Almost two years ago, I made a decision that changed my life. That sounds a bit dramatic, however, it’s true. I chose to transfer from a small college in Illinois, and give up college bowing to go to Wichita State University. While many of my readers are already aware of this situation, I would like this article to serve as an explanation.

First things first, yes my boyfriend goes to Wichita State. Yes, this had little influence on my decision, and no, my whole decision wasn’t revolved around him coming to WSU. I’ve received a lot of judgement, followed by a lot of support, and really it all doesn’t matter to me. People can say what they want but at the end of the day it’s my decision. No this article isn’t going to be me defending why I transferred but more so on bowling. I’ve been asked countless times why I’m so okay with not bowling. Well I’m okay with it for numerous reasons...

I transferred to Wichita State with the full intention of bowling after sitting my year out. I knew the rules when I chose to transfer, and was fully ready to accept sitting on the sidelines for a year. My first year of college bowling was such a great experience. It improved my game both physically and mentally, and allowed me to establish many friendships that I hope to keep for a long time. However, I wanted to continue my bowling career someplace else. I was supremely impressed with the way that the Shocker Bowling program is run, and wanted to be a part of it. During my year of red shirting, I was eager to be a part of the team the following season. However, in January, my boyfriend and I received some unexpected news. I found out that I was expecting a baby, and was due in September. This would be reason number one.

Before actually having Blair, I was still set on bowling. Things would be arranged to where I would be able to be both a collegiate bowler and a mom, however closer towards the due date, I decided that I wouldn’t be doing that. I needed to step up and be the best mother that Blair deserved. When I actually got to hold her, I knew that I had made the best decision for both her and I. While I love bowling, she instantly stole my heart. Having her look at me like I was the best thing in the world, and having her smile at me like I had never done anything wrong brought me so much more happiness than bowling ever has. This became a sudden realization for me that there are more important things than bowling. Being there for her and watching her grow up is what I needed to be doing. There will always be another tournament, but these years while she is growing up I can never get back.

Reason number two stems from my boyfriend, Brandon. He is by far one of the most supportive people in my life. That being said, watching him bowl and do what he loves is like nothing else. I’ve never met someone who is so humble and has so much passion to do what he loves. There’s so much heart he puts behind every shot, and watching him compete is enough for me. I’ve been told by numerous people that I’m crazy to compare watching him to actually bowling, however that’s how I feel. Seeing him succeed and pursue his dreams and goals fills my heart with so much happiness. Watching him gives me as much happiness, if not more than actually bowling does; even better, I get to watch him with our daughter, Blair. He not only encourages me to pursue my own dreams, but pushes me to strive for the best that I can be.

So, for as far as collegiate bowling, I’m putting that on hold. That doesn’t mean that I’m not bowling, because I certainly still bowl tournaments, but I simply don’t have enough time to divide it amongst college bowling and a family. Watching my daughter grow up, and giving my full support to Brandon and his bowling has taken precedence in my life and honestly, I’m more than okay with that. I just wanted to share my side, and let others know that may be experiencing something similar, that it’s okay to want to pursue other goals. It’s more than okay to think something else is more important, and that you shouldn’t feel alone or like you have to explain yourself. It’s really up to you, and you alone and if someone disagrees, well it really isn’t up to them. College bowling isn’t for everyone, and I’m certainly not saying that college bowling is unimportant; I’ve just come to my own realization that my family is and always will come above anything else.