To the person that influenced my bowling career,

When I lived in Colorado, I bowled a youth league on Saturday mornings. Every year, Team USA used to travel through and stop by the youth league and have one Saturday where they would bowl with us youth. I would look forward to that day every year. I knew that would be the time I would get to see, talk, and bowl with my favorite PWBA/PBA bowler.

Ever since I was little I wanted to bowl just like you. I wanted to be just as good as you. I wanted to be everything you were and still are. I sit and watch the old videos of you bowling and dream of growing up and being just like you. Everything about you and your dedication and drive for the sport made me want to better myself in the sport I love and eventually compete like you.

When I got a little bit older, I took the sport more serious and really started to pay attention to the little mechanics of your game and your mindset and your attitude. I began to tell myself that I wish I could take a clear mindset like that in to my competition and that I want to hold a good attitude but still have my game face on while I bowled, because of you, I did. I started looking more at your game and realized I wanted to be able to put that much power in the ball and have the same build as you, which would only happen if I started gaining muscle and strength like you had, then i began my work outs.

As I begin my college career as student athlete, I will not stop what I have began. Although defeat may want to set me back, because of you, I know that makes me a better bowler and soon, with hard work and practice, success is coming my way. Because of you, I can not wait to compete with some of the best bowlers in the nation both PWBA and PBA. Because of you I have the drive to be the best I can be. Because of you, I one day want to influence youth as much as you influenced. Because of you I have built my game as if you were my coach. Because of you I look forward to the day we compete together. Because of you I won't give up until I achieve my goals and dreams.

So thank you Shannon O'Keefe for teaching me what you have. Thank you for being one of the biggest influences on my bowling career. Thank you for all that you have done. Thank you