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  Vol. 2, No.1
Fall 2006

The Year of Josie Earnest

Last November, Josie Earnest signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and compete on the women's bowling team. Although her collegiate plans were set, Josie didn't coast through her senior year of high school; instead, she continued to bowl and study as hard as she could.

New ruling benefits
athletes like Josie

Recent discussions between officials from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and USBC have resulted in an NCAA ruling that benefits athletes like Josie. Now that USBC has been recognized as bowling's national governing body by the United States Olympic Committee, student athletes who have earned scholarship money for their bowling performance prior to attending their NCAA Division I or II college or university may now use these scholarship funds at their NCAA Division I or II institution, as long as the funds are managed through USBC's SMART program.

The NCAA ruling was the trigger that prompted a requirement, effective Aug. 1, 2006, that all USBC Youth leagues and tournaments awarding scholarships must manage their scholarship awards through USBC's SMART program.

Athletes like Josie may be courted by several colleges and universities during their senior year of high school. However, few college bowling programs have the funds to provide full-ride scholarships to prospective student athletes. Partial scholarships may be offered and now even students at NCAA Division I and II schools can use their previously-earned scholarship winnings to help pay the remaining portions of their college costs.

Her efforts paid off in a big way.

"My dad always told me that bowling could take me anywhere I wanted to go, and it has," Josie said. "As long as you have the heart and desire and put in the time, you can achieve great things."

Here's a year-long look at Josie's most recent challenges and accomplishments.

Nov. 16, 2005 – As a senior at Vandalia Community High School in Illinois, Josie signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., in 2006 and play on its NCAA Division I women's bowling team.

Dec. 31, 2005 – Josie completed her reign on Junior Team USA 2005 with a collection of eight gold medals and one silver medal earned in international competition.

Jan. 16, 2006 – Josie was named USBC's Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow, an honor that includes a $1,500 scholarship that's renewable up to three years.

April 21, 2006 – She was formally presented with USBC's Star of Tomorrow award at the inaugural USBC Convention in Orlando, Fla.

May 19, 2006 – Josie graduated with honors from Vandalia Community High School.

July 12, 2006 – Josie won the 2006 Pepsi Scratch championship and a $3,000 scholarship at the conclusion of 18 qualifying games of the USBC Junior Gold Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

July 14, 2006 – She won a berth on Junior Team USA 2007 and an $800 scholarship with her fifth-place finish at the USBC Junior Gold Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
July 22, 2006 - (From left) North Pointe Insurance CEO and Vice President Matt Petcoff, winners Kyle Barnes of Smyrna, Tenn., and Josie Earnest, and BPAA Tournament Committee Chairman Jack Moran.

July 22, 2006 – Josie won the championship and a $15,000 scholarship at the inaugural North Pointe Insurance $100,000 High School Open Singles Championship in Eagan, Minn.

Aug. 3, 2006 – At the Teen Masters in Orlando, Fla., Josie led the girls' B squad after 12 games and was third after 18 qualifying games, advancing to match play and winning a $400 scholarship at the event. (Her younger sister, Jessica, also advanced to match play and made the final eight to compete on arena lanes at Universal Studios Orlando. She won a $1,400 scholarship.)

Aug. 19, 2006 – Josie began her college life with new student orientation and move-in day at Vanderbilt University.

Aug. 23, 2006 – First day of college classes for Josie, who plans to major in chemical engineering.

It has been a great year for Josie.
She's proven to be a major contender in life and in bowling.


© United States Bowling Congress, 2008


US Youth Bowler is published by USBC Communications, 5301 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129, telephone (800) 514-BOWL, fax (414) 421-3013.

Although the US Youth Bowler will occasionally publish articles about USBC sponsorship by alcohol and tobacco companies, it does not encourage or condone the use or purchase of these items by USBC members who are underage.