Bowling One-On-One with Eliana Occhino: Commit to Achieve Your Goals
There are people all around the world you can look to for motivation and inspiration as you pursue your own goals and dreams. Without even knowing it, Eliana Occhino is one of those people. From Central NY, and just turned 17 years-old, Eliana lives life to the fullest, and she’s lighting up the scoreboards at bowling centers everywhere. This young lady exudes energy, determination, dedication and a strong will to succeed. I was fortunate to catch up with Eliana and I asked her about her bowling journey.
Before the age of 17, you’ve accomplished more in bowling than many have in a lifetime. I’d like to start by asking how it all got started for you? Please share how your bowling journey began, what captured your interest to keep going and about your development process.
“When I was really little my school sent home a flyer about Saturday bowling league. I tried it and liked it but was only able to go a few times. So, it was mostly through birthday parties and a few family trips that I was exposed to bowling. I had fun, but never thought bowling would take the place of other sports. Then, when my dad saw that our local center, Lakeview Lanes, had an after school special, we started going more regularly. We didn’t know anything at all about bowling. My dad signed up for a lesson because he wanted to learn how to hook the ball and then I wanted to do the same. He stopped after one lesson, but I kept going and I’ve been working with Michael Tryniski ever since.”
“In sixth grade, I rejoined the Saturday morning league and that year, entered my first tournament. It was a Pepsi qualifier and I placed third. Even though I didn’t make it to the next round, I loved everything about the experience. Early on, I would spend hours trying to get above a 180 and I just couldn’t do it. Until one day, a local bowler/employee at the center stopped me and gave me some pointers. Soon after I bowled my first 200. His encouragement over the years has been instrumental in my growth as a bowler. Since then, there have been so many people that have helped me improve and grow in the sport.
“In 2021, I joined the Storm Evolution Program and last year, I was asked to be part of the Evolution staff. I’ve been able to make some great friends and the professional bowlers on Storm staff are very generous with their time and share a lot of great advice about the game. I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunities that have come my way and do my best to learn from them.”
You’ve already accomplished so much in your amateur youth career. You were the 2022 PBA Jr. Regional Champion; 2023 U18 NYS Pepsi Champion; 2023 USA Today Bowler of the Year, to name just a few of your accomplishments (detailed accomplishments noted at end of article). Of these accomplishments, do any in particular stand out to you as being the most impactful or memorable in your bowling journey? And why?
“Averaging 236 for the high school team in ninth grade is very special to me. I never thought I would be able to stay consistent throughout the season to maintain that average. At the end of the year, I was shocked to learn that I had the highest average in the country for girl’s high school bowling.”
(2024 EYT NY Upstate Strikedown Champion – Image Credit EYT Staff)
This past month in April you finished in 1st place to win the 2024 EYT NY Upstate Strikedown tournament. Talk about this recent EYT victory and the experience of navigating through the tournament and what this win means to you?
“I’ve always wanted to compete in an EYT, so I was really excited when I heard that it was coming to Rochester. Not only is Rochester close to home, but I also bowled this year at ABC Gates in their junior league. Diandra [Asbaty] created a really nice atmosphere, and I loved the format. It was similar to an SYC in the sense that we bowled on three different patterns over a two-day period. There was the added element of match play, which made it really exciting. I did well in qualifying the first day and the second day I was not feeling that great. I really wanted to finish strong and although I struggled a bit more than the previous day, I was able to come away with the win. I’m hoping that the EYT comes back next year and that I get to give it another try.”
Eliana has an amazing future ahead of her. She is a bright light in bowling and I look forward to seeing how she takes on the bowling world!
–Diandra Asbaty
You recently committed to Jacksonville State University which features a rich academic and athletic program. Talk about what ultimately led you to choose Jacksonville State and about your excitement of joining such an elite school and program.
“The bowling program is what initially sparked my interest in Jacksonville State University, but I fell in love as soon as I saw the campus. JSU has a great business program and it has everything I was looking for in a campus. By the end of my visit, I knew that if given the opportunity, that’s where I wanted to be. It’s hard to explain how grateful I am for the opportunity to be part of their team and learn from the best. I’m ready to work hard and excited to see what the future holds.”
The opportunities ahead of you seem endless. As you look ahead, talk about some of your goals and aspirations for college and beyond.
“During college, I hope to excel in the classroom, make great memories, and support the team in any way that I can. As far as a career, I would like to own my own business someday. As for bowling, I want to stay involved in the sport as long as I can.”
What other interests and hobbies might you have that you can share with our readers and the world-wide bowling community?
“I like to spend time with my friends and family. I also work at two racetracks in the summer and just started working at a local restaurant. I love getting to know the customers and seeing familiar faces. I also volunteer at a soup kitchen and just started tutoring younger students as part of my involvement in the National Honor Society. I also recently purchased a 1990 Ford truck that I absolutely love and look forward to enjoying it this summer.”
You’re a great example of why bowling all around the globe continues to gain momentum both recreationally and competitively at all levels and ages. Your experiences from your journey so far is inspirational to many, to say the least. What advice might you give to those with similar goals and aspirations?
“I think success mainly comes from hard work and committing yourself to achieving your goals. Before I started bowling, I did gymnastics and danced competitively which I think helped a lot with strength and body awareness. During COVID, I decided that I wanted to continue with bowling and started practicing more and going to more tournaments. I pretty much always start my practices with drills which I think has really helped my game.”
Thank you Eliana for sharing your inspiring journey, which is still literally just beginning. It’s young people like you that keeps the excitement for bowling thriving and expanding across the nation and world. You motivate the young and old to keep after it, no matter what their passions are. I wish you nothing but continued success ahead, at Jacksonville State University and beyond.
“I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I hope it inspires other young athletes to get involved in the sport of bowling.”
(Feature Image Credit – Chuck Perkins)
Accomplishments
- Sanctioned High Game (300), Sanctioned High Series (800 x2)
- SYC Louisiana Champion
- NYS Pepsi Champion (U18 Girls)
- NYS High School Individual State Champion
- 2022 PBA Jr. Regional Champion
- 2021 & 2022 New England Youth Open Champion
- 2021/22 Girls High School National High Average – 236.13
- 2022 Section III Individual Champion
- SYC medalist (block) – New Jersey (2021), Las Vegas & Myrtle Beach (2022)
- 2021 SYC Super Slam Awesome Attitude Award
- 2023 USA Today Bowler of the Year
- 2023 U18 NYS Pepsi Champion
- Qualified through the PTQ to compete in the 2023 Women’s US Open
