wasn’t an accident. My little angels taught me to love this sport again, to believe I had something to give with the ability to help others, and they ignited a love and passion for coaching I was not aware existed.
My husband and I talked for years about finding an NCAA program where we could coach together, but we also knew it was going to take a special person that was crazy enough to hire a husband and wife. We found our crazy a few years later at the perfect time in our lives. We took over the bowling program at McKendree University (NCAA DII school in southern IL) in June of 2014.
Prior to taking this program over, I never coached anyone over the age of 12 or 13, so I believed the best way to find my coaching style or inspiration was from the coaches that influenced me the most during my fastpitch softball days. For those that are unaware, I was a very good softball player who was a 1st team all American as a freshman and tried out for the Olympic softball team when I was just 15. Growing up my coaches were very hard on me, they expected perfection and I worked my tail off to deliver it. My biggest fear was letting them down, and through their high standards and expectations, I exceled and achieved things that I at one time only dreamed about. So, going into collegiate coaching, I mirrored their coaching style into mine. I knew I was going to have talented players, but I believed at the time it was my job to hold them to higher expectations and standards, because if I didn’t… who would?
Even though I had success with this blueprint/style of coaching, even winning 2 NCAA National Championships, after 8 years my coaching style has come full circle. I’ve learned that success is not all about results, it’s not about winning or losing, but more about what kind of girls we are raising. Bowling is what brought us together, but bowling is not who we are. What’s most important to me is that my kids know we love them, that they know they’re worthy of anything life has to offer, and that through structure and hard work there are no limits to what they can do.
Too many people associate their self-worth on results, and I believe that is because us as coaches over the years put winning above everything else. What we have learned is people just need to know you care, that you have their best interest at heart, and that you believe in them. When you put first things first such as love, patience, and guidance along with creating a safe place for them to really grow is when connections are made, and they’re free to play, and that’s when magical things happen.
The biggest lesson for me was learning that mistakes are going to happen and that’s ok because, as we explain to our girls, perfection is an unrealistic and impossible destination. We must make mistakes and fail in order to grow, the struggle is where we find what we are made of, and the frustration is where the good stuff happens. The best way to get through the down spouts is to embrace it and realize that it’s not permanent.
I’m grateful for the coaches that have influenced me throughout my life and I’m grateful for all my struggles. Just as I say to my girls, the failures and struggles is where you really find your path as long as you’re willing to admit your shortcomings and overcome them. I’m thankful for my girls that love me and have shown me grace as I’ve grown over the years into the coach I am today.
Gazmine Mason Foundation to Host Storm Nation Career Day
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is excited to a partner with the Gazmine Mason Foundation (GMF) to offer the opportunity for two youth athletes to attend “Storm Nation Career Day” on October 18, 2022. This scholarship will provide these athletes with a behind the scenes look at the different career paths within the bowling industry.
“Our dedication to growing the next generation is important to the team at Storm Products,” Gary Hulsenberg, VP of Marketing said. “We’re excited to collaborate with Gazmine Mason and offer this opportunity for youth athletes to visit Storm and learn about opportunities that exist within the industry. Every youth athlete who has passion for the sport may not aspire to compete as a professional bowler, but they still may want to work within the sport. The GMF is offering a ‘golden ticket’ for two youth athletes to learn what other opportunities may exist.”
Any youth athlete who is between the ages of 12-18 can apply for this opportunity. They must provide an official school transcript as well as a letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Those youth athletes chosen will arrive on Monday, October 17 and depart on Wednesday, October 19.
“This is similar to the idea of ‘Bring a Child to Work Day.’” Gazmine Mason said. “With this opportunity youth athletes will be able to explore the different opportunities within the sport of bowling from accounting to marketing to creating the bowling balls, there’s so much that goes into creating a bowling ball behind the scenes. I’m so excited for this opportunity to exist.”
Applications are now open and will close on June 30, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time and the winner will be announced August 1, 2022. You can start your application here: https://www.gazminemasonfoundation.org/gmf-x-stormnation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFgQkhV1mTc
Any questions can be sent to info@gazminemasonfoundation.org.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers.
About the Gazmine Mason Foundation
The foundation was founded by Gazmine Mason with support from her parents George Mason and Danielle Daley-Mason with the goal in mind of creating opportunities for bowling athletes, especially inner-city kids who may lack the resources and access that prevent them from moving forward in their bowling careers.
Wyoming Junior Bowlers Tour Feature
Storm is known in the bowling industry as the innovation leader and manufacturer of performance bowling products but our entire team strives to grow the sport of bowling and create life-long bowling enthusiasts.
Our owners, Bill and Barbara Chrisman generously give back to organizations within and outside of the bowling community throughout the year. Their kindness and willingness to support others is something that all employees embrace within the company. One way that Storm chooses to give back is through sponsorship of tournaments and events that occur all around the world. Storm sponsors hundreds of events throughout the year that give bowlers of all ages and skill levels the opportunities to compete and meet friends from different places.
