The Lincoln Way West girls bowling team enters the 2024-25 season with high hopes, fueled by a core of experienced juniors and a focused approach to improvement.
Head coach Scott Ullian, now in his seventh year, is optimistic about his team’s chances this season. The team made it to the state tournament in each of the last two years, and Ullian is setting his sights on another successful campaign.
“We have a very young but experienced team,” Ullian said. “Last year, we were the youngest team in the state, with just one senior and a mix of sophomores and freshmen. This year, we’ve lost only one senior, and the rest of the girls are back. They’ve been working really hard over the summer, and we’re focusing on weekly goals to help us reach our long-term goal of getting to state again.”
In addition to Ullian’s experience as head coach, assistant coach Morgan Flaherty brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Flaherty, who won the 2012 girls’ state bowling championship as a junior, has been coaching the girls for several years after serving as an assistant coach with the boys’ team.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this team,” Flaherty said. “These girls know what it takes to get to the next level, and they’ve put in the work during the offseason. We’re ready to take on the challenges ahead.”
While the team’s ultimate goal is a return to state, Ullian emphasized the importance of focusing on incremental progress throughout the season.
“We’re breaking things down into weekly goals that will help us reach that final end goal of making it to state again,” he said.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the athletes themselves are setting personal objectives, particularly when it comes to mental preparation. Junior Allison Whalen, a key contributor to last season’s success, identified her mental game as a focus area for improvement.
“The biggest thing for me is staying focused,” Whalen said. “I can’t let myself get in my head because that affects my performance and the mood of the team. Our goal is to stay focused, take it frame by frame, and game by game.”
Teammate Paige DeBella, another junior with state tournament experience, echoed Whalen’s sentiments about mental resilience. “Bowling is all about keeping a positive mindset and staying locked in,” DeBella said. “We have to focus on each frame and not let one bad shot affect the next.”
The team has already put in significant work over the summer to prepare for the season. Whalen, who competed in outside school tournaments, specifically worked on adjusting to different lane conditions. “I bowled a lot in sport leagues, which is what college teams bowl on,” she said. “It helped me get used to adjusting to different lane conditions and making quick decisions during the game.”
DeBella also took steps to hone her skills, attending lessons with Coach Ullian and participating in a league, along with college showcases. “I think the lessons with Coach Scott really helped me work on my technique, and the college showcases gave me a chance to compete at a high level,” DeBella said.
Despite the intense focus on competition, Ullian said the team enjoys the camaraderie that comes with the sport, especially at tournaments like the Rock and Roll Invitational. “I love the energy at that event,” he said. “The girls love the classic rock music, and it’s a great atmosphere for them to compete in. But honestly, I love all the tournaments. The best part is watching these girls lay it all on the line and give their best effort.”
With a strong work ethic and clear goals, the Lincoln Way West girls bowling team is poised for another successful season, with hopes of returning to state and continuing to build on their growing legacy.