Get to know Fort Loramie bowler Ashlee Hess
FORT LORAMIE, Ohio — Although the winter brings chilly weather that drives people inside, it also marks the beginning of a highly anticipated time of year: bowling season. We are taking a closer look at Fort Loramie Junior Ashlee Hess, an accomplished bowling team member. Her career started in the fall of her freshman year.
鈥淚 only joined because my sister and some of my friends were on the team,鈥� Ashlee said. 鈥淚 never thought that I would accomplish anything. I was just doing it for fun.鈥�
Little did she know, the next two years would earn her an impressive record and list of achievements. Ashlee won the 2022 Divison II Blue and Gold Tournament as a team and individual, as well as placed 3rd as an individual at the 2022 Divison II Southwest Districts. In addition, Ashlee received First Conference team honors in the Midwest Ohio Bowling Conference. She has received the 鈥淢ost Improved Player鈥� award two years in a row as a member of the Fort Loramie team.
Ashlee has made many memories with her teammates throughout her journey as a high school bowler, including multiple state appearances.
鈥淒uring my freshmen season, I was put on varsity for the postseason. That year, the team made it to state for the first time in school history,鈥� Ashlee said. 鈥淎fter placing 2nd as a team at Districts, we were escorted home by firetrucks and stood on the bar at Al鈥檚. Standing on the bar and singing 鈥淲e are the Champions鈥� by Queen not only meant that I was improving as a bowler, but I was helping the team make history. I am so glad and grateful that I am able to say I was a part of it; I will never forget that moment.鈥�
Ashlee鈥檚 passion for the sport has grown immensely over the years. One of the things she appreciates most is the supportive team dynamic as well as the responsibility that comes with competing as an individual.
鈥淚 love the fact that bowling is an individual and team sport,鈥� Ashlee explained. 鈥淚f I want to practice softball by myself, the only thing I can do is hit off a tee or throw a ball up in the air. But with bowling, I can go to the bowling alley by myself and put in the work.鈥�
鈥淥n the flip side, during practices and matches, knowing that my team is behind me, supporting me is one of the best feelings in the world. If I make a mistake, they will help me brush it off and move on; and if I do something fantastic, they are there to celebrate with me.鈥�
Being a team member is a unique experience and one that teaches many life lessons.
鈥淏eing a part of the bowling team has taught me so much about trust,鈥� Ashlee told us. 鈥淲hen you have the chance to win a big tournament and your teammate steps onto the approach, you have to trust them. You have to trust that they will do their best and throw a good shot. In that moment, you can not do anything, you have done your job, and now you have to believe that your teammate will do theirs.鈥�
In addition to bowling, Ashlee is also a member of the Fort Loramie Softball Team and the Grand Lake Vipers Fastpitch Softball Team. She is a high school band member and has recently switched to playing the tuba. Ashlee is also a member of the National Honors Society.
When asked what advice she would give to an underclassman just starting out in bowling, she told us, 鈥淧erspective is the most important thing when you are struggling. Whenever I am in a rough patch, I have to constantly remind myself of where I started. My first match freshman year, I bowled an 80. Now, if I bowl a 160, I get frustrated, knowing I could have done better. However, realizing that my freshman self would have been beyond proud of that score helps to relieve some of that pressure.鈥�
Ashlee hopes to attend college and major in psychology with a minor in general education and sports management in hopes of becoming a school psychologist. She is grateful for the various recruitment opportunities for bowling and possibly softball. No matter what path she decides to take, we can鈥檛 wait to see what the future holds for this bright young athlete.
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