One of the great youth tournament series that we sponsor is the Wyoming Junior Bowlers Tour (WJBT). The WJBT has given the youth bowlers of Wyoming and surrounding states the opportunity to gain more experience bowling on sport shot oil patterns.
"We are a FAMILY!" Keyne Parker Tremain said. "Doesn't matter how many stops you bowl, every bowler and their family are welcomed with open arms and instantly become part of the WJBT family. Although our name says “Wyoming”, any youth bowler from any state is welcome!"
The WJBT volunteers, families, sponsors, and proprietors are all dedicated to creating an environment where youth bowlers can learn and develop skills in a lifelong sport to prepare them for bowling regional and national youth tournaments, while earning scholarship money to further their education, making lifelong friends, and most importantly having fun. The bowlers who compete in the WJBT bowlers are not informed of the oil pattern until the completion of the tournament so that they can learn to read lane condition through competition. The youth athletes learn together each month and take their skills to the test at national events successfully.
Over the years, the WJBT has given $16,653 scholarship funds to youth bowlers in the 2021-22 season and also provides the opportunity for youth bowlers to qualify for Junior Gold in the U12-U18 divisions. They've been able to celebrate youth bowlers who are competing in a first tournament and bowlers who are moving on to bowl for a college program.
The WJBT just wrapped up their final event of the season where they had a record number of youth bowlers in attendance and four states (Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado) were represented. In addition, they were able to conduct a fundraiser with an autographed Storm Banner and raised $1,100 for the scholarship fund. We can't wait to see what the 2022-2023 season brings for the bowlers in the WJBT!
To learn more about the WJBT visit the Wyoming Junior Bowlers Tour Facebook page or their website here.
Kyle Troup Wins Kia PBA Playoffs
Team Storm athlete, Kyle Troup was able to defend his title at the 2022 PBA Playoffs which earned him the $100,000 first-place prize and another WWE Championship Belt, as part of the PBA's partnership with WWE! This is Troup's ninth career PBA title which allowed him to pass his father, Guppy Troup in titles.
“I played pretty close to the same part of the lane just able to throw a different ball, so I didn’t see a lane differential too much,” Kyle Troup said in the official brand release. “I figured Tommy would be in-between which is how it ended up being, so game plan was just to go over top of him. Opened the lane up and the urethane created a lot of hold that really helped me out.”
Throughout the match, Troup used a Storm Pitch Black, Storm Fast Pitch, and 900 Global Altered Reality.
Ladies of Team Storm | PWBA Tour Kickoff
The 2022 PWBA Tour seasons kicks off this week with the PWBA Rockford Open in Rockford, Illinois. The 2022 season will feature 12 events, 7 of which will have the finals airing on CBS Sports Network. This will be an exciting season for the PWBA athletes as they will be competing for larger prize funds including a $60,000.00 first place prize for both the USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open. The season ending PWBA Tour Championship is also a Major title and will close out the 2022 season in Dallas, Texas in August.
The 2021 season ended in October so the Team Storm athletes are eager to hit the lanes after their 6 month break. Team Storm took home 14 of the 20 tour titles last year and there are many great story lines to look forward to this season. 36 National staff players represent the Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global brands with a mix of rookies to veterans and we look forward to an exciting season. We chatted with the players who are heading out to the first stop this week to ask them about being a professional bowler, what they are looking forward to, and their goals for the season.
Liz Johnson - After 26 years of being a professional bowler, what motivates you to start this season and compete? I just feel like I have some fuel left in my tank. I still love to bowl and compete. I know I can still be out there with the best of the best.
What are your goals for the season? I still strive to get cashes and cuts every week and I know I have more titles out there to win. I think bowling less weeks with more money including 2 weeks where we have 3 tournaments in one center will work in my favor. Maybe get as close to the title record as I can of 33?
Favorite new balls - Gem, Nova and UC3.
Kelly Kulick - You had a great season in 2021 but have decided to cut back on your tournament schedule this season? What factors helped you make that decision? I ended 2019 in a negative place. I wasn't happy out on tour for multiple reasons. I was proud of my 2021 season. I got out of the gate with immediate success in Minnesota. I was staying with friends, and it set the pace for a positive mindset. I was able to drive to many of the stops which was good on my wallet and replaced the hassle of flying and lugging equipment. My decision to cut back came at the end. I was having difficulty finding the joy in bowling, even when I made cuts and shows. I am very hard on myself and expect so much. When I don't figure out the puzzle, I get mad. I still want to win, but the motivation to put the effort in is not the same. That makes me even more sad.
Storm gave me an opportunity to work with the PBA50. I thought that would be beneficial to the men and myself. Maybe it would motivate me? In a way, it has. The senior men are impressive to watch and learn from. I reached out to some of my friends for advice and they helped me to my decision. In some way, I hope I do want to bowl more events. I'm a realist. The world we live in is scary to me at times. I'm always wondering what if? This sport has rewarded me in so many ways, but it also has let me down. Will it ever gain the respect it deserves? I guess I'm a little tired of fighting for our sport. And there also comes a time when you start thinking about the future and what it looks like. Can't bowl forever. Still waiting to win the lottery!
