Senior Jordyn Shields has made a big impact on the Westside Bowling team. This year she got runner up in the Metro Tournament, and has been a big part of the team since her freshman year
Coach John McDonald talks highly of Shields, and he has been able to coach her throughout her high school bowling career.
“I have coached Jordyn for three years, She has bowled well in crucial moments to help our team,” McDonald said.
Shields has been bowling for a long time, and it has become a really big part of her life.
“I have been bowling for about ten years, so basically as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved it, it’s something that I have done with my family all my life,” Shields said.
Shields leads the team as an upperclassmen, and always tries to make a big impact on the younger bowlers since she has been in their position before.
“I contribute to the team by bringing my experience and leadership to help my team succeed. Bowling is both an individual and team sport, and I do my best to contribute to a strong and supportive team environment, ” Shields said.
McDonald believes that Shields is a great person inside and outside of bowling.
“Jordyn is a well rounded student athlete who is involved in many school activities,” McDonald said.
Shields’ coaches have been a really big influence on her success, especially her dad who has helped her get to where she is today.
“I have been fortunate to have support from both my coaches and my dad, who has been a big part of my development as a bowler. My school coaches have provided opportunities to compete, grow as a leader, and be part of a team,” Shield said.
McDonald has coached Shield for three years of her high school career, and says she will be missed after she and the other seniors graduate.
“I have coached her for three years at Westside, she is a good team player, and the team and I will miss her on the team next year after they graduate,” McDonald said.
After Shields graduates she will be attending Iowa Western, and will be majoring in Paramedicine and fire science.
She had many options to go to college for either softball or bowling, but bowling aligned better with her values.
“She fought for both softball and bowling, earning multiple college offers in both sports. In the end she chose bowling because it aligned best with her program of study and financial opportunities,” Sheilds’ mother said.
Shields is a big part of the Westside bowling team, she even placed in state individually.
“I contribute to the team by bringing my experience and leadership to help my team succeed. Bowling is both an individual and team sport, and I do my best to contribute to a strong and supportive team environment,” Shields said.
The culture of Westside bowling is something that Shields will miss. Players are always supporting each other which makes up a big part of the team.
“We are always helping each other out and are constantly asking each other questions to make ourselves better. We all have an amazing relationship, we are definitely a very close team,” Shields said.
Shields will leave behind a big part of her bowling career.
“The best part of Westside bowling is definitely the people. There are so many amazing people and I have made so many friends in the past four years,” Shields said.
