Danielle McEwan – “It Takes Heart. It’s Not Easy” (Full Interview)

This is an exclusive interview with Danielle McEwan, the 2 Times PWBA Champion who has conquered the world of Bowling with her dedication, talent, and passion for the sport we love.

We will learn her Bowling career, advice, and opinions on today’s view of the bowling world. Let’s jump right in.

Bowling Career Highlights

“I am Danielle McEwan. I’m 28 years old and I’m from Stony Point, New York. I’ve been bowling for roughly 16 years. I had a very successful College career that was highlighted by winning an NCAA National Championship along with being named NCAA Player of the Year twice. I have been a member of Team USA since 2012 and have won World Championships in singles, doubles, trios, all events and team.”

“Since the PWBA was re-launched five years ago, I have won five titles. The highlights have been my two majors, the 2015 Smithfield PWBA Tour Championship and the 2019 Women’s US Open. I also compete extensively in PBA events and overseas and have won championships in Qatar, Korea and Thailand.”

More recently, Danielle was drafted to bowl for the Miami Waves at the PBA Elias Cup 2020. This is the first time in history two full women’s teams will join the PBA League.

What does Bowling mean to you?

“Bowling is my whole life. It has given me more than I could put into words. Dreams, goals, friends, memories, world travel, and priceless, unforgettable experiences.”

Why Bowling and not something else?

“I was always an athlete, I played so many different sports growing up. Once I got serious about competing in bowling, I realized that this sport was so much different than any other. There were so many variables that it was literally like an unsolvable puzzle and that just always left me coming back for more.”

Do you think that Bowling is a sport?

“Absolutely! I think Bowling is a sport that is very difficult for people to understand. It requires physical conditioning, mental training, education, and hours and hours of practice and training to perfect, just like any other sport.”

Do you consider yourself an Athlete? Why?

“I am an Athlete. I train the same for my sport that any other athlete in their specific sport does. I practice daily, I condition myself with cardio, I lift weights, I train mentally, I do it all.”

“The only way you could survive being out on tour competing for long hours day in and day out is to be well conditioned.”

What does it take to be an Elite Bowler?

“It takes Heart. It’s not easy. It requires a lot of sacrifices. Hours of training on the lanes, in the gym, educating yourself, and competing. Being an elite bowler has consumed my whole life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“The rewards that I have obtained from bowling well outweigh the sacrifice.,” Danielle said.

This doesn’t come as a surprise to any competitive bowler, however, it normally surprises most of people who know little about bowling. I can personally relate to what Danielle mentioned here, and I bet you will too as a reader.

What’s the biggest challenge of being a Pro Bowler/Athlete like yourself?

“I would have to say one of the biggest challenges is just having to be “on” all the time. We all have our ups and downs, and when it’s going good, it’s easy to get in a rhythm. The hardest thing is when it’s not going well, you’re in a slump or you messed up to lose a tournament, then you only have 3 days to get it all physically and mentally straightened out before you’re back on the road again during Tour season. It’s definitely not always an easy task.”

Most commonly, Bowlers of McEwan’s caliber have to compete about every week during the PWBA season. Top that with International competitions representing Team USA and tournaments overseas.

What’s the Best Tip you would share with everyone to improve their Bowling game?

“Get a coach! There are so many coaches all around the country and the world that would love to help you improve your game. It’s very difficult to do it on your own, you need a second set of eyes. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without the amazing coaches I’ve had throughout my career.”

As I am writing this article, I completely agree and see what Danielle means. In fact, my bowling coach has been my father throughout my entire life. Of course, I have learned a few things here and there from other coaches, but mostly from my dad.

You definitely need a set of eyes to look out for you and understand your game to help you grow and improve as an athlete.

If someone tells you that Bowling is not a sport and what you do is a joke, what would you say to that person?

“I love being able to explain the sport of bowling to people who are open-minded. It usually shocks them! As I said earlier, a lot of people don’t understand this sport and it’s very difficult to see clearly. But to anyone that feels that way, let’s have a chat and I bet I can change your mind!”

What would you do to let the world know that Bowling should be in the Olympics?

“Just be me. My biggest mission in this sport is to help change the image of it. A lot of people don’t understand that it is a sport, they don’t understand that bowlers are athletes, and therefore, why we would be in the Olympics.”

“I train myself every day so that one day, if the time comes, I will be prepared to compete in the biggest sporting event platform, just like every other athlete out there.”

If you were in front of the Olympic Committee, what would you tell them to convince them that Bowling should be in the Olympics?

“Bowling is a very popular activity worldwide. Literally anyone from kids to grandparents to the disabled can take part. Most people know about and are interested in that type of bowling, and I believe most people have even tried it at one point in their lives. From the committee standpoint, that should prove that bowling will draw lots of interested spectators. From the athlete standpoint, from the very start of my career, my driving force has been to compete for Team USA.” 

“Team USA gets the chance to compete in all world championships but has been stopped short at being chosen for the Olympics. I’ve worked every single day at making myself the best I can be. I document my journey to show the world in order to help educate and change the image of my sport.” 

“This was all done with the dream of one day being in the Olympics. I, like so many other athletes in this sport, have worked so hard and we deserve the same chance that athletes in other sports have to show off our sport and what we can do on the largest world stage.”

The PWBA season was cancelled for 2020, what are your thoughts and what are you looking forward for next year?

“I’m so sad the PWBA Tour canceled for 2020. Unfortunately for everyone, this has turned out to be quite a difficult year with a lot of things happening that we could never have expected. I will continue to train and take advantage of anything that is available to compete safely for now and I cannot wait to be back out on tour next season.”

Thank you for your insights and time, Danielle!

Now, what are your thoughts on this article? Do you agree with Danielle’s view of the sport of Bowling? Let us know in the comments.