You have become the first ever female ball rep and have recently been working with PBA50 players having a lot of success? Are you enjoying your new role and do you think it will benefit your own bowling? I am immensely enjoying my role as ball rep on the PBA50 Tour. Every ball they roll, I roll with them. I want our players to be successful and have every opportunity to win. The pressure is just as intense repping as it is when I'm actually bowling. As a rep, you relay information and allow the player to decide for themself. The playing field and lane condition is the same for everyone, but each athlete has a different style, with differences in speed, rotation, and ball choice. What works for one may not work for another. It keeps me on my toes. I don't envy our team of reps and their responsibility. I find it harder at times. Because of this, I am seeing ball reaction and understanding it even faster. There are similarities with the PBA50 tour and PWBA. The lanes tighten up after the first game and a half similar to ours depending on what the pattern design is. Ball surface is most important as well as ball speed. This short duration repping will benefit my reactions and decisions when bowling for myself. Certain oils match certain covers within our brands. With all the information I have gathered, my guesses will be better and quicker. One extra strike a game is huge. Our game continues to evolve. Our variables constantly change. There is never a definite answer. If you can eliminate what doesn't work, it makes the solution much easier to seek out.
What are your goals for the season? I am bowling 6 events. My goal is to make every cut and learn. I still have a desire to win and compete. I still love bowling but I'm not IN love with bowling. I am in good health and above average shape. I would like to walk away with one more major title and a few more on my resume. I would also like to learn as much as I can to be a better rep and coach for Junior Team USA.
Favorite new balls - I like some of the balls introduced in 2021. UC2, Dark Code, Zen Master are my top 3. I also like the UC3 and Nova.
Danielle McEwan - Following a year that you dealt with an injury to your foot, how is your foot doing as you start the PWBA season in 2022? Last year was very difficult and challenging due to my injury. It has been taking a long time to work through, but it is doing much better. It is certainly an improvement from the start of last year!
What are your goals for the season? Coming back from a injury has forced me to work harder and smarter than I ever have before. I believe if I can put it all together, I can do something great and it can be the best season yet.
Favorite thing about being a professional bowler? My favorite thing about being a professional bowler is the ability to travel the country and the world and meet people from all over.
Favorite new balls – Nova
Bryanna Cote - You are entering your 7th season on the PWBA Tour as the reigning Player of the Year. Is there any added pressure to perform as well as you did last season? As being reigning POY, I think it comes with added pressure. However, it’s not something that I’m going to be thinking about this season.
What are your goals for this season? My goal, just like every other season, is to be as consistent as possible. In the end, if that means I’m POY again, so be it. I just need to focus on each frame, each game and each event. I must stay as present as possible and whatever happens, happens.
Favorite new balls - I’d say the newest ball I really like in my arsenal is the Nova. It compliments my Physix really well!
Josie Barnes - It’s been more than 6 months since you ended your 2021 season with a huge win at the US Open, how excited are you to return to the lanes? I’m both excited and nervous! Long breaks really build up the energy to be back on the lanes. This season will be interesting because everything is back to back, so being away from family will be hard. I just feel lucky to be able to compete another season. I’m also super excited because my sister is getting back into competing and she’ll be out on tour for parts of the season!
What are your goals for this season? My main goal this season is to trust what I do. Last season was a struggle until the Open and a large part of this is because I was trying to be something I wasn’t. Outside of that the goal is always going to be putting myself in situations to win a title.
Favorite new balls - Right now my favorite is the Nova! The gem is growing on me as well.
Julia Bond - In just your 2nd year on tour, you won 3 titles (1 major) in 2021 and were nearly Player of the Year? How do you follow up that season in 2022 and what are you looking forward to? In 2021 I felt like I was figuring out who I was as a person and as a bowler. I learned a lot about myself, and I did a lot of growing on and off the lanes. I’m hoping to build upon what I’ve already accomplished so far. To me it’s not so much as ‘following up’ the previous season, but continuing the learning process that I’ve started. I’m really looking forward to the new tour stops this season and helping represent the PWBA!
Favorite new balls - My favorite new ball is the Nova.
Verity Crawley - In 2022, you are coming off of the 2021 season where you won your first title and was in the Player of the Year running? How do you follow that up and what are your goals for the 2022 season? The important thing for me, is to actually not focus on what happened last year and not ‘try to follow it up’. I had an amazing season last year and by no means will I forget how I performed, however this is a new year, with a fresh mindset. I cannot copy what happened in the past, nor can I try to perform better. I just have to bowl and trust myself.
My main goals for this year are to:
- Use my mental routine before every spare shot, to eliminate any negative thoughts and allow me to be fully focused on what’s infant of me.
- Enjoy the thrill of competing. Embracing the moment and realising how lucky I am week in and week out. Remember it is just a game. No regrets.
For me, the biggest change in 2021 was my mindset. My pure happiness to be on the lanes. That came from being sent home for three months and having bowling taken away from me. It completely changed my perspective and I believe that it really benefited me. This year, I haven’t had bowling taken away from me, I have been able to train fully, besides some injury. I really want to focus on that thankful mindset and the pure joy of being able to compete against the best in the world.
