Pinning Down Post Season

Anna Hsia

This season, the Mount’s bowling team experienced many achievements and transitions. In April 2024, former Head Coach Kenneth Degraaf stepped down and the University quickly found Olivia Farwell to become the new head coach.

Under Coach Farwell’s leadership, the team has been continuing to do well and thrive.

“We’ve been beating the reigning national champions and consistently finishing in the top 10 and top 5 at every event” Coach Farwell shared.  

Aliza Shirk (C’26) praises coach Farwell saying, “She is amazing! She is super helpful and always there for you, she has also been just a super upgrade from our last coach, locked in but knows how to have fun!”  

Shirk has also been having an excellent personal season. Her notable performance got her a spot on the All-Tournament Team, placing second out of 80 qualifying bowlers. 

Leah Varela (C’27) recognizes coach Farwell’s impact on the team saying, “Coach Farwell has made a great change for this program. She has provided us with more knowledge about the sport since she has competed at the collegiate level and now is at the professional level. She has placed us on track to reach our full potential, whether it is reading a book about mental strength or pushing us on and off the lanes—you can tell that she wants us all to succeed. Most importantly, she has provided a framework for hard work with enjoyment. She always reminds us that it's okay to have fun.” 

Earlier this season, Varela placed 18th place overall at the Garden State Classic and was the best single player from the Mount. Varela averaged 204.2 throughout the day and even scored 246 in her third game.  

Coach Farwell also discussed the team’s goals as their postseason is approaching. “Our goal going into the postseason is to not settle. We’ll continue to work hard and be better than we were yesterday. They are ready for this, and I believe they are going to do something special this year.” 

Varela expressed her excitement for what her team can give for postseason, saying, "We have so much talent and have been working hard to give ourselves a run. We all have the drive and eagerness to give ourselves a good showing at these big postseason tournaments, so I just can’t wait to go out there and show everyone who we are!”  

Shirk echoed that same enthusiasm, highlighting the team’s determination to secure more wins.  “We have a lot of momentum right now,” Shirk said. “We just need to put it all together and hopefully make nationals! We can do it—we are a great group of women!” 

Right now, the team has an impressive 75-35 record. In their most recent tournament, they won five games out of seven total games, which earned them third place.