Believe-Deep-Down-That-You're-The-Best
21
Jul
Interviews

Verity Crawley – “You Have To Believe, Deep Down, That You’re The Best.” (Full Interview)

Posted on by Sandro Perrino

This is an exclusive interview with Verity Crawley, arguably the best female bowler from England.

Her name is Verity Crawley. She is a professional ten pin bowler, born and raised in England. She started bowling when she was just 5 years old, and she first competed for Junior Team England when she was only 12.

At age 18, she moved to the United States to pursue her education and bowling career. Since then, she has continued living in the U.S, taking her Bowling career to the professional level at the PWBA tour. She has been competing as a Pro for the last four years.

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

Verity, What Are Your Bowling Career Highlights So Far?

“I am the first female bowler from England to join the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA). I have had four runner up finishes on the PWBA tour (2nd place) but yet to capture that first title.”

“I won three national championships with Webber International University and I coached Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to a national championship.”



Verity-Crawley-heart

What was your favorite moment in your bowling career?

“Shooting my first ever 300 at the European Youth Championships. It will always hold a special place in my heart for many reasons. My family was with me, cheering me on and it means so much to me that they got to witness such a special moment. I went on to win gold in singles and I also won two bronze medals at that event.”

What does Bowling mean to you?

“It’s like asking what does breathing mean to me. It’s what I do. I don’t know what I would do without it. Bowling has always been a part of my life, it is my passion, I want to become the best in the world and I will never stop developing as a player.”

Why Bowling and not something else?

“I just fell in love with the sport. The thrill of competing, the frustration of losing, the happiness of improving. I love working on my game and I always have, going to practice makes me happy.”

“Being in a bowling centre makes me happy. I learnt at a young age that I had some talent for the sport, but I always just wanted to beat the people around me. I continued working and working and I just did not have the same drive for any other sports.”

Do you think that Bowling is a sport?

“Bowling is a game, one that you can participate in at many different levels. I think that is what makes bowling so great. I could bowl at 5 years old, but I can still continue to bowl at 85 years old. As a professional, I compete in a sport environment at the highest level. However, there is a recreational level which is why it is often just seen as a ‘hobby’ or something ‘fun to do’.”

On a side note from me, I had never thought of a better explanation to tell others that Bowling can be practiced on different levels, hence it could be a game or a sport depending on the “competitive” factor. Thank you for that Verity.

Let’s continue…

Do you consider yourself an Athlete? Why?

“Definitely. I physically train to become stronger, I work on my mental game, I watch my nutrition, I study the sport. There is no ‘qualification’ as to what it takes to be an athlete, however the noun athlete actually comes from the Greek word athletes, meaning “contestant in the games”. That I am!”

@veritycrawley

What does it take to be an Elite Bowler?

“A lot of heartbreak. A lot of hours in the bowling centre. A strong mind. A will to become the best you can be. And a lot of passion for the sport.”

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

“Come and bowl 30 games in two days with me, and then we can have a discussion.”

Solid answer, thanks for that Verity!

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

“I would love to get bowling on TV more. Whether I am competing or not, the world needs more exposure to the sport. I think the PBA and PWBA are doing great with getting new TV deals. I think us professionals are doing a great job of promoting ourselves on social media, however somehow we need to break through into the world outside of bowling.”

If I may, that’s one of the core reasons why I created Athletic Bowling in the first place. I want to find a way to break through that invisible wall that is preventing us, professional athletes/bowlers, to compete at the Olympic level and become recognized as Athletes in the mainstream.

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

“There are so many. However, I firmly believe working on your mental game and learning how to have a positive mindset and truly believe in yourself is key. You have to believe, deep down that you are the best and that you can do anything.”

Well, that sums up this exclusive interview with one of, if not the best, female bowlers of England, Verity Crawley. I truly hope you learned something important from this interview.

Please share in the comments what was your main takeaway from this interview? I’m curious to learn from you as well.

This is an exclusive interview with Verity Crawley, arguably the best female bowler from England.

Her name is Verity Crawley. She is a professional ten pin bowler, born and raised in England. She started bowling when she was just 5 years old, and she first competed for Junior Team England when she was only 12.