What have you learned from your years on the PWBA Tour? I have learnt so much, I don’t even know where to start. Here’s a few things:
There are some phenomenal women bowlers. Traveling can be fun, it can also be very stressful. Plan as well as you can, to allow you to be stress free. Whether that is flying a day early or taking some time to have a nice dinner, do what makes you happy. We bowl on hard lane conditions, it’s really important to understand what your equipment does, to allow you to make smarter decisions. The struggles will make you stronger. Take notes from every event, learn from the good and the bad situations. There is no such thing as failure. However, those struggles will be hard and it’s important to put life in perspective in those hard times. Being healthy and aware of your nutrition will allow you to survive event to event. If you don’t take care of your body, injuries or even just fatigue, will prevent you from competing at your best. Be thankful for competing with/against the best in the world. There are many people who will never get that opportunity. Learn from them.
Favorite new balls - My arsenal for tour this year, consists of some staple favourites, the Storm !Q Tour, Phaze II and then I have some other favourites such as the Storm Dark Code, Proton PhysiX and 900 Global Zen Master. I'll be taking 12 balls with me to the first PWBA event!
Diana Zavjalova - After nearly 6 months since the last PWBA event, what are you most looking forward to when the season starts? I'm most looking forward just being out on the tour. I truly enjoy bowling these events and traveling from one stop to another with my dear friends and just enjoying life. It sounds a bit cliche, but I love just being out on the tour and competing. It's challenging, frustrating, fun and all the things you can imagine, and I enjoy that.
What are your goals for the season? My goal for the season is to get back in the winner’s circle! And I have a very good feeling this year!
Favorite new balls - Well my all-time favorite is RST X1, which is not new. But from the new ones I really adore Wolverine and Gem.
Missy Parkin - You joined Team Storm this year, how long did it take you to get used to new equipment in your arsenal? Getting used to the new equipment has definitely been a learning curve. I think it took me a solid 2-3 months before I really felt like I fully understood my arsenal and didn’t have any major gaps. I was also very fortunate to have a lot of help in that regard, both from my visit to Utah in late January, the ball reps and my coach John Janawicz.
What are you most looking forward to this season? Having the ability to bowl my “A game” more often since the Storm equipment allows me to do so, as well as having added help on the lanes from the ball reps.
What are your goals for the season? Winning another Major, specifically the US Open and Player of the Year
Favorite new balls - The Gem, Idol Helios, Phaze II and Pitch Black.
Clara Guerrero - Have you enjoyed joining Team Storm and getting used to new equipment as you train for the season? Yes, I have truly enjoyed getting to know the balls and setting my new arsenal for the PWBA season. I can stay aggressive on the lanes and I can’t wait to compete in my upcoming competitions representing Storm. Also, I have had incredible support from the Storm team and headquarters since I signed in January and this has made the entire process much easier. I am thankful and excited!
What do you like best about being a professional bowler? What I like the most about being a professional bowler is that I can do what I love for a living. The adrenaline of competition, traveling the world, and getting to know amazing people on the way is not too bad either.
What are your goals for the season? To win! To have my best season to date yet.
Favorite new balls – I love my RSTX 1, Dark Code, UC3, IQ tour.
Jillian Martin – What events are you planning to bowl this season? I would love to bowl them all but I have other events I’ll be bowling like Jr Team USA so I’m not sure just yet. I am going to bowl whatever I can bowl while still maintaining my physical, mental, and emotional health.
What is the most important thing you learned from the PWBA events you bowled last year? Even though I only bowled a few events last season, I would say the most important thing I learned would be that you can push yourself to do incredible things as an athlete, but it’s not always best for yourself as a human being. At the end of the day we are people, not just athletes, and finding that balance is something I’m learning to prioritize.
After making history and being the youngest ever to win a professional title, what are your goals for this season? My goals for this season are not traditional. I want to be a happy, healthy 17-year-old, and enjoy my last few months with my friends before I go to college. As a competitor I would obviously love another trophy, but my biggest goal is to put who I am as a person in front of who I am as an athlete. I truly believe it will allow me to exhibit a new level of passion and joy on the lanes that will allow me to compete at my best and enjoy every moment.
Favorite new balls - The Nova has been a recent favorite, and I’ve grown really fond of the Dark Code over the last month even though it got released almost a year ago now! Excited for the Zen Soul too!!
Diandra Asbaty - How do you handle being a full-time Mom, entrepreneur and bowler? It’s a tricky dance for sure. Being able to balance time between mom things, building new things out of passion, and still being a competitive bowler has taken some time to figure out. For me, time management is key. I focus on time-blocking and I always have a weekly plan. I also give myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
What are your plans for the PWBA season? I’m planning on bowling Rockford, The Queens, Minnesota, US Open, and the Luci. I’m looking forward to jumping back into it!
What are your goals for the events you’ll be bowling? My goal is always to represent myself and my sponsors with integrity and grace. I don’t believe in regrets so I will put everything I have out there and when everything is done I will feel content that I did what I could. While I bowl with my entire heart, I look forward to mentoring the young players on tour as well.
