Student athlete profile

Name: Sofia Gomez

Year: senior

Hometown: Clarendon Hills

How is the bowling season going so far?

It's pretty fun. I'm doing pretty good and I enjoy being with my friends. They're really, really kind people.

When did you join the bowling program?

I actually started as a sophomore because I believed it was interesting and I wanted to enjoy at least one sport from high school and experience the competitive nature of it and just have fun.

What's the most difficult aspect of the sport?

Sometimes I might get a strike and sometimes I might do a little worse.

Do you have any special techniques?

I try to position myself a little to the side, and when I release the ball, I try to lift my hand higher so I can make the ball curl. If there are pins still standing, I might move to a different dot (on the alley) to help me guide the ball.

What's your high score?

Recently one of my highest scores was 158.

Is there good team camaraderie?

They're all fun to be with. I cheer for my teammates when they're playing.

How would your teammates describe you?

Very enthusiastic and always wanting to participate.

What's your goal for the season?

My goal is just to practice more on the way I roll the ball and also try to have a better mood. It helps me play better when I'm enthusiastic. I feel better about how the season's going and being there for my team.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I just like to listen to music and relax. One singer I like is Post Malone.

What's your favorite high school class?

I like to be creative, so art class and stuff like that.

What's your favorite sitcom?

I like "That '70s Show."

Why does head coach Paul Parpet like having Gomez on the squad?

Sofia has been a very dedicated team member the past three years. She works extremely hard to improve her game. Sofia is an outstanding teammate and it was a pleasure to have her on the Red Devils Girls Bowling Team.

- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean