With tremendous skill and effort, the Girls District Bowling Team placed 4th out of 50 Division 1 schools at the Nassau County Bowling Tournament at Bowlero in Mineola. From competing in counties the previous year, the team had knowledge of their particular strengths and weaknesses. Whether it was keeping track of their high scores, ensuring that they are energized for practices or not being afraid to try out new techniques, they entered the season with a motivated mindset.
“After placing 7th at counties last year, our team’s mindset shifted significantly. This season, with many of us being seniors bowling for the last time, we’ve been more prepared and focused,” senior captain Frances Lin said. “A big part of this change has been our dedicated girls coach, whose efforts have greatly impacted our motivation and preparation, which has allowed us to place 4th.”
“I wrote down my scores after each conference and at every subsequent conference, my goal was to beat the previous score,” junior Anastasia Kostakos said. “This culminated in me breaking my high score three times at the County’s game.”
With the coaches’ unwavering encouragement mixed with a keen eye for refinement, the team jumped from 7th to 4th place at the Nassau County Bowling Tournament.
What made me so happy was to see all of my athletes come together and cheer each other on and lift each other up to the top,” coach Alyssa Marie said. “Coaching is so rewarding in itself, but watching athletes form bonds on the lanes is what makes this job so great. Proud is an understatement, we really had a fantastic year.”
“To prepare for matches, we often practiced after school. We would bowl about 6 games each practice, and our coach Alyssa really helped us hone our skills this season. We couldn’t have done it without her encouragement,” senior captain Evyn Roliz said.
Not only did the Sewanhaka District Girls Bowling team compete as one team, but a fellow NHP student, Victoria Guerrero, competed at an individual level, showcasing her capability and talent. Through continuous effort and practice, and the guidance of the coaches, she earned an average score of 160 and was able to compete individually.
“There are multiple factors when it comes to improving. The biggest thing was to keep playing,” Guerrero said. “As I continued to bowl, either Coach Alyssa or I would notice aspects of my swing and I would try out different techniques in order to improve my swing—it’s basically play testing. After figuring out the new mechanics, I would have to continue practicing and honing the techniques until I became consistent.”
As the previous players say their goodbyes and new players say their hellos, the District Bowling team expects more and more achievements each season.
“My goals for next year would be to recruit more athletes earlier on and have more opportunities for the athletes to get on the lanes earlier to practice,” Coach Marie said. “I would love to support the program and help athletes get more practice and learn the sport more. I would love to get equipment for the athletes to really up their skills and their game.”
