🖤 Coaching Through the Bowling Journey: My Thoughts as a Lifelong Learner

Hey Baddies,

So a blog idea popped into my head this week—and it’s all about coaches and coaching.

After spending time around so many different bowlers recently, I’ve realized something huge: not everyone has had access to coaching. And not everyone wants or needs it, either.
But for someone like me—who's had coaching for most of my bowling life—it’s honestly kind of mind-blowing. Like, wait… you mean you taught yourself everything?! Crazzzyyy.

---

🌀 The Coach Relationship Is... Special

The relationship between a coach and bowler is such a unique one. I’ve had multiple coaches over the years. Some of them have been life-changing—mentors, motivators, and basically my sport therapists. Others… we just didn’t click.

But when you do click with a coach, and they believe in you with their whole heart?
Whew. It’s a feeling you don’t forget. They learn how you tick. They listen. They help you grow in ways that go way beyond bowling. Sometimes, you just get really lucky.

---

📈 The Phases of Coaching (From My Perspective)

1. The First Coach
This coach is usually the first adult outside your family that’s with you through the tears, the wins, the plateaus, and the wild goals you set. They teach you the fundamentals and help you fall in love with the sport. You build your game together. It’s emotional, and it’s the foundation.

2. The “Next Level” Coach
Eventually, your game grows beyond what your first coach can offer. You’re more experienced now, more confident, and maybe a little stubborn 😅.
This next coach isn’t here to replace the first—they’re here to add to what you’ve already built. This relationship feels different. You’re older, maybe closer to adulthood, and your conversations get deeper. Their experience opens your mind even more. For me, this coach was essential.

3. The College Coach
A whole different beast. My college coach wasn’t from my world, but they believed in me from day one. There wasn’t always a lot of talk—but there was trust.
College is wild—you’re growing up, living away from home, studying full time, and trying to figure out your whole life. It’s a pressure cooker. But that discipline you built with your coaches before? That’s what gets you through.

---

🤔 So... How Many Coaching Phases Are There?

Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe it's different for everyone.
But what’s wild is how many amazing bowlers I’ve met who’ve had zero coaching, or who have coached their whole lives but never broke through competitively. There’s no perfect formula. It really does make you think.

---

📣 Where I’m At Now

Right now, I’m looking for a new coach.
I don’t feel like I need to change everything—but bowling is evolving, and I never want to fall into habits I can’t fix. For me, coaching has always been a key to leveling up. Even just having another set of eyes on your game helps keep you accountable and learning.

And let’s be real—there’s always more to learn.

---

💬 Share Your Journey With Me

This brand and website aren’t just about my story—it’s about all of us.
If you’ve had a unique coaching experience, or you want to share your bowling story, or even write your own blog—I want to hear it!
There’s a contact form on the website. Use it. Let’s make this space a place for every baddie’s voice 💖

Love you guys so much. Keep doing your best and being the baddie that you are.

xxx
– Bowling Baddie