The girls bowling team needed leaders for the season, they didn’t just look for the people with the highest scores, they looked for heart, experience and someone who can bring positivity to the team. This made senior Manuela Kate an easy choice.
“Manuela exemplifies what it means to be a captain,” head coach Keith Schneider said. “She pumps others up, leads small huddles, makes decisions, and lifts girls when they’re struggling.”
Those qualities are exactly why Kate was named a senior captain this season. While she is one of the top bowlers on the team, her leadership goes far beyond her scores. Coaches describe her as experienced , coachable and has no ego. Those are traits that are not always easy to find in athletes. Instead of focusing on herself, she focuses on the team, using her positive attitude to motivate and encourage her teammates.
“Bowling is a mix of kids from various lifestyles and social circles,” Schnedier said. “There are times when I see Manuela encouraging others who might feel a little more on the outside to join in on chants and celebrations, and I see smiles on the other girls and some of them breathing through their comfort zone and becoming a part of the team.”
Kate also plays a major role in getting more people around Westside to watch bowling. She helps with social media, fundraising, yearbook and team photos, all in effort to give bowling more recognition and attract students who might not think about bowling.
“She really tries to help promote our sport to others who may not give it a second look otherwise,” Schneider said.
Her bowling journey began her freshman year with unified team. Encouraged by her grandparents and mom, who also grew up bowling, she joined the school team and stayed for the friendships and the sports demanded.
“I first started bowling my freshman year with the unified bowling team,” Kate said. “What made me stick with the sport is all the friends I made and also becoming more precise as an athlete.”
Those experiences shaped how she interacts with her teammates now. She understands patience, respect, and support offering small adjustments to help others improve their game.
“I love to give my teammates suggestions even when they are small adjustments,” Kate said. “We all work so well together, which allows everyone to be supportive of one another.”
Becoming captain was a meaningful experience for Kate, reflecting years of hard work and dedication. She thrives under pressure and enjoys helping the team perform their best in high stress situations.
“Being named captain has made it such a surreal moment for me,” Kate said. “I have worked so hard when improving my skills with lots of drills, games, tournaments and it allows me to be under immense pressure that I strive in.”
Even in tense situations, Kate’s approach stays calm and focused. She relies on routine and preparation, letting the game flow without overthinking what she is doing.
“When I go up to the approach, I handle it like any other shot before that,” Kate said. “Taking my time and sticking to my routine is what allows me to thrive under pressure.”
One highlight for the team this season was placing second at the Millard North Holiday invitational. Despite losing key seniors from the previous year, the almost new team performed at a high level
“We lost so many seniors who were assets to the team last year,” Kate said. “Being able to still have a top two finish with an almost brand new team was truly special.”
Looking forward, she hopes to hold the record with a score of 265, maybe even hitting 267 just for fun and aims to lead the team to beat the girls baker record of 212 and reach state.
“A goal I have for myself is beating the school record,” Kate said. “And for my team, I hope to beat the girls’ baker record and go to state.”
With her energy, encouragement and dedication, Kate has become the heartbeat of the team. Her leadership keeps the girls motivated and focused. Helping them roll towards a season full of potential and success.
“Manuelas Leadership goes beyond bowling,” Schnedier said. “ She lifts everyone around her, keeps the team positive, and sets the tone for how they handle challenges both on and off the lanes.
