The Red Life with Kaleena Henning

Bowling is a family tradition for the Hennings. Kaleena Henning, a senior sociology major and captain of the Nebraska bowling team remembers spending much of her youth, beginning at age 4, in bowling alleys.

"My parents played when I was growing up in my hometown of North Platte; and my Dad still competes to this day. Bowling came to me naturally. Maybe it was in my genes," Henning said. "I understand many people do not see bowling as a sport, but when you break it down it has physical and mental components just like other sports. Many people do not understand the endurance that is needed at bowling competitions. They are all day affairs, and you have to constantly be aware of your mental game and how your teammates and the other teams are doing."

Henning also played basketball as a youngster, but she found her passion at the lanes. Henning takes great pride in her ability to bowl for the perennial power Nebraska bowling team.

"I remember coming to a camp here when I was 12 years old and thinking, ‘I want to be a Husker.'"

Nebraska's bowling program is certainly one of the nation's elite. The Huskers have won seven national titles and have been ranked in the top five nationally since 1990. NU also captured the first two NCAA-sanctioned titles in history.

Although she knew she wanted to bowl for the Huskers at a young age, Henning did not come to Nebraska directly from high school. Despite earning Nebraska Bowler-of-the-Year honors for her age group each year from 1995 to 2007, Henning chose to begin her collegiate career at Mid-Plains Community College. She spent two years at the junior college before realizing her dream of becoming a Husker in the fall of 2007.

"I was nervous about coming to a Division I school," Henning said. "I wanted to make sure I could handle it."

Balancing academics and athletics was overwhelming at first but with her positive outlook and plethora of motivation, Henning put herself on the right track to success. In 2007-08, Henning earned honorable-mention Scholastic All-America accolades from the National Tenpin Coaches Association. She also claimed spots on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in both the fall and spring semesters.

On the lanes, Henning made an impact for the Huskers, becoming the youngest female to win the Coca-Cola International Tournament. Henning displayed both her talent and perseverance by coming through the losers' bracket to win 12 consecutive matches and claim the title.

Near the end of her first full competitive season at Nebraska, Henning was chosen to be a Husker captain.

Outside of the classroom and the bowling alley, Henning enjoys volunteering. Over the years, the bowling program has contributed to Friendship Home's SafeQuarters program where players went door to door asking for donations to help this tremendous organization. Her volunteer efforts back in North Platte, which also included fundraising for various non-profit agencies, were recognized by Mayor Keith Richardson as she received an Outstanding City Representative and Youth Mentor Honor award. She was also presented with a key to the city.

Even though she has one more year here at Nebraska, Henning is starting to think about life after college and exploring options within her major.

"I love helping people. At this point I'm not sure exactly which direction I want to go with my major. There are so many choices," Henning said. "I am strongly considering continuing my education and pursuing a master's degree in social work."