Storm Products is excited to announce twelve new members to the Storm JR. Team (formerly known as Team Evolution). This team consists of ambassadors who participate in Storm's youth bowling initiatives, demonstrate an enthusiasm for the sport of bowling, and have shown loyalty to the principles of the Evolution Program.
The Storm JR. Team is reserved for a select group of exceptional youth players who have actively engaged in the monthly lessons of the Evolution Program and remain loyal to Storm Products through their equipment choices and brand support. The members of the Storm JR. Team are among the top players in their respective age groups nationwide. They maintain outstanding academic performance, engage in community service, treat others with respect, conduct themselves with the highest integrity, and actively encourage other young athletes to join the sport of bowling in their local communities.
Leanne Hulsenberg, a USBC and PWBA Hall of Fame Member who serves as the Tournament and Events Manager at Storm Products, leads the Storm JR. Team and Evolution Program.
"The Storm JR. Team continues to serve as a vital platform for ambitious young bowlers aiming to compete at the highest levels of our sport. It bridges the gap between aspiring youth athletes and our professional team, nurturing their dreams of future professional careers," Hulsenberg stated. "These junior team members are not just athletes; they're ambassadors who inspire their peers, showcasing how bowling can positively shape young lives both on and off the lanes."
The current athletes on the Storm JR. Team are Katelyn Abigania, Anna Antony, Malia Briggs, Alex Crowley, Brady McDonough, Matteo Quintero, Abigail Starkey, Eliana Occhino, Ernesto Reynoso, Rush Steen, Kaitlyn Stull, and Jos Weems.
The athletes joining the Storm JR. Team in our Fall 2024 additions are Alyssa Bechtol, Ryan Burgess, Alexa Escamilla, Lindsay Greim, Emmanuel Guevara, Micah Jensen, Taylor Kretz, Dohoon Kwon, Christian Mouton, Savannah Portillo, Larielle Tharps, and Aiden Watts.
"The Storm JR. Team have consistently demonstrated their commitment to bowling through their exceptional performance in the Evolution Program, their loyalty to Storm Products, and their pursuit of excellence in the sport," Hulsenberg remarked. "What truly sets them apart is their ability to inspire and motivate their peers, effectively becoming young ambassadors for the sport. Their passion is contagious, encouraging more youth to discover the rewards and opportunities that bowling offers."
The Storm JR. Team program involves each athlete's parent or legal guardian as an integral part of the process. Both the athletes and their support systems are fully engaged with the program as these young bowlers continue to progress toward their future in the sport.
MEET THE EVOLUTION ATHLETES:
ALYSSA BECHTOL
Accomplishments:
- Sanction 300 game
- 15x SYC Medalist
- 3x JTBA Champion
- 2x KY Pepsi Champion
- 4x EYT Champion (with one major)
- 4x GYBT Champion
- 2x KYBT Champion
- 2022 Youth Open Doubles Eagle Award
- 2023 High School Regional Champion
- Level 1 Training
- Bronze Certified in Coaching
- All A/B Honor Roll
Home State: Kentucky
Favorite Food: Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-Fil-A
Favorite Subject In School: Math
Favorite Storm Ball: Absolute Power
What are you known for: I would love for people to remember about me is that I am a very kind competitor.
Fun Fact: The Cincinnati Bengals are my favorite sports team. Who Dey! I also love to share a lot of my bowling videos on Instagram and Facebook. My IG username is alyssagb4.
“I am very honored to be a part of Team Storm and blessed to have this incredible opportunity to represent Storm! Joining Team Storm will provide me with resources to improve my bowling game on and off the lanes.”
RYAN BURGESS
Accomplishments:
- 3x 300 games
- 2x YSMT Champion
- 2x iStrike Youth Open Champion
- 4th place Junior Gold 2023
- 2x top 8 at SYC
- 4x Barnes Thanksgiving Finalist
- Gold Presidential Service Medal (100 Volunteer hours)
Home State: Texas
Favorite Food: Italian; Chicken Parm
Favorite Subject In School: Math
Favorite Storm Ball: Phaze II
What are you known for: I am underestimated due to my stature and timid nature but on the lanes I become a more fiery person and bowl bigger than I look.
Fun Fact: I enjoy playing pretty much any sport you could think of. I play volleyball and soccer for my school and you might find me playing the occasional pickup basketball game. Sports also promote camaraderie unlike anywhere else. Bowling in particular has a cool environment where you can be best friends with someone but want to demolish them when you bowl against them.
“Getting the opportunity to join Team Storm validates all of the hard work I have put into bowling over the last several years. Throughout my childhood, I watched guys like Belmo, Simo, and Pete Weber win numerous majors and it feels unreal to be a part of the same family as them. Storm has made some of the best balls in the industry for decades. I hope that by being on Team Storm I can learn even more from competitors and mentors whose knowledge about the sport far exceeds mine.”
