Thanks again to Youth Bowling’s Tracy Robertson we continue our series meeting some of our awesome youth bowlers. Next up we meet Sophia Warner age 13, a youth bowler from Madison Heights YBC.
Sophia competes in the YBE Tours, Bowlers Club plus represents Essex under 16’s and the Ladies Teams.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your sport so far, and how did you overcome it?
I’d say my ball speed, and at first it would bother me, comparing myself to other bowlers and it messed with my confidence. But I learned that speed isn’t everything. I focused on being super accurate, repeating shots and sliding instead of forcing power. I’ve worked alot on my timing and spare shooting. Once I trusted my game instead of comparing myself, everything started clicking. Finishing 2nd in the Aspersions youth tour last year kinda proved to me that my style actually works.
Can you tell us about a time you made a mistake or had a tough loss? What did you learn from it?
I once missed a super important single pin in the last frame at a tournament and dropped points. But I learned that pressure moments show what you need to work on most. After that, I practised single pins like crazy and now I actually feel more confident with them.
How do you handle the pressure or nerves before a big match or competition?
I still get sooo nervous. My hands literally shake sometimes. I try to focus on my breathing, having a catch up with my bowling buddies from other YBC’s and remind myself that I’ve trained for this.
What is the main reason you love bowling?
That feeling when you hit the pocket and all ten pins just disappear. But I love all the friends I’ve made at YBC and from all over the UK.
What drives you to get up, train, and put in the work on days when you don’t feel like it?
Thinking about my dream of one day representing England. Like… that alone gets me out of bed. I also remind myself that every top player trained on days they didn’t feel like it either.
What are your short-term goals for this season, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
This season I want to improve my average and place higher in the youth tour. Over the next few years, I really hope I’m competing at national level representing England.
How would your teammates or coaches describe you?
Probably determined and focused, but also a bit silly, I think they’d say I work hard and really listen to feedback, even when it’s tough to hear.
Aside from bowling, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love music, watching TV hanging out with friends, and scrolling TikTok way too much. I also like watching bowling videos and tournaments.
Is there an athlete, coach, or mentor you look up to, and why?
I really look up to Verity Crawley who came through youth bowling and made it to the top. Watching her who started young like me makes my dream feel possible, not just imaginary.
What advice would you give to another young person who wants to start tenpin bowling?
Just go for it and don’t be scared to be bad at first. Everyone starts somewhere. Listen to your coach, practise your spares, and most importantly — enjoy it. If you love it, everything else will come.