Favorite new balls - SO MANY new favorite balls! I love the Gem, Idol Helios, and the Nova so much! Can’t wait to compete with them.
Lindsay Boomershine - What are you most looking forward to when the PWBA season starts? I’m looking forward to a bunch of different things when the PWBA season begins to start. We are lucky to have a Tour to compete on, so for starters I’m grateful for that. I’m also eager to get going and hope to see my physical and mental preparation pay off. I’ve been working hard on all aspects of the game. Every year I want to be stronger, smarter, and more prepared than the last. Now that my son Aiden is at an age where he understands my profession, it is harder to leave him every year but I want him to see that you can have it all. You can have wonderful family/friends, a successful career, but most importantly anything is possible if you sent your mind to it! I want him to be proud of me and I hope once he decides what he wants to do, he never gives up, and goes for everything he wants in life.
What are your goals for the season? My goals for this season are very simple. I am going to stay present, patient, and most of all persistent. I’m hoping that if I stick to my plan and make smart decisions that I will hopefully have my best season yet and win my 1st title. I truly believe if I stick to my process that I will have an amazing season and show my wonderful husband and son that dreams with hard work can ultimately pay off.
Favorite new balls – Reality, Zen Soul, Zen, IQ Tour, UC3
Gazmine Mason - What are you most looking forward to this season? I am really just looking forward to competing and being in that atmosphere again.
What have you learned the most from being on tour a few years now? I have learned that patience really is key. Being patient slows everything down for me and helps me process what the lane is asking me to do much faster.
Favorite new balls - Phaze 4, Nova, Altered Reality
Maria Bulanova - You had a very respectable rookie season on the PWBA Tour last year. What was the most important thing you learned last year? There are so many things I learned last year, but surprisingly the most important thing is not directly about my time on tour. I realized how important off-season is because it is the only thing that is guaranteed to be with me at every stop I go to. I believe the biggest mistake I made last year was simply "keeping up" my form instead of working on my weak spots, which ended up hurting my scores at times last year. This year's schedule is very tight, allowing little to no practice in between stops, so I have been working on a lot of things in the offseason to be fully prepared for anything tour throws at me this year.
What are your goals for this season? My big goal for this season is to obviously make more cuts and, hopefully, win my first title. My small goal is to stay in the game and take it one shot at a time. Last year I found myself going with the flow way too many times, losing focus. I am determined to change that this year and do better!
Favorite new balls - Nova, my new freshly drilled Dark Code and Idol Helios
Kayla Bandy - What are you most looking forward to this season? I am looking forward to competing against the best women in the world for another season. The non-tour season looked very different for me this season so I am very much looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish after a good bit of work.
What have you learned from being on the PWBA Tour? I have learned that to be successful on the PWBA Tour you better be 1. confident in who you are as a person, 2. know exactly what makes you a bowler well-equipped to be successful professionally, and 3. have a SOLID inner circle!
What are your goals for the season? Patience with a good balance of — go after what you want!
Favorite new balls - I am not playing favorites with my bowling balls this season. I am excited about every single ball in my bag and the “slot” it fills in my bag!
Lauren Pate - What have you learned from being on the PWBA Tour? Patience is key and to always stay present.
What are you looking forward to this season? I look forward to competing again. I feel I have grown alot the past year and I feel I am in a really good spot with my game.
What are your goals for the season? Some goals I have, are to grab a check every week, finish in top 12 at stops, and most importantly, win my first PWBA Tour Title!!
Favorite new balls - I’m really loving a shiny 900 Global Reality, Hyped Pearl and Hyped Hybrid, and the !Q Tour.
Abby Ragsdale - What was the most important thing you learned from your 1st year on the PWBA Tour? The most important thing I learned from my first year was adjusting to how different things are from the college level to the PWBA. One of those being, that I had my teammates with me every step of the way as well as coaches and on tour you’re mostly figuring things out on your own. Just knowing the process of how things worked is an adjustment. Usually in the collegiate level, coaches or teammates show you the ropes but on tour, you just have to jump in head first.
What are you looking forward to this season? I’m looking forward to improving on some of the struggles I had last year. I’m also looking forward to seeing some of my friends that I haven’t seen since the ending of last tour!
What are your goals for the season? My goals for this season are to stay in the present moment, don’t let the moment get too big, and get deeper into the tournaments besides just cashing.
Favorite new balls – Nova and Gem
Jodi Woessner - You won the Senior Queens earlier this year, how do you feel about possibly winning the regular Queens to make history? I would love to make history and feel I have as great of a chance as anyone to win. I’ve been disappointed in a few of the recent Queens by missing the cut but have a lot of confidence going into this year. I’ll have the same mentality as I did at the Senior Queens, play smart, make good shots and win matches!
What are you most looking forward to this season? Mostly I’m looking forward to the competition and to continue applying what I’ve learned about the game and my game. I also love that I’ll be able to drive to the first 2 tournaments in Illinois then after a couple week break, drive to the US Open in New York. Thinking about hitting a PBA 50 stop or two as well!
