After teaming up with Niles North and their girls bowling team, Niles West has finally taken departure and gathered enough girls to be an independent team. The girls bowling team is managed by head coach Kathie Kajmowicz and assistant coach Karissa Villanueva. But due to short notice, James Krzeminski, the boys bowling head coach, helped recruit the girls team and handle communications.

Even though Krzeminski isn’t necessarily running the girls bowling team, he still has the same hopes and objectives for the season as everyone else. 

“Our goal this year is to try to get some of the girls to work more on getting those formal skills and to keep maintaining the girls who have bowled in leagues. Overall, we are just excited for the opportunity for this team to get off the ground, and we are hoping to see it grow over the coming years,” Krzeminski said.  

The season officially started November 15th and a total of 13 girls joined from a variety of grades. With the excitement of joining a team, there also comes the anticipation and ideas for the future.

“This season I hope to win as much as I can and have as much fun as I can,” senior Londyn LaVallias said.

“I’m really excited to be playing for Niles West this season. I am really looking forward to getting to know all my teammates. My goal for this season is to improve my average and work on my technique,” Mia Sarris said.

Now, why did these girls join the team in the first place?

“I joined bowling because I love the sport, and I’ve been doing it since I was eight. I also wanted to join because it’s my last year at Niles West, and I’ve been wanting to join a sport that I feel welcomed in and bowling is one of them,” explained LaVallias.

Sarris like LaVallias was eager to share her reasons for participating.

“I joined bowling because I just wanted to have some fun in my life since it can get so chaotic and stressful at times. I think bowling overall has just really helped me to manage my stress and clear my mind,” Sarris said.

If you’re thinking about joining and are hesitant because it seems “too easy,” don’t worry. There is definitely a lot of thinking involved in bowling.

“A lot of people don’t really understand how complex it can be. For example, the ball you use can effect how many pins you hit as well as the angle you are throwing it in.  Another thing you have to take account of is the oil they place under the lanes. This means you will have to eventually to learn how your ball works with the oil and adjust and analyze your throws to see what makes your bowling ball hit the most pins,” Krzeminski says

The ladies next match will be December 2nd, in Bowlero Vernon Hills, at 4:30 pm.