Youngstown State women's bowling coach Chelsea Gilliam is excited to announce that Emily Dietz, Ashley Kolb and Nikki Mendez are the first three student-athletes to officially join the program. Each signed a National Letter of Intent to continue their careers at YSU and help build a program that will begin competition in the 2016-17 season.
Dietz and Kolb are teammates from Westland, Mich., who bowl at John Glenn High School, and Mendez is from Homer Glen, Ill. and attends Lockport Township High School.
"Getting to build a program is very exciting. It is an opportunity that doesn't come along very often," Gilliam said. "Bowling has always been a big part of my life, and I am honored to be able to share my passion and love for the sport with these young ladies while they continue their education and bowling careers."
"There has been a lot of interest in our program so far, and it has been a very busy couple of months recruiting and building our first class. We signed three great student-athletes, and they will bring a lot of heart and dedication to the program. We have set some high goals for this program, and these three are ready to work hard and help us achieve them. They all bring something different to the lanes."
"All three of these girls have great personalities, and I am excited to watch them enjoy their senior season and wish them all the best."
Dietz won the Michigan Division I individual title as a sophomore, and she has earned second-team all-state honors. She has also been a two-time all-conference and All-Observer bowler, and her most-recent average is 197. She bowled a high game of 264 in the regional tournament in helping the Rocketsto the title. Additionally, she is currently ranked fourth in her class academically.
"Being a state champion, Emily understands the level of hard work it takes to get there. She is determined to do the same here," Gilliam said.
Kolb is a left-handed teammate of Dietz who has a current average of 192. She bowled a high game of 207 at the regional tournament to help John Glenn finish first. She was a member of the state runner-up team in 2014 and has earned all-conference and All-Observer accolades.
"Ashley is going to bring us talent from the left side of the lane," Gilliam said. "Every team wants to have a strong athlete on the left side of the lane, and I feel like Ashley is going to fill that spot for us. She has a great attitude and wants to continue to learn and grow as an athlete."
Mendez averaged 213 at the IHSA State tournament as a junior, where she helped her team win the state title. She took first place at regionals, and she was 22nd at the state tournament.
"Nikki has been part of a championship team and understands that it is a team effort to be on top," Gilliam said.
The Penguins will add at least seven more bowlers before beginning competition next fall.