ALEXA ESCAMILLA
Accomplishments:
- 2X Indiana Youth Queens Champion
- 2X Indiana Youth Queens Champion
- 2X Indiana Youth Queens Champion
- 4X Youth Kentucky Open Champion
- Kentucky Youth Tour Finals Champion
- Kentuckiana Youth Scratch Tournament Series Champion
- IN/KY 2024 Allstar Champion
- NWIJTPA Champion
- USBC Sanctioned 300
- USBC Sanctioned 750
Home State: Indiana
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Subject In School: English
Favorite Storm Ball: Phaze II
What are you known for: I’m known for being humble and having a good attitude. No matter how I’m performing I tend to act the same way.
Fun Fact: I absolutely love high school football games!
“Joining Team Storm means the world to me. I love the sport of bowling and to be a part of the family of my favorite company is a dream come true! I’m so thankful for the opportunity!”
LINDSAY GREIM
Accomplishments:
- Developmental Junior Team USA 2025
- 7 National Youth Open Titles
- 1 SYC Title (U15 Girls)
- 7 JBT Southwest Titles in the mixed division
- 10 Girls Scratch Titles in JBT Southwest
- All Conferences (8 states)
- Girls Scratch All Star Team two straight years
- JBT Bowler of the Year
- CA State Pepsi Champion
- 2-time San Diego USBC Girls All Star Team
- National Honor Society
- Peer Counselor at School
Home State: California
Favorite Food: Bowls from Chipotle
Favorite Subject In School: History
Favorite Storm Ball: Phaze II
What are you known for: I like to try and make friends with either my opponents, or people I am bowling with and I always try to be the best sport while off and on the lanes!
Fun Fact: I love to volunteer through these organizations and always feel that I get fulfilled more than I am giving to others through my time spent. I have been a peer counselor at my high school for the past two years so I can be available to help other students who are struggling with mental health or social-emotional issues. I volunteer at my church every Monday and have spent hundreds of hours helping create events for and run weekly meetings for the middle school age group.
“It means everything to me to be a part of Team Storm because I know how prestigious it is to be a part of and I am so grateful for that. The younger version of myself wouldn't have thought that this would be possible, and it is just so incredible to be offered such an opportunity to represent the best bowling brand out there!”
EMMANUEL GUEVARA
Accomplishments:
- SYC Champion
- SYC All-American
- 2x PBA junior champion
- 2x PBA junior finalist
- USA Bowling National Champion
- Top 10 Junior Gold finished in 2023 and 2024
- Youth Open Champion
Home State: Florida
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Subject In School: Science
Favorite Storm Ball: !Q Tour
What are you known for: I feel like what I'm know for and what people will remember me as is that I'm always in the position of winning.
Fun Fact: You can call me Manny!
“Joining Team Storm has been one of my biggest goals and for it to finally happen is just mind-blowing to me it shows the work all the work that I have put in its an amazing accomplishment and I'm very thankful for the opportunity.”
MICAH JENSEN
Accomplishments:
- 3 - 300 games
- 2 - 299 games
- 1 - PBA Jr Title
- 4 consecutive Next Big Thing Championships
- 2 consecutive Super Sweeper Championships with a 300 to win both titles
- SYC Medalist
- SD 2022 Junior Youth Ambassador
- Salute to the Military Champion
- Several other SD and NE tournament wins
- Named to the Argus Honor roll my freshmen year of high school.
Home State: South Dakota
Favorite Food: Sushi and Alfredo
Favorite Subject In School: PE
Favorite Storm Ball: !Q 78/U
What are you known for: I think I am known for having ice in my veins when the lights turn on! I believe that I am know as fierce competitor but that I am also kind regardless of if I win or lose. I hope that I am known for the work that I put in and my drive to always improve.
Fun Fact: My mom works for a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, so I volunteer there when they have events and then by helping with my local bowling volunteer group. We have served meals to those in need, helped at our local zoo, set up for the MS walk and worked at Feeding SD. I feel that it's important to help other when given is an opportunity.
“For me, joining Team Storm is everything. I have worked so hard for this opportunity and knowing that my hard work is paying off is super rewarding.”
TAYLOR KRETZ
Accomplishments:
- 2025 Junior Team USA member
- IAMBowling staffer
- 2x national champion
- U18 PBA Jr champ
- Average 98% in my math courses
- MCRC (Erie PA), working with new refugees coming into the United States
Home State: Pennsylvania
Favorite Food: Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Favorite Subject In School: Math or Medical Terminology
Favorite Storm Ball: !Q 78/U
What are you known for: I am a kind, caring, supportive individual and will always be willing to help anyone and everyone. #TwoHandedGirlPower
Fun Fact: My love of bowling began later in life when I was 12. My dad had switched to 2-handed bowling because of an injury and after watching how much fun he was having, I decided to give it a try. I began bowling USBC leagues in 2019 and closely studied Jason Belmonte’s game (along with my coaches), quickly falling in love with this style of bowling and found success in doing so.