At age 18, she moved to the United States to pursue her education and bowling career. Since then, she has continued living in the U.S, taking her Bowling career to the professional level at the PWBA tour. She has been competing as a Pro for the last four years.

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

Verity, What Are Your Bowling Career Highlights So Far?

“I am the first female bowler from England to join the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA). I have had four runner up finishes on the PWBA tour (2nd place) but yet to capture that first title.”

“I won three national championships with Webber International University and I coached Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to a national championship.”



Verity-Crawley-heart

What was your favorite moment in your bowling career?

“Shooting my first ever 300 at the European Youth Championships. It will always hold a special place in my heart for many reasons. My family was with me, cheering me on and it means so much to me that they got to witness such a special moment. I went on to win gold in singles and I also won two bronze medals at that event.”

What does Bowling mean to you?

“It’s like asking what does breathing mean to me. It’s what I do. I don’t know what I would do without it. Bowling has always been a part of my life, it is my passion, I want to become the best in the world and I will never stop developing as a player.”

Why Bowling and not something else?

“I just fell in love with the sport. The thrill of competing, the frustration of losing, the happiness of improving. I love working on my game and I always have, going to practice makes me happy.”

“Being in a bowling centre makes me happy. I learnt at a young age that I had some talent for the sport, but I always just wanted to beat the people around me. I continued working and working and I just did not have the same drive for any other sports.”

Do you think that Bowling is a sport?

“Bowling is a game, one that you can participate in at many different levels. I think that is what makes bowling so great. I could bowl at 5 years old, but I can still continue to bowl at 85 years old. As a professional, I compete in a sport environment at the highest level. However, there is a recreational level which is why it is often just seen as a ‘hobby’ or something ‘fun to do’.”

On a side note from me, I had never thought of a better explanation to tell others that Bowling can be practiced on different levels, hence it could be a game or a sport depending on the “competitive” factor. Thank you for that Verity.

Let’s continue…

Do you consider yourself an Athlete? Why?

“Definitely. I physically train to become stronger, I work on my mental game, I watch my nutrition, I study the sport. There is no ‘qualification’ as to what it takes to be an athlete, however the noun athlete actually comes from the Greek word athletes, meaning “contestant in the games”. That I am!”

@veritycrawley

What does it take to be an Elite Bowler?

“A lot of heartbreak. A lot of hours in the bowling centre. A strong mind. A will to become the best you can be. And a lot of passion for the sport.”

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

“Come and bowl 30 games in two days with me, and then we can have a discussion.”

Solid answer, thanks for that Verity!

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

“I would love to get bowling on TV more. Whether I am competing or not, the world needs more exposure to the sport. I think the PBA and PWBA are doing great with getting new TV deals. I think us professionals are doing a great job of promoting ourselves on social media, however somehow we need to break through into the world outside of bowling.”

If I may, that’s one of the core reasons why I created Athletic Bowling in the first place. I want to find a way to break through that invisible wall that is preventing us, professional athletes/bowlers, to compete at the Olympic level and become recognized as Athletes in the mainstream.

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

“There are so many. However, I firmly believe working on your mental game and learning how to have a positive mindset and truly believe in yourself is key. You have to believe, deep down that you are the best and that you can do anything.”

Well, that sums up this exclusive interview with one of, if not the best, female bowlers of England, Verity Crawley. I truly hope you learned something important from this interview.

Please share in the comments what was your main takeaway from this interview? I’m curious to learn from you as well.

Danielle-McEwan-It-Takes-Heart-It-is-not-easy
09
Jul
Interviews

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

Posted on by Sandro Perrino



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.

Danielle McEwan Wins Women US Open

Danielle McEwan Wins the 2019 Women’s US Open

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.”

Danielle McEwan Working Out

@dmac9191

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.”

Winning the World Championship

Danielle-celebrating-after-strike

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.



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.

Danielle McEwan Wins Women US Open

Danielle McEwan Wins the 2019 Women’s US Open

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.”

Danielle McEwan Working Out

@dmac9191

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.”

Winning the World Championship

The PWBA season was canceled for 2020, what are your thoughts and what are you looking forward to 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.

13
May
Interviews

Motiv’s Colombian Queen of Bowling – Maria Jose Rodriguez

Posted on by Sandro Perrino

This is an exclusive interview with Maria Jose Rodriguez at the WSOB XI.

