Interview with SHS Bowler Emma Large


Welcome back to the Winter Edition of Off the Reels! This week, I have a fascinating story about how a physical education requirement turned into a collegiate athletic offer. 


Meet SHS Bowler Emma Large…


Bowling story:

Emma is a senior at Springboro High School, currently competing in her fourth varsity bowling season. Emma moved to Springboro in eighth grade, with no expectation or plan to play a sport in high school. She had already been through her sports days at her old school where she cheered, played basketball, played softball, and more. But when Emma was planning out her high school courses, she opted to start bowling to fulfill her physical education requirement. Emma started training with a coach in eighth grade and fell in love with the sport. Emma told me that she is passionate about bowling now, saying she “got into it for kind of a selfish reason…but it’s become a really big part of my life.”


Emma’s leadership role:

Emma is the Captain of the Panthers bowling team. As a captain, senior, and experienced bowler, she carries leadership responsibilities. I asked her about her leadership style. In just a brief time with Emma, it is evident that she leads by example. She told me that she uses her bowling knowledge and techniques to help her teammates develop their mechanics. 


Emma’s favorite bowling ball:

There is no weight requirement for the bowling ball in high school contests, leaving it up to the bowler to decide how heavy or light they prefer to bowl. Emma typically throws a 15 pound bowl, which is on the heavier side. She bowls with a ball that the coach who she started training with in eighth grade gave to her. After his heart surgery, the ball pulled him down the lane, and he decided to stop using it, passing it on to Emma who plans to retire it after this season. 


Emma’s preparation for a match:

Emma and her teammates typically arrive at the lanes about 30 minutes to an hour before their match starts. Emma and her teammates take advantage of this team bonding time and play cards, listen to music, and enjoy each other’s company. Emma personally also has a superstitious routine before each throw: she dries her hands off, wipes any oil off the ball, slides her foot, and then throws the ball.


Emma’s high school career accomplishments:

Emma has been on four All-Tournament Teams in her high school career, including two first place finishes, one seventh place finish, and one eighth place finish. Emma’s highest score for a two game series is 450, and her highest score for a three game series is a 712. Emma also holds the school record for the highest game bowled in competition for the girls’ bowling team!


Emma’s strategy:

During a match, Emma focuses more on how she can improve her score than how her opponents are doing. In her words, “I just try to learn from the lanes.” She explained to me that the lane reacts differently to how you throw the ball, so she makes her adjustments accordingly. These adjustments include her feet, her eyes, or even getting a different bowling ball. Emma’s strategy is continually analyzing and adjusting her own game. 


Emma’s best memory from bowling for the Panthers:

Emma’s sophomore year was the first time she earned an All-Tournament Team award, and not only that, she earned first place. Emma will always remember her team running to her and surrounding her, cheering for her.


Emma’s plans after high school:

In the fall, Emma plans to attend either Indiana Tech or Huntington University, both of which have offered her a spot on their bowling teams. She is going to study occupational therapy with the intent of becoming a geriatric occupational therapist. 


Emma’s advice for bowlers/athletes:

Emma never thought she was going to be an athlete in high school, but now she’s going to college to be an athlete. It’s all because she never stopped learning and practicing to understand the skills, mechanics, and techniques of the sport. She advises all athletes to “keep learning about your sport and perfecting it” because there is always more to learn. 


Good luck to Emma and the Panthers this season. We’re excited to cheer you on!


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