There’s something that you never think about when you’re in the competitive thick of things. It’s this far-fetched dream that not many attain. It’s not a thought until after you’ve stepped up on the #1 podium time and time again. Until after those medals are hung around your neck. It’s an afterthought but when it does cross your mind many years later, you can’t even believe it’s a possibility. 

The Hall of Fame. 

This week I found out that my name made the ballot for the US Bowling Congress’ 2023 Hall of Fame Induction. Along with my very good friend, and Hall of Fame worthy teammate, Missy Parkin.

The first thought in my mind was, “whoa.” To even make the ballot is an honor. It means my career was worthy enough to be considered amongst some of the best bowlers in the world. Ever.

It’s already such a win. 

And a part of me could be tempted to go down the rabbit hole thinking about all the possible scenarios. What if, or what if I don’t…?

I think every bowler, no matter what their experience or what title they’re going for, can fall into that thinking.

Sometimes we get tricked into thinking that our identity belongs to something so much that nothing else matters, that feeling of needing to prove ourselves. But that’s ultimately giving all of the power of our identity away to that one focus, that one thing. 

Is my career enough to be worthy of the highest honor this sport could bestow upon me? It would be incredible, and I don’t mind dreaming about it for a moment.

What I won’t do is let it define me. I am more than my resume, my accolades, and my wins. I’m more than my losses and struggles.

We all have unique experiences that got us where we are. Whatever happens, has everything to do with our own unique journey and nothing to do with our worthiness.

We just have to keep consistent by showing up, knowing we are where we are meant to be. 

When we start trying to prove ourselves, we put this weird weight on our shoulders by considering what OTHER people think of us. When we are not trying to prove anything, we can be the best version of ourselves.  I can hear myself telling so many youth bowlers over the years, “allow yourself to just be…”

Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. That’s your story to tell.

I’ll admit, though, that when I do let my mind reminisce about my journey, I get a bit emotional thinking about the road that has gotten me here.

And getting my name on the HoF ballot has made me really think about how grateful I am for this life I’ve built through bowling. Coincidentally, when I was at John’s family home in New Jersey this past weekend, and just before I learned the news, I discovered a bunch of old newspaper clippings and magazine stories of wins earlier in my career. Those clippings took me down memory lane. And as I sat flipping through them, acknowledging all of those tournaments and moments along the way, it really dawned on me, “those are the experiences that made me who I am today.”

I often get asked what I want to be remembered for. And I always say that’s such an easy answer.

I want people to remember how I made them feel or how I got them excited to bowl more or how I inspired them to be a better person. I don’t care if people remember the wins.

When I am asked what my goal in bowling is or was I always say the same thing. To leave bowling better than I found it. To leave my mark.

At the beginning of January, I set the intention for 2022 to be a year of making more impact. 

I define success by having impact.

In so many ways, I’m living my best life this year, and by definition of impact, I already feel this year has been so successful.

Leading EYT bowlers and other youth and seeing them own their power is so fulfilling every single day.

Honestly, I’ve had so many “proud mom” moments this year.

For example, seeing Hope in the Queens finals earlier this year, suddenly, I saw the real power behind my biggest career title. It wasn’t about the title. It was about that impact and influence and ability to reach someone like Hope, who was inspired by my win when she was a little girl and went on to compete and almost win the same title 10 years later. 

Or the moment that my EYT Phenoms won USA Bowling National Title and walked straight over to me, looked me in the eye, and told me I was the reason for this while they handed me their National Champion trophy.

I think sometimes we work so hard for that TITLE. And winning any title is cool. But…that impact has been what it has really been about all along.

It is thrilling watching leaders emerge and seeing them surprise themselves with their capabilities. It’s all part of my greater pursuit off the lanes now, where I’m showing others what is possible in life as much as in bowling.

Looking back at the pictures of me in those clippings, who would have thought I would have been able to have this continued influence and impact? The most significant impact I’ve made in the sport of bowling has been through this ongoing leadership off the lanes. 

To even have my name in a Hall of Fame press release is so wild to me. I do hope that the voters deem my career worthy enough of such an incredible honor.

But, rather than thinking about anything uncertain about what happens next, I’m focusing my energy on that continued impact and the amazing time I have with the EYT youth every month. . 

As I tell my youth, “lead from the heart, and you will do great things.” 

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