Bowling One-On-One with Gianna Brandolino: Legend in the Making
Gianna Brandolino for Junior Team USA (Image Credit: USBC)
At just seventeen years old, Gianna Brandolino is quickly becoming a household name in the world of bowling. From being the 2023 U18 Junior Gold Champion to having multiple sponsors, there is a lot to look forward to for Brandolino in the near future.
With a family involved in the sport, Brandolino found herself growing up around the lanes. She has dabbled in some other sports, but bowling is the one that stuck with her.
Over the years, Brandolino has had several role models who have supported her through every high and low. She owes a lot to her parents, who have taught her most things she knows and have never stopped believing in her dreams. Her grandparents have provided a similar pillar as she has grown with her game.
Gianna Brandolino and the Jordan family (Image Credit: Gianna Brandolino)
She also credits coach Anthony Jordan, who has been helping her since she was around eight or nine years old, treating her like one of his kids. His wife, Kristina, has had a major influence on Brandolino as well, being a comforting person she has been able to turn to.
“They are all amazing people that one day I hope to be like,” Brandolino commented.
Her game’s progression has led her to have current sponsorships with Motiv, H5G Bowling, and KR Strikeforce. Brandolino credits these brands for helping her game grow to new heights.
Gianna is everything you’d want for an ambassador of the sport. As well as being one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, Gianna is proof that humility and work ethic are two of the biggest keys to finding success. Gianna is always a great friend and competitor, win or lose, which is why she’s so well respected, and her work ethic adds to that in showing that putting in the time to perfect your craft leads you to the level of success that [she] has found at just 17. She’s a role model to everyone.
-Ryan Speer, 2024 Junior Team USA member
(Image Credit: Elite Youth Tour)
“The opportunities that they have given me have been extraordinary and I love to represent them,” Brandolino said. “I feel like these brands have given me recognition of what I’ve done and I hope to continue to represent these brands well.”
Almost three months into 2024, Brandolino has done just that: she has represented herself as an athlete and these brands in a way that is impossible to ignore.
At Team USA Trials this past January, Brandolino made an appearance to reclaim her spot on Junior the Team USA from 2023.
“Going into Team Trials, I just wanted to show everyone who I am and make the best of it,” Brandolino explained. She knows the tournament itself can be one of the most mentally challenging for the most skilled bowlers.
Through the slumps, she says Tony and Landin Jordan would always be watching and there to pick her up for the next frame.
After the first round, Brandolino secured a fifth-place finish going +178. She led round two, going +154. By the end of the five days, Brandolino claimed a third-place finish, sitting behind two professional bowlers: Shannon Pluhowsky and Bryanna Cote.
This meant she led for US Amateur, securing a spot in the finals for the US Amateur competition. She faced current Jacksonville State bowler, Crystal Elliot, and fell short with 175-152.
“My takeaway from the final match is just learning a better way to play the lanes. I was never comfortable with myself and that was seen; I should’ve made an adjustment that I sadly never did, but I am still happy with my performance throughout the week,” Brandolino said.
On Feb. 21, 2024, Brandolino made her college commitment official on her social media accounts. She took several visits and had a lot of opportunities that made the final decision tough. She ended up choosing Jacksonville State, coached by Bryan and Shannon O’Keefe. Her first season will start in 2025.
The 2023-2024 season has been the first for Jacksonville State’s program. They have already claimed several tournament wins and are wrapping up their season, hoping to claim their first national championship.
“I’m super excited to be going to Jacksonville State. Thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout my career so far to help me get where I am,” Brandolino said.
Most recently on her list of accomplishments, Brandolino made an appearance on the televised finals for the 2024 PBA Junior National Championships. The finals aired on Mar. 23, 2023.
The bowling itself happened back in January. Brandolino averaged 237.8 during qualifying, with a 290 final game to secure her number one seed position.
Brandolino faced Kayla Starr, who committed to the University of Nebraska. The match was 259-209, with Brandolino taking second place.
Compared to her previous year bowling the PBA Junior event, Brandolino considers this year an improvement.
“Both years were very high scoring, but the first year, I freaked out and everything went bad, while this year was much better just staying patient,” Brandolino mentioned.
Moving forward, Brandolino knows that her dedication and drive will continue to set her apart from the rest of the field. She has a ‘never give up’ attitude that has allowed her to push through every obstacle.
Gianna and Julie Brandolino (Image Credit: USBC)
“Everything is mentally grueling, but eventually you will learn how to handle it better,” Brandolino explained. “As long as you put the work in, it will all work out in the end.”
As the year continues with more competitions and opportunities, Brandolino is sure to continue thriving in the place she calls home: the bowling alley.