“Hello there, my name is Maria Jose Rodriguez and I’m from Colombia. I have been bowling since I was 9 years old. I bowl for the Colombian National Team and Motiv Bowling at the PBA and PWBA Tour. I pretty much bowl for life, I do it every single day of my life.

I have 2 titles: The USBC Queens in 2014 and the 2018 PWBA Tour Champion. These titles mean the world to me. This is what we work and live for. We do everything to win, we dream, we practice and work for it. We do everything to be successful nationwide and worldwide.”



Maria Jose Rodriguez Wins the 2018 PWBA Tour Champions

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

What does Bowling mean to you?

“Bowling is a sport. Bowling is Life. Bowling is my life and my world. It means everything to me, everything I have, and everything I have done. I mean Bowling has given me everything that I have and everything that I have done.

I came to the U.S. because of bowling, I have a Masters because of Bowling, I met my husband because of bowling, and I have traveled the world because of bowling.”

Why Bowling and not something else?

“I found a different passion, a different love with Bowling when I was little. I practiced a lot of sports, I did everything and I just ultimately decided to stay with Bowling. I was never tired of practicing. I was never tired of showing up.

Being at the bowling center working hard for me, like constantly working on my game. It was just never tiring, it was all satisfaction. Every time I step on the approach, I just love it, it is amazing.”

Do you think that Bowling is a sport?

“Of course I do, Bowling is a sport. It is just like another sport. We do it for living, we compete around the world like any professional athlete. Sometimes we stay at the Bowling alley for 12 hours at the time in a lot of tournaments.”

Do you consider yourself an Athlete? Why?

“Yes, I do. I think I am an athlete. I am considered an athlete by my family, by the bowlers I compete with at the Professional Tour, by the Motiv team, by going to practice and workout everyday, by traveling the world doing a sport, and by much more.”

What does it take to be an Elite Bowler?

“It takes a while. Some people think you just show up and sign up and pay $300 to become a professional bowler and that’s it. But, I think it takes a lot of practice, a lot of failure, a lot of success.

We practice so much, we change our game so much, and work out pretty much every day. I have to watch what I eat and keep myself healthy. I have to move my schedule a lot every year to figure out when I’m gonna be practicing, when I’m gonna be at a tournament, and when I am gonna be resting.

I do want to keep bowling until I am very old.”

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 don’t know. I’d probably just be quiet and leave. I mean a lot of people obviously don’t know what we go through and how hard we work to do what we do. So, I don’t know I just feel like I’d be wasting my time trying to explain to a person that I’m an athlete. So, yeah I think I’d probably just walk away and avoid any conflict.”

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

“I think we are doing a lot of things to make progress. It is up to the athletes anymore. I think that the people above us, like the PBA and Bowling organizations have to put their efforts together and work together as a team.”

What do you think about the WSOB and why is it so special?

“It is special because I bowled it first in 2014 as my first tournament as a PBA member and I was able to compete against the guys. Like, it was the craziest learning experience of my life. Realizing how hard it is to compete at this level and how good I was and how better I needed to become to compete at this level.

I enjoyed bowling it this time, I didn’t enjoy it as much the first time because it was so hard. But, this time was really fun even though it was difficult. I realized that I have a lot of things to work on. I’m looking forward to going back home and working on the things I need to improve in my game and come back next year.”

How tough is it to win at the World Series of Bowling?

“You have got to be really lucky. You have to be really precise and make the right call. Everything has to come your way. Every strike has to fall. You have to make the right decision every single time. 

And then the brackets, I mean it’s such a lottery. If you make the right call and the right strategy you can make it till the end no matter what you start at. 

This is all just really hard. Even the World Championships where you have so many games to bowl and it just becomes game after game after game. You have to communicate with your Tour Rep. Keep in mind the scouting pairs, and the people telling you what to do.”

This is an exclusive interview with Maria Jose Rodriguez at the WSOB XI.

“Hello there, my name is Maria Jose Rodriguez and I’m from Colombia. I have been bowling since I was 9 years old. I bowl for the Colombian National Team and Motiv Bowling at the PBA and PWBA Tour. I pretty much bowl for life, I do it every single day of my life.

