Being a part of a varsity sport for four years of high school is a feat in and of itself. For a sport like bowling, where most athletes have no previous experience and low expectations, it’s even more impressive. Mckenna Salvador has done just that. Throughouther four years, she’s experienced a personal transformation in her game, a coaching change, and a complete shift in team dynamic.
Salvador’s start came from a family tie. “My freshman year, I just bowled because my grandpa was the coach,” Salvador said. “I came back sophomore year to get better, and junior year was when the love for bowling was really solidified in my heart.”
Not only did Salvador gain a love for the sport, but also a confidence that can be seen through her scores. Salvador’s high game her freshman year was a 117, and junior year, it more than doubled to 214.
“My sophomore year I had gained confidence from being on the team my freshman year,” Salvador notes. She credits the help of the seniors that year to having the confidence in her own performance and teaching skills. “I was able to introduce myself to the new girls and give tips and everything.”
When head coach Bryan Smith took over the program that year, she didn’t let the change affect her. While many of the returners were “a bit apprehensive about him coaching,” she took his advice and knowledge and made a drastic jump, averaging a 133 game, even throwing a 189 high game.
“I really benefited from his advice and I wanted to listen to him. He was funny and nice and had really good tips, so when he became head coach, it was like all of those good features were amplified and I truly believe he bettered our team,” Salvador acknowledged.
During Smith’s time with the team, all eight school records have been shattered, with five broken last year alone. The top five numbers for each category have also completely shifted to reflect the talent of the recent teams. Coach Smith can be accredited with much of the success, but the bond of the team is what truly led to a shift in the recent triumph, and Salvador is no stranger to acknowledge it.
“We hung out as a team so much my junior year and [I think] carrying the close knit energy we gained from those hang outs into games really helped spirits on varsity. For me, it was the first time I wholly felt like I belonged on the varsity team, even without my previous varsity players there to welcome me back.” Even the little things, like the van ride to state qualifiers in Keokuk, have made an impression on the senior and made her even more prepared for her last season.
“As a senior, I feel more confident than ever in making and presenting plans for team bonding, and I really strive to make everyone feel as though they belong on the team, varsity or JV.”
When Salvador leaves, she wants one thing when her time as a Pella High School bowler has finished.
“I’ve made some of the strongest bonds during this sport, and I know that when I’m gone these girls will continue to find and encourage each other through it all.”
