ARLINGTON, Texas — University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumna and former National Player of the Year in women’s bowling, Maria Jose Rodriguez was named as a finalist for the International Bowling Media Association (IBMA) Bowler of the Year award. 

The IBMA members vote on the award for a men’s and women’s winner using a 5-2-1 point system.  Results will be released in February.

Rodriguez (Ibague Tolima, Colombia) was one of nine women’s finalists for the award.  Her year was highlighted by capturing the 2014 Queens Championship in July.  The event, considered one of the most prestigious events in all of women’s bowling, came with a check for $20,000.00.  Rodriguez defeated fellow award finalist Kelly Kulick, 190-189.

"I couldn't believe it," said Rodriguez at the time of the winning the Queens. "I wanted everything to be perfect, and it wasn't, but it turned out exactly how I hoped it would."

Rodriguez won three National Championships with UMES, claiming both the NCAA title in 2008 and 2011 and the USBC Collegiate National Championship in 2011. She earned six different All-America honors during her time with the Hawks and was named the National Player of the Year in 2011.

“I would never have thought I’d be a finalist for this award, included with the greats of women’s bowling.  I’m honored, it’s really cool,” said Rodriguez via phone.

Other finalists for the National Player of the Year award include her fellow countrywoman Clara Guererro, who won the PABCON and Qubica AMF World Cup titles, Liz Johnson, Kelly Kulick (three titles, second at 2014 Queens), Missy Parkin (four titles), Shannon O’Keefe, former NCAA champion at Nebraska, Shannon Pluhowsky, Son Si Ra, and USBC champion at Webber International, Diana Zavjalova, who won the Intercollegiate Singles Championship this season and the Queens title in 2013.