Our third athlete in the Youth Bowling Spotlight is Weirside YBC’s Hannah Crowe, aged 16!
1. Hi Hannah! What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your sport so far, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges was continuous thumb injuries. It was very frustrating to have the skin come off the back and side of my thumb and have to step away and take a break from bowling while it healed. To overcome this I needed to be patient and allow my hand to heal and also take advice and look to have changes made to my interchangeable thumbs and I also wear thumb tape to help prevent it happening again. I am happy to say that my hands are now much better.
Also my confidence in myself and being able to make decisions without doubting myself has also been a challenge, I often found that people believed in me more than what I did myself. I am much better now and it is something that comes with time and experience.
2. Can you tell us about a time you made a mistake or had a tough loss? What did you learn from it?
Not necessarily a loss but the disappointment of not performing as well as I would have liked to at YTC 2024. This was because I let the occasion get to me. I’ve learned to take my time and allow me to make better decisions whether that be ball choice or the area of the lane I want to play.
3. How do you handle the pressure or nerves before a big match or competition?
I find that making sure I am properly prepared before a competition through training and making sure my equipment is clean and ready help prevent game day nerves but if I do get nervous I’ll listen to music and try and talk to my friends.
4. What is the main reason you love bowling?
I’ve met lots of amazing people and have made lots of fantastic memories. I just generally find the sport very enjoyable and it provides a challenge.
5. What drives you to get up, train, and put in the work on days when you don’t feel like it?
The thought of just wanting to go as far as possible with the sport whether that is studying in the states and bowling for a college or progressing through Young Adult competitions and adult competitions.
6. What are your short-term goals for this season, and where do you see yourself in your sport in the next few years?
I would like to improve my average over this season and to become more consistent. Having already bowled for England in 2024 and being selected again this year I would like to become a more obvious choice for selection and I am putting the work in to make it happen.
7. How would your teammates or coaches describe you?
My team mates and coaches would describe me as quiet when and serious when I am bowling as they say sometimes that I never smile. I do enjoy bowling even if it doesn’t show on my face but that is because I am concentrating.
8. Aside from bowling, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Away from bowling I spend time drawing, listening to music and taking trips out with my friends.
9. Is there an athlete, coach, or mentor you look up to, and why?
I look up to my coaches. Since I started bowling at the age of 6 I have had some great coaches who have always been willing to give me their time and have always been super supportive.
As a female bowler I also look up to other female bowlers especially those who have represented England or gone on to bowl on the PWBA tour.
10. What advice would you give to another young person who wants to start tenpin bowling?
Just enjoy it and have fun. Listen to your coaches and take all the advice you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you want to be good you have to put the time and effort in and practice, this can be on the lanes but also at home using training aids and tools.