What are your goals for the season? I’m nowhere near done competing so until I am, the goal is always to put myself in position to win and keep learning. The saying “if I only knew then what I know now” is so real and now the goal is to know how and when to use the knowledge I’ve gained to make the best decisions on the lanes.
Favorite new balls - Phaze 4, Wolverine and Nova
For more info about the 2022 PWBA season, click here.
The Ladies of Roto Grip | PWBA Tour Kickoff
The 2022 PWBA Tour seasons kicks off this week with the PWBA Rockford Open in Rockford, Illinois. The 2022 season will feature 12 events, 7 of which will have the finals airing on CBS Sports Network. This will be an exciting season for the PWBA athletes as they will be competing for larger prize funds including a $60,000.00 first place prize for both the USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open. The season ending PWBA Tour Championship is also a Major title and will close out the 2022 season in Dallas, Texas in August.
The 2021 season ended in October so the ladies of Roto Grip are eager to hit the lanes after their 6 month break. The SPI players took home 14 of the 20 tour titles last year and there are many great story lines to look forward to this season. 36 National staff players represent the Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global brands with a mix of rookies to veterans and we predict an exciting season. We chatted with the players who are heading out to the first stop this week to ask them about being a professional bowler, what they are looking forward to, and their goals for the season.
SHANNON O’KEEFE - Have you enjoyed joining Team Storm and getting used to new equipment as you train for the season? Coming back to Storm after all these years is most certainly the best decision I could have made at this time in my career. Not only does it feel like I’m coming home, I then get the bonus of an amazing support staff and great friends that are also on staff to help me learn quickly in preparation for the PWBA Tour.
You’ve had so much success the last 5 years on the PWBA Tour, how do you motivate yourself each season? What motivates me is the desire to be the best, and I love to win, so those things really motivate me.
What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m most looking forward to continuing my working relationship with Shawn Ryan, we had so much success together in 2018 & 2019, so I’m excited to get back to work chasing down titles together.
Goals for the season? My goals are to show up, be present, put myself in position to win titles, and be Player of The Year again.
Favorite new balls – My favorite balls right now are: Phaze II, Zen Master, Dark Code, and Hyroad Pearl.
STEFANIE JOHNSON - How do you handle being a full-time bowler, full-time Mom and a job working for Roto Grip? I think it's super important to surround yourself with an amazing support system that allows me to pursue my dreams. I am able to compete knowing my husband and mom are back home holding down the home front and then of course I am blessed to work for a company that allows me the opportunity to essentially work from home (or anywhere) while I am fulfilling my dreams of bowling on tour. The key to me for all of it is to just enjoy the moment I am in and embrace what that brings. I am thankful for technology to keep me connected to my family!
What are your goals for the season? What are you most looking forward to this season? My goals have shifted over the years, rather to place a number on the amount of cuts or titles I may have the opportunity to win, I am focusing more on truly giving myself the grace to be great, the grace to not be so great and know that in all of the moments I always did the best that I could.
Favorite new balls - Tough question but I’d have to say my Hyped Pearl and my Zen are still two of my favorite balls.
JORDAN RICHARD - What are you looking forward to this season on the PWBA? I’m most looking forward to being around all my friends again every week. Also looking forward to learning and gaining knowledge each week to get better.
What are your goals for the season? My goals for this season are to make every cut and win another title.
Favorite new balls - Idol Helios and Nova.
ROCIO RESTREPO - You’ve had some injuries the last few years, are you healthy again and ready to compete? I have had 3 different surgeries in the past three years. I only sustained one major injury which was my hip. But everything else before was related to my health which seems to be finally getting under control and I am feeling better now.
My hip rehab has been one of the hardest things I ever had to do. It was a time where I developed a lot of patience. Reignited my love for bowling and gave me perspective of where I want to go from here.
What are your goals for the season? My goals for the season are simply focus on my process and give my best every event. I have not bowled a tournament since the Women’s US Open last year. So I am coming in with a fresh mind and just grateful that I am walking and able to throw a ball efficiently again. I am embracing gratitude this season for all the things I could not do while I was hurt.
What do you like most about being a professional bowler? I love making my family proud and letting them know that all the sacrifices we have made, had led me to be one of the best in our sport. I love bowling and I love being a pro athlete because it has given my family and I something to laugh, cry, and be passionate about.
Favorite new balls - Gem, Zen, and Zen Master
ELYSIA CURRENT - What are you most looking forward to this season? I am looking forward to being able to compete again. After last season feeling good and ending up injured after 3 tournaments was a big disappointment. I am hoping my body (mainly my back) stays together longer for me to get through the season.
What are your goals for the season? Obviously a goal would be to win, but like last season my main goal was to enjoy every moment at every tournament. Frame to frame and just being present while bowling. I thought it clicked those first three tournaments and was excited for the tournaments coming up, but unfortunately I couldn’t quite literally get my feet under me. But I have the same goal in mind. Be present. Bowl the best I can and control what I can control.
