Women's Bowling | 10/17/2024 7:12:00 PM
GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T bowling team is gearing up for an exciting new season. The Aggies are eager to compete in regular-season tournaments and chase championships in the postseason. However, losing an outstanding anchor bowler brings a new dynamic this year. This position is vital in the sport of bowling because the person who fills it must be able to execute their shots during pressured situations. For example, if the team needs three strikes in a row to win a national championship, the person in this position is expected to do just that.
The program lost Katie Robb and Lauren Tomaszewski. Robb was first-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Tomaszewski was the MEAC Bowler of the Year and a two-time first-team National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) All-American. Tomaszewski was the first and only NTCA first-team All-American and developed into one of the best anchor bowlers in the country. She left a significant legacy behind her.
"Losing a great player like Lauren is tough because she was someone you could rely on to get pins when you needed them," said two-time first-team All-MEAC performer Chloe Newberry. "However, I believe that going forward, we will still be a formidable team to compete against."
Tomaszewski's ability to perform under pressure was remarkable, and she was the person the team relied on constantly. Witnessing her getting three in a row to win a tournament was nothing short of amazing. We called her the "clutch" bowler since she always got the job done. Who will fill this spot with the team losing one of its all-time greatest anchor bowlers?
"I seek a player who elevates their performance under pressure," said A&T head coach Kim Terrell-Kearney.
Despite Tomaszewski's departure, the team still boasts All-Americans and All-Region bowlers. Senior Maya Avilez was recognized as a first-team All-MEAC selection, first-team National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) All-Northeast Region, and third-team NTCA All-American honors last year. This season, she was named preseason MEAC Bowler of the Year, a title she most certainly deserves. Similarly, Newberry made her mark with first-team All-MEAC, first-team regional, and third-team All-American honors in the previous season.
This season, Newberry and I were named the preseason first-team All-MEAC. In addition, I was a two-time MEAC Bowler of the Year. Even though last season did not go as I planned, I am determined to change that this season. With Avilez, Newberry, and me leading the charge, the team has an excellent opportunity to excel at both the conference and national levels. Therefore, we provide strong leadership for returning players and newcomers Tiana Jessamine Cruz, Jasmine Hall, and Victorya White.
"I'm looking forward to just having fun with my team and giving it one last shot at a national championship," Newberry said. "I don't want to enter the season with any expectations, but we've worked hard, and I am confident in what we bring to the table as a top team in the country."
The new group of Aggies has the potential to replicate previous successes. The team dedicated itself to extensive training over the summer and preseason. We are prepared to compete against some of the best teams in the nation, including Jacksonville State University, Arkansas State University, and Youngstown State University. With many new teammates, this season feels like a fresh start, allowing the team to move forward without dwelling on past disappointments, such as falling short of the MEAC championship last year.
"I am looking forward to bowling with the girls. The team looks quite different this year, and I believe we can have the most exciting year yet," said Avilez.
The Aggies must approach every tournament with seriousness, as each event is as crucial as a championship. Champions throw every shot with intention, treating practice shots as if they counted toward a championship. While celebrating successes during the regular season is important, the team remains focused on continuous improvement. There is always room for growth; as a unit, we strive to be better than we were the day before.
The team is preparing to compete in approximately 15 tournaments this year, including the national championships. New tournaments on the schedule include Destination Orlando, hosted by Sacred Heart University, and the Garden State Classic, hosted by Monmouth University.
"My expectation for this season is for us to develop into the best possible team by April, positioning ourselves to compete for a national championship," said Terrell-Kearney. "Our game plan will remain consistent with previous years: to arrive each day to enhance the skills of our players and the overall team. Each year brings a unique dynamic, and I am always curious to discover who we will become as a collective."
