Winter sports offer athletes a stage to showcase their skills, and one sophomore has truly been making waves this season. Emily Newbauer from Viterbo's bowling team has been setting records and achieving remarkable feats.

Unstoppable Sophomore Shines in Winter Sports

Shining on the Hardwood and Mats

Winter sports provide a platform for athletes to shine, whether it's on the hardwood or the mats. However, this season, one area athlete has been stealing the show on the lanes. Emily Newbauer, a sophomore on Viterbo's bowling team, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.She currently ranks second among 460 women at the NAIA level and sixth among 730 bowlers in the USBC rankings. Her performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, with more than half of her throws resulting in strikes. This is a massive improvement from her freshman campaign, highlighting her hard work and dedication.

Tournament Success and Standout Accolades

Newbauer has fared well in the tournaments Viterbo has competed in this season. One accolade that stands out is making the All-Tournament team at the Midwest Collegiate. This was one of her goals set last year, and she achieved it this year. It's a testament to her skills and determination.She is aware of the accolades but tries to focus on the present and each shot. "It's always kind of sitting in the back of my mind, but I do my best not to think about it," she said. "Especially when I'm bowling during tournaments. Just so I can stay out of my head and I can have fun while I'm bowling. Not necessarily worry about statistics or standings."

Boost for the Program and Team Spirit

Having one of the best bowlers in the country is a big deal for the relatively small program. "It's a huge boost," Head Coach Terry McKinney said. "Any Facebook post, she's always in the news. Basically because she's leading every tournament that she's bowling. I think it makes incoming recruits want to come and bowl with her especially because she's only a sophomore."Newbauer also emphasized the importance of the team. "The main reason I came to Viterbo is because I liked the community," she said. "I also liked the bowlers that I met at the college combine back in December of 2022. I love all the girls on the team. We're more than just teammates, we're basically family. That's what makes it so nice to be a part of the Viterbo bowling team."The V-Hawks last competed on November 10, and their next event is December 18 in Las Vegas. Fans are eagerly awaiting Newbauer's next performance and the team's continued success.