Favorite new balls - RSTX2 and Gem
ELISE BOLTON - What have you learned most from your time on the PWBA? My time on tour has taught me that you can never completely prepare for everything. Bowling is a constant learning curve. Which in turn is why I love the game. Growth in this sport never stops.
What are your goals for the season? With the injury I have been dealing with this year, my biggest goal is to stick to a solid on and off the lane routine. I think if I accomplished this my goal of averaging 205 for the season can be reached.
Favorite new balls - My favorite balls in my arsenal are the RST X2, Dark Code, and Hustle Wine.
OLIVIA FARWELL - After a very successful collegiate career, what are you hopes and goals for your Rookie season on the PWBA? My hopes and goals for my Rookie season on the PWBA tour are to stay true to myself and stay focused on my game. I want to continue to be successful and I think one key factor in doing that is to be aware of my surroundings and stay in the moment and not look ahead or think of the future. I believe that was part of why my last college season was so successful, I focused on each tournament day by day and I pushed any future thoughts out of my mind because I know that I can't control the future, I can only control the moment I am in currently. I want to perform my best but also learn from the best and build relationships that are going to help me transition and go through this professional phase of my career.
What is something you learned in college that might help you compete against the best bowlers in the world this season? I received a lot of advice throughout my college career and the one concept that has always been preached to me and what I took away the most from college bowling, is to be aware of others around you, but not so focused on them that you lose track of yourself. I am going to be competing against the best bowlers and some of my idols and role models I've looked up to growing up, and that's such an honor. However, I am here to compete so I want to make sure I am aware but I am focused on my game because that's what I am able to control.
What are your ultimate bowling goals? My ultimate bowling goal is to continue to be successful and create a name for myself. I am doing the sport I love that has given me so much that I owe it to the sport and my loved ones to continue to push and work hard to be successful.
Favorite new balls - Some of my favorite new balls that I have been throwing recently include the Storm Nova, Storm Axiom, Roto Grip UC2, and more recently the 900 Global Zen.
For more info about the 2022 PWBA season, click here.
The Ladies of 900 Global | PWBA Tour Kickoff
The 2022 PWBA Tour seasons kicks off this week with the PWBA Rockford Open in Rockford, Illinois. The 2022 season will feature 12 events, 7 of which will have the finals airing on CBS Sports Network. This will be an exciting season for the PWBA athletes as they will be competing for larger prize funds including a $60,000.00 first place prize for both the USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open. The season ending PWBA Tour Championship is also a Major title and will close out the 2022 season in Dallas, Texas in August.
The 2021 season ended in October so the 900 Global ladies’ pro staff are eager to hit the lanes after their 6 month break. The SPI players took home 14 of the 20 tour titles last year and there are many great story lines to look forward to this season. 36 National staff players represent the Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global brands with a mix of rookies to veterans and we predict an exciting season. We chatted with the players who are heading out to the first stop this week to ask them about being a professional bowler, what they are looking forward to, and their goals for the season.
Stephanie Zavala - You won 3 titles in your rookie season and were nearly Player of the Year. How do you follow that up this season? I hope to follow last season by simply continuing to put myself in a position to win. With a shorter season, I don’t want to add unnecessary pressure to “beat” my accomplishments from last year. I just need to stay true to myself and the good weeks will come.
What did you learn from your first year as a professional bowler? I learned how important having a strong mental game is. It helped me to know the difference between needing to stay patient and when to be aggressive on the lanes in crucial moments.
What are your goals for the season? My goals this season are to win a major and claim Player of the Year.
Favorite new balls - My favorite new ball in my arsenal is the 900 global Zen Soul.
Daria Pajak - You had an off-season injury. How is the injury and are you ready for the season? I have been dealing with chronic pain in my elbow since I can remember however it has always been under control till November 2021. After taking 3 weeks off bowling, when I got back on the lanes, I realized something felt seriously wrong. I was experiencing sharp pain in the push away away and unlike in the past, I couldn’t find a way to get rid of it.
Ever since November 2021 I have had countless rehab sessions physiotherapists, I had plasma injected twice, few acupuncture sessions, dry needling, I have barely bowled.
Even though injury is strictly a physical pain, I have had a hard time dealing with it mentally. With the pressure of tour being around the corner and my rehabs and everything not paying off in the ways I wished and was promised by the doctors, I have experienced waves of anxiety and uncertainty coming to this PWBA 2022 season.
What are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to competition itself. The adrenaline, the need to strike, the laughs with the girls between the games, the late nights spent at the PWBA truck figuring out what ball may strike the next day. I am looking forward to interacting with the fans as for the first time since COVID19 we will have Pro Ams again. PWBA is an environment hard to describe. When the season starts, I feel like I am closed in this certain bubble when everything spins around bowling and the performance and this is something that no other tournaments have ever given me. For that reason, the PWBA tour is special.
Goals for the season? I have started preparation for 2022 PWBA tour was soon as PWBA 2021 season came to an end. I have put together a practice plan and a goal list with my coach - Costas Mitsingas. However, the injury got in the way and I was unable to follow through on the regime I first was so excited to follow.
