Avery Anderson
senior
Hinsdale
How long have you been on the bowling team?
Since freshman year. I did it for fun and then I found out that I actually had some talent at it, so I kept going with it. My dad also did bowling in high school.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I like the fact that it's an individual sport, but we can also work as a team and we motivate each other. That makes it more fun - and we learn from each other.
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
I'm very, very, very superstitious. Before I do anything, I always have to take a second and go through the motions in my head of exactly what I need to do and really focus on where I'm going to hit. If I get a strike, I try to do exactly what I did to make it happen again.
How do you handle the mental game?
I have to remind myself that I know what I'm doing and I can just relax and use my muscle memory to let things happen and not let the nerves get into my head. Our coaches do a good job of telling us that - it's just in your head.
What is the best advice you've gotten from a coach?
One of my coaches always tells me to look down if I have a bad throw, because if I look up and I see the people's reactions, I get very much in my head and I think people are judging me.
What's your highest score?
268. It was last year at an invite.
What is your goal for the season?
Last year I made it to sectionals, so I want to see if I can make it farther and make it to state.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I feel like a lot of people are surprised when they find out I can draw really well.
What are your plans for next year?
My goal is to get a medical degree. I kind of want to be a dentist.
Why does coach Paul Parpet like having Anderson on the team?
Avery is a four-year bowler, a 2022 sectional qualifier and team captain. Avery should be one of the top bowlers in the West Suburban Conference.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
