Heather was inducted by her father Larry Nowak
Being in a bowling center was meant to be, for me. I was in a center when I was 2 days old. As far as I can remember I was in a bowling center. There are lots of fun stories about me in a bowling center from taking my naked barbies on a Bowling TV Show, running around barefoot with big hats, to staying inside the crane machines all day, to burning things in the snackbar or ripping my pants getting a deadwood during a state tournament. My forever name is Sunshine from those bright yellow underwear when my pants ripped. As I grew up in the bowling center, I joined the youth league and the YABA board. I was not the best bowler by any means, my kids definitely take after my husband. Our teams loved to wear crazy socks and dress up in bright un matching uniforms to bring us luck. I learned so much as I grew up – I had so many people around me that poured into me. I am so grateful for all of those people. I made and make so many mistakes but that is the best way to learn and grow. At blink of an eye, I outgrew the youth league and learned I love to organize events and teach kids bowling. I love watching kids when it just clicks, and they just are so excited about bowling. I love out of the box like pie in your face day or jellybean days or flour fights are just the best. Kids have so much on their plates, I love for
them to let go of the world’s stress and have fun. I love taking these kids on adventures like Local, State and Regional Tournaments. Bowling is so special because it is not just bowling its life lessons and community. Good times and Bad times we are in it together. I am so so lucky to be surrounded and supported by an awesome community. I have my parents that always teach me and guide me with unconditional love, I can’t thank them enough. My husband and kids that will help me at midnight set things up or be volunteered a lot or love my crazy ideas. All of my family, the staff, coaches/behind the scenes helpers, local and state board none of this would be what it is today without all of the support I get. I am very honored and blessed and I hope to continue to impact kids’ lives.