My goal for this season unlike the goals I have established in the late 2021 is to listen to my body and don’t let the mental side of being injured get in my head.
Favorite new balls - I have drilled a few balls in the past month and my favorite ball from the newer ones would be NOVA and my all-time favorite which I drilled again would be IQ Tour.
Taylor Bulthuis - What have you learned from your time on the PWBA Tour? I learned that my mental game is more important than equipment, reps, or my ability to bowl. EVERYTHING is between the ears and if I do not have my mental game with me everything else is going to fail. I have worked a lot over the last few months and have done a lot of reading and journaling so I feel like I am giving myself the best opportunity for success since I have been working on my mental game very hard.
What are you most looking forward to this season? I am looking forward to competing again. There is something special about competing on tour and nothing else really can relate to or give that feeling. I am excited to be back and ready to take on what we got!
Goals for the season? My goals are to start by making the best quality shots I can, give myself the best chance at making every cut, and eventually getting over that hump to make a show. I feel like I keep getting close but just not getting over that making the cut and cashing hump. This season I want to keep making strides and really stay within myself at each stop and work harder and harder until I make a show and WIN!
Favorite new balls – Zen Soul
Alexis Neuer - What did you learn from your rookie season in 2021? As with any sport, when making the jump into the professional realm there were so many learning experiences from my 2021 rookie season. The most notable experience was honestly learning who I was as an individual bowler. With the exception of a few individual tournaments, for the most part my entire competitive bowling career has been team oriented. I never truly realized how consumed I was within my teams until I was there at my first PWBA stop with all my thoughts to myself. When competing on a team there was always something I could be doing to help my teammates. Now all my thoughts are focused on myself. But with every stop I learned something new about myself and my game. Learning how to be confident as an individual bowler will always be something I need to work on, but I am excited to start the 2022 tour season with an improved frame of mind.
Goals for 2022 season? My top goal for the 2022 season is to make my first tv appearance, and cash in all the events.
Favorite new balls in your arsenal? Reality and Zen will always hold a special place in my arsenal. But I’m super excited to see the Rubicon UC3 and Idol Helios go down the lane this tour season!
Cassandra Leuthold - What have you learned most from being on Tour? Mindset is everything. Over the last couple of years, I have worked closely with a mental sports performance coach at Mindset 180 Academy. I have learned that your core beliefs drive your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. You always have a choice in how you respond to an event, your response to that event will influence the outcome. You have the choice to respond with positive self-talk/thoughts or negative self-talk/thoughts. The biggest thing that I have learned from that principle is to shut down negative self-talk. Negative self-talk won't help you reach your goal. My mental coach once said to me, "There is no room for negativity in the space you want to become great in." As a professional bowler that space is 80 feet. In that 80 feet there is 60ft of lane, 15ft approach, and 5ft for the settee area and in this space is where I am learning to cultivate greatness. That quote led me to my positive mental mindset reminder "80ft of Greatness." This reminder helps me stay focused on what I want to achieve.
Goals for the season? My goals are to make a TV Show, win a title, and continue growing in the "80ft of Greatness."
Favorite new balls - The Reality, Zen Master, Nova, and the Helios are my newest favorites.
For more info about the 2022 PWBA season, click here.
Olivia Farwell Joins Team Roto Grip
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Storm Products is proud to announce that collegiate standout, Olivia Farwell has joined Team Roto Grip.
“Joining Team Roto Grip is a dream come true,” Farwell said. “Growing up, I have always said that one day I want to be on the Storm Products team to represent the best brands in bowling. My family has been a part of this team, so for me to continue that family trend is a fantastic feeling. It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of the team, and I cannot wait to represent Roto Grip as I start my professional career.”
Farwell started bowling when she was five and her family has supported her to learn as much as she could about the sport. With their support, she continued to improve, and the constant challenge encouraged her love for the game.
“Bowling pushes you to constantly be better mentally and physically so you can perform at your best. I also love the sport because of the person it has helped shaped me to be and how it has provided me with relationships that will last a lifetime.”
In high school, Farwell won the High School Bowling Girls National Championship, four Pennsylvania Junior Bowlers Tournament Titles, and won a USBC Youth Open Titles in Doubles. She finished her high school career with national records for high two-game series (577) and high five-game series (1,283). She also held Pennsylvania state records for high average (228.3), two-game series, four-game series (995), five-game series and six-game total (1,547). She was named Lancaster/Lebanon High School Bowler of the Year.
Farwell moved on to compete collegiately at Duquesne University where she collected numerous honors including NEC Rookie of the Year, 4-Time All-American, 2-Time NEX bowler of the Year, 4-Time All NEC, NTCA NCAA Division One Bowler of the Year, NCBCA First Team All-American and Storm Collegiate Bowler of the Year Award IBMA Honorable Mention.
“We’ve had our eye on Olivia for several years and are excited that she will be joining the team as she embarks on her rookie year on the PWBA Tour,” Gary Hulsenberg, VP Marketing said. “Our national team is an extension of our family at Storm Products and we look to add athletes who share similar dedication, values and beliefs. We look forward to helping Olivia achieve her dreams.”
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers.