The Rock Island Girls Bowling Team was uncertain how the next season would pan out, as they lost 5 seniors and a head coach. The team started the season hopeful, as they were surprised with the news that the JV Coach Jennifer Sholl had stepped up to coach at the Varsity level, along with Assistant Coach Kelsey Freeman. Freeman, who previously bowled for Rocky in 2017 and who started her Sophomore year of high school, and finished her senior year, bowling 3 years for the Rocks. Sholl also bowled on the team, but for all of her 4 years in high school in 1990. They both were also State bowlers, team and individually. Freeman bowling independently, placed 18th overall at State in 2020. Sholl bowled at State with the team in 1993, placing 11th overall. They both agreed returning to coach the Rocks is a weird, yet rewarding feeling. Freeman even added, “I remember showing up to practice to a group of girls that reminded me of myself from only four years ago.”
As the Rocks Bowling Team fluctuates year to year with the number of people bowling, lanes to work with, and even goals to accomplish. Sholl is looking forward to accomplishing a few major goals in the next few years as she’s “here for the long haul.” Sholl states that some of her goals are “improving the record for the next season”, and “growing out the program again.” Sholl is excited, and hopeful to watch it happen.
All in all, Sholl explains that working with the new Assistant Coach Kelsey is really enjoyable. Not only that, but Sholl mentions “She has a lot to offer, and I think she works great with the new bowlers. And being so young, she relates to the girls.” As for Freeman, she expressed, “I really do enjoy coaching with Jen, as she’s usually the one who is more quiet and laid back, while I’m louder and more firm.” Together, they are excited to start this new journey, grow out the program, improve records, and even return to State in the near future.
