God doles out each one of us gifts, it is up to us to pursue them. Bowling was my gift. The credits you see on paper were only a smidgen of the lessons I learned and the wonderful life that bowling has allowed me . It takes only one person to believe in you to change your life.

At age 10, my sister Susie gets credit for getting me started. She was stuck babysitting her little sister so she took me bowling. It was love at 1st ball. I played all sports especially softball, basketball and track. In track, I broke The Oklahoma state record in the discus with a throw of 127 ft 10in. That’s probably nothing for today’s athlete but back then it was pretty cool. Could have gone to school on a track scholarship, but wanted to bowl. My mom was not happy!

I attended East Central State University majoring in psychology and bowled for the club team. Three years into college, I received a phone call that would change my life. A man named Denny Mitchell whom I didn’t even know called me and said he thought I was good as the people he saw on TV. At the time, some of the top ladies I watched Donna Adamek, Nikki Gianulias, Virginia Norton, Robin Romeo, Aleta Rezpecki Sill and many others. I thought to myself this guy is crazy, but I guess, he could see talent in people who couldn’t see it in themselves. I went on tour and never looked back. Have loved every minute of it.

Loved teaching and got introduced to Professional Bowling Camps in the 80’s by Pat Costello. Some of our industry’s finest started there. It was one of the most fun weeks of learning and bowling. I’ve been teaching every day since and have been inspired greatly by Fred Borden.

In 1997, I joined the Storm Staff, signing my new contract at the Reno Hilton with Bill and Barb Chrisman. Not only have they allowed me to pursue my bowling but supported me in my desire to help others enjoy our sport through teaching at Lane 81 (Pat and Anne Marie Duggan) and learning the pro shop trade (Ron Woods and Mark Anderson) in the Storm Booth at Nationals.

Currently my bowling journey has taken me to Houston where I co-own UCanBowl2 Pro Shop with Donna Conners.

The journey isn’t over and I could write pages of thanks to all the people who touched my life and allowed me to do what I do. I am forever grateful.