Real answers from bowlers at the USBC TeamUSA Trials 2026
Anthony Simonsen, Local Pro, Gold Cost Bowling Center, Las Vegas NV
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being in and around the place where i am. As a High Caliber Bowleer, finding a way to give back to the community.
What do you do to show presence with others?
Donate stuff to others who need it. Be conversive without being intrusive or interfering with my job… which is to be the local pro… to bowl.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
Bowling is about the people you meet and making friendships — sometimes for life.
Anonymous Official
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Doing the work I’ve been given to do without distraction.
Anonymous Non-Competing Bowler & Coach, NYC
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being in community
What helps you stay grounded?
Remembering my upbringing. Family.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
It’s about developing youth. Giving them more and better opportunities — which is something bowling can do on many levels. And developing bowlers as people, because INL money isn’t available for them until later in life for them.
Jill, League Bowler, Beverly Lanes, Arlington Heights, IL
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Having fun with people, especially family.
What helps you stay grounded?
Watching for a way to be in the moment. I grew up with bowling, so I draw on that experience.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
It must be about having fun, and enjoying life, otherwise it’s not worth doing.
Jenny Punter, League Bowler, Strike & Spare, Lockport, IL
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being in the moment.
What’s the hardest moment to stay present in?
Under pressure. I give myself an internal pep talk to stay present.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
It’s harder than it looks.
You’ve got to learn how to think, stand, and move well to be good at it.
It’s about JOY, comradely, and friends from all over the country. Lots of the joy comes from competition — the competitive blowers help each other even during competitions — the best ones engage in healthy “co-opitition” because that’s just who they are.
When the going gets tough, JOY is about just being happy to be here and to “have fun in the not fun” as it were.
Anonymous Father of a Top Bowler Who also Bowls, Robinson Navy Base, San Diego, CA
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Stay in the best version of yourself you can be at all times. Stay focused. Practice mental discipline. Work hard. Have a plan. Hide from the bright lights when you practice. Bring your own chair which folds up like a drinking cup. And take a selfie when the connection is strong.
What do you do to show presence with others?
What does good sportsmanship look like when things get tense?
Help those who need help. Even your competitors. Let them know what you know that helps you. Don’t hold back. Don’t just bowl well, be helpful. You’re only as good as your weakest team member. Have a short memory, let what’s done be done, and move on to what is best next.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
Bowling reveals your character. It shows the real you when things are going not so well… if you keep helping others, ask for help when you need it, and keep smiling through the pain with joy you’re truly doing well. It’s important to stay humble, and not brag… but don’t shy away from saying, “I’m good at this,” when you truly are. And when you’re world-class good as an amateur… spread the prize money forward when you win the big ones. When the time comes to be a pro, the money will come… but only inasmuch as your character supports it.
Dawn, Supporting Grandmother and Former Bowler, Jax 60, Jackson, MI
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being there for others and supporting them.
What do you do to show presence with others?
Show up.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
Competition is a good part of bowling, but you gotta have fun. And when the competition gets to you, it’s important to have someone there to support you.
Brandon, Tourney Bowler, Ham Lake Lanes, Ham Lake, MN
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being there. Being completely there. And being only there. Just be there.
What helps you stay present when something goes wrong?
Staying in a healthy place in my mind. Not letting the situation distract me.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
Bowling is at its best when done in teams; especially at the High School and Collegiate levels. Competitions are fun, but the team aspect helps take the edge off and surrounds you with people who cheer you on and pep you up.
Amy, Bowler Mom & Former Pro, City View Lanes, Ft. Worth, TX
Amy, Bowler Mom & Former Pro, City View Lanes, Ft. Worth, TX
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Be in the here & now. Stay in the here & now.
What’s the hardest moment to stay present in?
When nothings working and I can’t seem to fix it. It’s important to remember that there is only now. You can’t fix the past, and worrying about the future won’t change the score. So just step back, regain focus, and roll the ball for now. Then do it one by one from there. You can’t fix whole games, you can only fix the frame you’re in.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
You have to let your body take over, and stop your mind from telling you to try different things to influence your shots with unnatural spins, releases, etc. Trust your body to feel the delivery the right way.
John Martin, Valparaiso University Coach, Inman’s Recreation, Valparaiso, IN
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
To have presence is to be in the moment.
What does a good reset look like for you?
Do something physical to regain perspective. Close your eyes, visualize something else, then bring yourself back to the moment.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
Emotional control is paramount.
No control means no presence means no success. You’ve gotta stop the spiral ASAP to succeed. Great T-shirt slogan confirmation: There is no losing, there is only winning and learning.
Drake Wait, Tourney Bowler, Sunray Lanes, St Paul, MN
Drake Wait, Tourney Bowler, Sunray Lanes, St Paul, MN
When I say the word “presence” — in bowling, what does that mean to you?
Being a high end bowler that needs to be respected by their competitors. Or someone who is high end you have to respect. That aura is the presence.
What does a good reset look like for you?
Talking to others. Getting out of your self-talk loop.
What does good sportsmanship look like when things get tense?
Keep bringing the “congrats” to those around you. Encouraging success in others. Not becoming a wisher of ills for another. Otherwise it’s not fun anymore.
What is there about bowling that people don’t usually see — but matters a lot?
You gotta play it one shot at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself. There will be highs and lows. Sometimes you’ll get breaks, sometimes you won’t. It’s just part of the game, so you gotta roll with what comes.
The more people I talk to, the better I bowl. Goofing off between rolls took me to a 247 average in league once, because I was loose from talking to folks, and didn’t get so tied up and over-focused.