Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 28, 2020 – Howard University junior legal communications major Carolyn Williams caught up with bowling teammate Tea Lewis, asking 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
Q: What is your favorite part about bowling?
A: My favorite part is the challenge. Bowling is a team sport, but your only competitor is the lane because you cannot control your competitor's performance. You focus on your own skills and overcome the lanes. Bowling is a real mental and physical sport.
Q: How did you get started in bowling?
A: Bowling has been part of my family for generations, from my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even my brother. I am what you call a "bowling alley baby" (lol).
As a child, I was in the bowling center about three to four days a week and I naturally wanted to pick up the family sport.
Q: What kept you motivated to continue bowling?
A: My passion for the sport kept me motivated while inspiring more black females to get involved because there is a small population of black people who participate in bowling, an even smaller number for black professional bowlers.
I want to help grow the sport because many view bowling as not a sport. I want to change their mindset because bowling can be physically and mentally draining like basketball, football, soccer, etc. It takes a lot of core strength and endurance.
Q: If you were not competing in bowling, what other sport would you do?
A: I would compete in softball because my mom played, and I enjoy watching and learning more about the sport.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: Overall, Lebron James because of his work ethic to be the best basketball player while giving back to his community. That is the same example I want to demonstrate as a pro.
My favorite bowler is Kim Terrell-Kearney because I model my game after her by generating enough power in a four-step approach rather than using a five-step approach.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I have a full-time job at AT&T in Dallas. Also, my job is flexible, so I will be training at the Bowling International Training & Research Center (ITRC) to turn professionally.
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I am going to miss the team because they are my away-from-home dysfunctional family (lol). Also, my friends because each of us have jobs across the country. And lastly, the collegiate bowling atmosphere.
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice to future Bison would be to try new things. Howard is a place where you can embrace the HBCU culture and atmosphere. It is a chance to discover who you are as a person. So, do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone because you will not regret it.
Q: As far as Howard bowling, what is one thing you want people to know about the program?
A: One thing people should know about our bowling team is that we train, practice and prepare just like any other sport.
This past year, our hard work paid off with 50 wins while beating multiple nationally ranked teams.
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank my family for always supporting me. My coaches for helping me throughout my college career. My teammates for pushing me to be the best. My professors for providing me the tools to be successful within my career field while assisting with internship opportunities.
About Lewis
Tea Lewis was a four-year member of the women's bowling team where she was an integral part of the program's turnaround. In her junior campaign, Lewis earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) All-Conference honors after totaling 7,099 pinfalls.
This season, she guided HU to 50 victories while taking down 10 National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) nationally ranked foes. The squad clinched its second consecutive trip to the MEAC Championships, but unable to compete due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In Spring 2020, the Chesterfield, Va., native graduates with a Bachelor's degree in marketing. After graduation, she has a full-time job at AT&T in Dallas. Also, Lewis plans to train at the Bowling ITRC to turn professionally.