“It means so much to me and I couldn't be more thankful and grateful to represent this amazing team.”
DOHOON KWON
Accomplishments:
- 5-Time SYC Champion
- PBA Jr. Nationals Champion
- WYBT Champion
- JBT Champion
- 7th Place in the 2022 PBA Regional Jim Kent Memorial Tournament
Home State: Washington
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Subject In School: Physics
Favorite Storm Ball: Summit
What are you known for: I always try to keep myself calm. I try to have a poker face because when I always get ahead of myself, I make silly mistakes.
Fun Fact: I started bowling because my parents owned a restaurant next to the bowling alley, so I went there everyday to practice. I speak Japanese, Korean, and English. When I become a professional bowler, I can travel to these countries and have no problem. When I was in Korea I did taekwondo for 6 years and I was the 2nd black belt.
“I always dreamed of becoming a member of Team Storm which will help me a step closer to becoming a professional bowler. It still feels really incredible and is just unbelievable, I am really thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
CHRISTIAN MOUTON
Accomplishments:
- 5-time PBA Jr. Regional Champion
- 2023 SYC Rhode Island Champion
- Top 16 at Jr. Gold 2022 and 2023
- 14 time Kegel Youth Points Series Champ
- Storm US National Junior Doubles Champion
- Supports Bowl4Life and Make-A-Wish
Home State: Florida
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Subject In School: Math or Science
Favorite Storm Ball: !Q Tour
What are you known for: My signature is definitely my 3 step back aka, “The Slingshot.”
Fun Fact: My grandparents introduced me to bowling 4 years ago and cannot thank them enough for it. Also, I love flying airplanes!
“It honestly means a lot to join the Storm JR. Team. I never thought I would have a chance to be on the team, but I am forever grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
SAVANNAH PORTILLO
Accomplishments:
- USBC Youth Open Eagle Champion (U15)
- 2x top 10 at junior gold
- 2x SYC champion (u15)
- 9x MJMA champion
- 4X EYT champion
- Girls singles State title for my school (freshman year)
Home State: Michigan
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Subject In School: Math or English
Favorite Storm Ball: Harsh Reality
What are you known for: I feel that my signature is easily my attitude. Many people compliment me on the way I am always pretty happy even if I am bowling a 120 game or a 260 game. I always seem to be the person that cheers everyone up and will be the loudest person you hear cheering.
Fun Fact: A big part of my life is agriculture, and I love to talk about that and FFA just as much as I do about bowling. One of my favorite animals is easily a mini highland cow. I also play in Special Olympics basketball game I am also a link meaning I spend an hour everyday at school with a special needs kid.
“By having the opportunity to join Storm it shows that all the subtle hard work that has been put in on the lanes and even off has been seen by not only me but others. I feel that not only the things you do on the lanes are what define you in the bowling atmosphere. And I think the attitude I portray has increasingly helped me to be picked to be a part of this team and it shows me that although I put the work in I need to keep working because that will benefit me even more.”
LARIELLE THARPS
Accomplishments:
- 3x SYC Champ
- 2023 Junior Gold Champ
- 2024 USA Development Team
- 2023 Florida High School Team Champ
- Pepsi Champion
- President of National Junior Honor Society
Home State: Florida
Favorite Food: Spaghetti or Mac and Cheese
Favorite Subject In School: Math
Favorite Storm Ball: Dark Code or Infinite PhysiX
What are you known for: Fun loving but a serious bowler.
Fun Fact: My favorite thing to see in a bowling alley is a duck machine because I will collect as many as I can.
“Joining Team Storm means so much to me that words can’t even begin to describe it. I have always seen it as a group of the top youth bowlers around the country and being able to be a part of that group will hold a special place in my heart. It truly shows that hard work, dedication, and staying patient can allow for anything to happen, and I am very grateful and honored to join Team Storm.”
AIDEN WATTS
Accomplishments:
- 2021 Walter Hall Honorary Youth Scholarship Tournament, 1st place
- 2021 USA Bowling Southeast Regional Champions
- 2022 Survivor Tournament, U15 2nd place
- 2023 Carroll Ditteaux Memorial Scotch Doubles, High School Junior Boys, 1st place
- 2024 Storm US National Junior Team Challenge, Collegiate Division Champions
- 3x SYC Medalist
- PBA Jr 801 Series
- I've raised and donated funds to Project Night Night which is a charitable organization for homeless children.
Home State: Maryland
Favorite Food: Cheese Pizza
Favorite Subject In School: Computer Science
Favorite Storm Ball: Infinite PhysiX
What are you known for: I'm a quiet and humble competitor.
Fun Fact: I coach youth bowlers at my home center on Saturday mornings and I love anything to do with weather. I'm currently committed to a college to study meteorology!
“It's an amazing opportunity and a chance to represent the greatest brand in bowling.”
We are thrilled to welcome these talented athletes to the Storm JR. Team and look forward to seeing them continue to excel on and off the lanes.