Name: Karen Guerra
Year: senior
Hometown: Willowbrook
What do you enjoy about the sport of bowling?
It's fun. It's a relaxed game, and I'm not a naturally competitive person. I joined the team as a junior because I was looking to have some light competition and do something fun without it having to be extremely competitive. I also get to be with the other girls on the team and enjoy good companionship.
How has your bowling game improved over the last two seasons?
I think I've become more of a consistent player. My scores are more consistent than they used to be and I've become more confident in the way I play. I was very nervous when I played in my first match last year. I wasn't used to doing things like that in front of other people. Now I'm more confident in myself and in going out there and playing with people watching.
How would your teammates describe you?
They'd probably describe me as pretty shy and pretty laid-back. I'm not generally an outgoing person, but I try to be enthusiastic.
What's a good piece of advice you've received?
Coach (Paul) Parpet said to me, "When you're trying to fix something about your game, you can't always focus on the scores that you get." I need to focus on what I'm trying to fix and not get caught up in the points.
What's your high game?
147
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
I'm excited to go to college and have a fresh start and see what the future brings.
What are you planning to study?
I want to do pre-med in college and the go on to medical school to become an orthopedist.
Do you have any siblings?
I have an older brother, Joel. He's a sophomore in college. We've always been really close.
Do you have any other sporting talents?
I really like playing ping-pong.
Any similarities between bowling and ping-pong?
I think they both take a lot of concentration. You can't get into your head too much if you want to do well.
Why does coach Paul Parpet like having Guerra on the squad?
She has a great attitude and supports her teammates at practices and matches. She is also consistent and comes ready to improve every day.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
