Bowling One-On-One with Karsyn Lukosius: PWBA Myrtle Beach Regional Champion
Just over a week ago on Sunday, January 21st, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., after securing the #3 seed in the stepladder finals, she navigated her way through the finals and in dramatic fashion and came away victorious winning the PWBA 2024 Myrtle Beach Regional Title. I had the opportunity to catch up with Karsyn Lukosius to talk about this exciting championship victory and I also asked her a few questions about her bowling journey.
You were dialed-in the first match defeating Corina Grasso 257-177 convincingly. Next, you faced the red-hot Kerry Smith, fresh off her title victory last month at the PWBA 2023 Regional Showdown. With lane conditions changing quickly, you were able to find a way to get the win, defeating Smith 186-169. Talk about this particular match and what was going through your mind at this point in the finals.
“Going into this match against Kerry, I was definitely feeling confident after just shooting 257 against Corina. The beginning of the match started off great and then in the middle of the game I hit sort of a transition losing the pocket a little bit. Kerry on the other hand was solid as always, hitting the pocket almost every frame, and luckily for me she just couldn’t carry at that time. I believe I switched balls in the 6th or 7th frame and found a double. Grinded that game in the 180’s and pulled out the win!”
Next up, the Championship match. You faced the #1 seed and five-time Junior Team USA member Annalise O’Bryant. It was close all the way. In the 10th, you punched out all three forcing O’Bryant to double +8 to win. She connected on the first two but came up light with her final shot leaving 3 and you were both tied at 212-212 to force a roll-off. This was an intense match. O’Bryant wasn’t particularly sharp but managed to stay with you. You must have been on edge following her second strike in the 10th and knowing all she needed was 8 pins to win. Talk about this match to this point.
“Oh, my goodness! What a match this was!!! Let me first start off by saying Annalise is a HECK of a bowler and she will continue to do amazing things. The match was pretty close throughout the first half of the game – then as she opened mid game I took the lead, but then I opened and gave it right back. It was a back-and-forth match leading into the tenth frame. I knew if I struck out for 212, I would force her to double and get at least 8 on her fill shot. That right lane was giving both of us trouble, but I knew she was smart enough, and good enough, to figure it out when it mattered the most. When she threw her first shot in the tenth and crossed, I was definitely a little disappointed, but her second shot in the tenth was probably one of her best throughout the day. At this moment, I looked at my Mom and kind of just sighed. But then – watching her last shot I was in total shock. A 7 count! Holy moly – here we go, a tie and a roll off!!!!”
In the roll-off, you seemed to really take your focus and concentration to a new level. After you both exchanged strikes in your first two attempts, you then would strike for the third time in a row, but this time O’Bryant couldn’t match and left a 10 pin, and the title was yours. It was fun to watch, and it was evident that you were the most consistent bowler throughout the stepladder finals, and it paid off. The 39-foot pattern was challenging for most throughout the tournament, but you found a way past everyone to the top wining your first PWBA Regional title. Talk about the finals match and what winning this title means to you.
“I’ll be honest, as a youth bowler, all throughout high school, I could never handle pressure. I would get nervous so easily. It’s natural, but as I matured all throughout college, and a few years after, I learned to control myself. I realized that in particular moments like these, I just needed to be myself and if I strike, great! If not, I did the best I could and gave it my all in that given opportunity.”
“In the roll off, you could really tell that both of us wanted it. We went strike for strike, until finally Annalise left a ringing ten pin. I couldn’t believe it. I remember just standing there staring at the lanes, and thinking – Um, I just won.”
“I will always remember this crazy title match, being that it is my first PWBA Regional win, and especially with how everything went down. I’m pretty sure I will never forget this! It is such an amazing feeling when all the hard work, time, and effort FINALLY pays off. I’m still on cloud nine and I am so proud of myself.”
And you should be! With this title win, you are now locked in for a spot at the PWBA 2024 Regional Showdown in December. As you look ahead, talk about any goals you might have for yourself for 2024.
“AHHHHH, yes! This is awesome and I am so looking forward to this. One of my goals in 2024 was to become a regional champion – so checking this off my list this early is great!
I would of course love to win another regional, possibly a national title, and make some money! Making money is fun – lol!”
“Moving forward, as I prepare for my upcoming tournaments, I just want to make sure I’m staying healthy, taking care of myself, and giving it my all every time I step into a bowling alley.”
You’re a former Knight on the women’s bowling team and with a decorated collegiate career at Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ. A 3x All-American and two NEC Championship titles during your collegiate career, to name just a few accomplishments. Talk about your collegiate bowling experience with the Knights.
*Fairleigh Dickinson Knights – Image courtesy of Larry Levanti
“Fairleigh Dickinson was and still is a huge part of my success today. The two NCAA Championship tournament appearances, and two NEC Championship titles will forever be two of my favorite accomplishments with the school. I will always be thankful I got the opportunity to bowl collegiately. The memories and friendships will last a lifetime!”
Always active and playing sports as a youth through high school, you played field hockey and soccer. Share a little bit about your experience with other sports before fully focusing on bowling.
“I grew up playing competitive travel soccer and took up field hockey all throughout high school. My sister was a big field hockey player. I started bowling shortly after I began playing soccer. When the time came for college, I had to make the decision whether to play soccer or bowl. I chose bowling😊.”
Share those in bowling, amateur or pro, past or present, that you might have special admiration for and who have positively impacted your game and journey.
“MY PARENTS! These two have paved the path of success for my sister and I. They have supported us in every step/direction, whether it was bowling, other sports, and just LIFE. I’ve had a few coaches over the years, lessons, and pointers, but my parents will forever top that.“
My Mom and Dad are in multiple hall-of-fames throughout the state of New Jersey – so I know I have a lot of catching up to do. This makes me strive to be better, and all along the way I know I am making them proud. I will forever be grateful that they brought bowling into my life. Bowling has taken me places all across the country, created lifelong friendships, and has given me so many different opportunities and experiences.”
Winning a PWBA title is no easy task as the competition is very talented across the board. You have inspired many to keep their dreams alive. What tips or advice might you give to those working hard to improve their game in hopes to one day bowl collegiately or compete for a title.
“After I won on Sunday, I believe I signed one of my first autographs for a young girl Maria. It was such a bittersweet and heartening feeling. I want her to know, and other athletes (of all ages) that patience is key. I am 27 years old, just won my first PWBA Regional Title, never have been on Junior or Adult Team USA, never won Junior Gold, But what I did, was work on myself and focus on myself and I knew that the hard work would pay off eventually. It will all come together one day. We all accomplish things in life at different ages.”
Thank you, Karsyn, for sharing your inspiring journey. You have a special inner fire and a composed competitive nature about you that is admirable and enjoyable to watch. In the regional finals just a week ago, your determination and will to win was apparent, and this championship victory is well earned and deserved. A nice way to start the new year. Best of luck to you the rest of the way and all your future endeavors – we’ll be watching you!
“Thank you so much! I am overwhelmed by the love and support by friends, family and fans! I’m forever grateful for this win, and I’m excited to get back on the lanes and compete again.”
*Images courtesy of PWBA, USBC, Larry Levanti and Karsyn Lukosius