I have 2 titles: The USBC Queens in 2014 and the 2018 PWBA Tour Champion. These titles mean the world to me. This is what we work and live for. We do everything to win, we dream, we practice and work for it. We do everything to be successful nationwide and worldwide.”




Maria Jose Rodriguez Wins the 2018 PWBA Tour Champions

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

What does Bowling mean to you?

“Bowling is a sport. Bowling is Life. Bowling is my life and my world. It means everything to me, everything I have, and everything I have done. I mean Bowling has given me everything that I have and everything that I have done.

I came to the U.S. because of bowling, I have a Masters because of Bowling, I met my husband because of bowling, and I have traveled the world because of bowling.”

Why Bowling and not something else?

“I found a different passion, a different love with Bowling when I was little. I practiced a lot of sports, I did everything and I just ultimately decided to stay with Bowling. I was never tired of practicing. I was never tired of showing up.

Being at the bowling center working hard for me, like constantly working on my game. It was just never tiring, it was all satisfaction. Every time I step on the approach, I just love it, it is amazing.”

Do you think that Bowling is a sport?

“Of course I do, Bowling is a sport. It is just like another sport. We do it for living, we compete around the world like any professional athlete. Sometimes we stay at the Bowling alley for 12 hours at the time in a lot of tournaments.”

Do you consider yourself an Athlete? Why?

“Yes, I do. I think I am an athlete. I am considered an athlete by my family, by the bowlers I compete with at the Professional Tour, by the Motiv team, by going to practice and workout everyday, by traveling the world doing a sport, and by much more.”

What does it take to be an Elite Bowler?

“It takes a while. Some people think you just show up and sign up and pay $300 to become a professional bowler and that’s it. But, I think it takes a lot of practice, a lot of failure, a lot of success.

We practice so much, we change our game so much, and work out pretty much every day. I have to watch what I eat and keep myself healthy. I have to move my schedule a lot every year to figure out when I’m gonna be practicing, when I’m gonna be at a tournament, and when I am gonna be resting.

I do want to keep bowling until I am very old.”

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 don’t know. I’d probably just be quiet and leave. I mean a lot of people obviously don’t know what we go through and how hard we work to do what we do. So, I don’t know I just feel like I’d be wasting my time trying to explain to a person that I’m an athlete. So, yeah I think I’d probably just walk away and avoid any conflict.”

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

“I think we are doing a lot of things to make progress. It is up to the athletes anymore. I think that the people above us, like the PBA and Bowling organizations have to put their efforts together and work together as a team.”

What do you think about the WSOB and why is it so special?

“It is special because I bowled it first in 2014 as my first tournament as a PBA member and I was able to compete against the guys. Like, it was the craziest learning experience of my life. Realizing how hard it is to compete at this level and how good I was and how better I needed to become to compete at this level.

I enjoyed bowling it this time, I didn’t enjoy it as much the first time because it was so hard. But, this time was really fun even though it was difficult. I realized that I have a lot of things to work on. I’m looking forward to going back home and working on the things I need to improve in my game and come back next year.”

How tough is it to win at the World Series of Bowling?

“You have got to be really lucky. You have to be really precise and make the right call. Everything has to come your way. Every strike has to fall. You have to make the right decision every single time. 

And then the brackets, I mean it’s such a lottery. If you make the right call and the right strategy you can make it till the end no matter what you start at. 

This is all just really hard. Even the World Championships where you have so many games to bowl and it just becomes game after game after game. You have to communicate with your Tour Rep. Keep in mind the scouting pairs, and the people telling you what to do.”

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

Maria Jose Wins the USBC Queens in 2014

Tom Clark Interview about the PBA WSOB 2020
04
May
Interviews, Videos

Tom Clark – PBA Commissioner Exclusive Interview and Updates on the PBA Tour

Posted on by Sandro Perrino



Learn more about Tom Clark – PBA Commissioner in this exclusive interview during the last day of the WSOB 2020 before they temporarily suspended the tournament.

Tom answers questions about the origins of the World Series of Bowling, what takes to get bowling in the Olympic Games, and the future of the PBA Tour while dealing with the unfortunate situation with COVID-19.

Moreover, Clark shares great stories from his past and his origins with Bowling.

On behalf of the Bowling Community, Thank you Tom!

#TheBowlersVoice