As a young girl, Julie’s parents, grandfather and friends bowled. One day she decided to skip Saturday morning cartoons and join the junior bowling program. She sacrificed sleeping in on Saturdays, but seeing the cute boys at the bowling center made it worth her while…..The people she met in the program, coaches and other parents influenced her greatly and were always supportive…Bowling with the youth gave her a chance to be a part of something at a young age.
While in college, Her parents encouraged her to get back into bowling by joining an adult league with them. According to Julie, she was not very good at it and spent her spare time going to the lanes and watching the “good” bowlers.
In the early 90’s she joined a scratch league, raising her average from 167 to a 185 in one season!!!! From that point on she knew with practice and dedication she would become a great bowler…She later also realized she had more to offer so volunteered as a coach for the Junior Bowling Program. Working with the kids, not only helped them to bowl but taught her that the strikes and high scores weren’t everything….You also had to hae fun!
Encouraged by her husband to be a better bowler, in the 90’s she joined the LPBT and bowled in pro tournaments alongside such bowlers as Mary Ann Durupo, Tish Johnson, Leigh Ann Barrett among others. They were a great influence on Julie and were encouraging above and beyond friendliness.
Chuck and Julie have two children, the oldest only 2-1/2 and already interested in bowling, has his own bowling ball he chose for himself and always is asking to “go bowling Mommy”.
Julie has garnered quite a few prizes for herself in bowling. ?She has a high average of 206….Highest series of 757….and too many high 200+ games and 700+ sets to mention them all….
Julie was on the winning team for the SCWBA Tournament last year in Myrtle Beach, also was the high All Events winner and was Doubles Champion in 1992.
Julie has been a member of the SCWBA for 17 years and bowled in 14 championship tournaments and 2 SCSYABA tournaments. She has bowled in 16 local tournaments and won several titles such as High Scratch Game, Scratch All Events, Doubles Scratch Champion and Team Scratch Champion…..
Most importantly, Julie loves bowling and shows her dedication by being always willing to help others with their game, especially the kids whom she has coached for six years and is not only their coach, but their friend.
Congratulations Julie! and welcome as the last member into the South Carolina Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
