As she inhales, she feels the close proximity of the ball to her chest. She holds it steady and drops it down to release the ball to the lane. The pins rumble and shake and eventually fall, giving her the satisfaction of a strike. For most, getting a strike would be enough to feel accomplished with the game. But for senior Amanda Geahry, bowling is much more than that. This game, she said, is setting her up for a prosperous future.

It all started when she was 7 years old. “It was a family oriented thing, everyone did it,” she said. Even after her family stopped bowling she continued because she “loved the game and liked getting good scores.” Geahry bowls almost every Saturday and is on two teams. She travels to many cities like Brentwood, Tracy, and Modesto to compete.

The best game she has ever bowled is 246, and her average score is 180. When she scored 246 she said, “I think I might have cried, it was like all of my hard work paid off. Getting that high score was indescribable.” When she competes on these teams if she does well she has the opportunity to win scholarships. “They are my motivation to do well,” she said. So far she has gotten over $800. They will help in the near future while she is getting ready for college. “I really want to go to UOP, or CSU Fresno,” she said. Whether she will use the money on books or supplies, at some point it will benefit her.

Bowling has given her many opportunities, but she is also on the swim team. Even though she likes swimming, she said, “I have a passion for bowling and it is more familiar.” To those who say bowling isn’t challenging, Geahry is quick to say, “It’s hard work and people underestimate it because they just throw the ball.” There are certain techniques and steps used to play well. “You have to know where to stand, how to approach the lane, and release the ball,” she said.

All the work that goes into bowling can sometimes be frustrating. Geahry’s support system is her family. “My mom especially supports me. When I’m having a bad day my mom helps and tells me to adjust some things. She tells me to calm down and relax.”

Her love for this sport has helped her in so many ways. “Bowling has taught me to be patient,” she said. Geahry is even surprised at how patient she has become. “I never gave up with it. Even with struggles, I keep up.”