Elliott Headlines Huskers In NTCA Honors

Lincoln - The Nebraska women's bowling team earned four NTCA honors led by Crystal Elliott earning Bowler of the Year and Head Coach Paul Klempa winning Bill Straub Coach of the Year.

Elliott put together a dominant 2021 season, leading the Husker bowling program to its sixth NCAA title. The sophomore transfer was named the National Tenpin Coaches Association Division I Bowler of the Year, the 11th Husker to earn that distinction since the program became a varsity sport at Nebraska. A first-team All-American, she was the anchor in the Huskers lineup, leading the nation in total scoring average. Elliott was second nationally in traditional game scoring with a 216.0 and third in baker game format (21.35 per frame), the only bowler in the country to rank in the top five in both categories. She also finished second nationally in strike percentage and first in percentage of games of 200 or better. Elliott earned three top-five finishes, highlighted by a third-place showing at the Mid-Winter Classic with a season-best average of 228.33. She placed in the top 15 in all five regular-season tournaments.

"I am so happy for Crystal that she was recognized as the National Player of the Year." Klempa said. "Her story really is a "rags to riches" one as she did not fit in with the school she initially attended coming out of high school last season. She was dismissed by that program and decided to transfer. I am so thankful that not only were we able to convince her to be a Husker but that she thrived in our culture. Crystal became a National Champion, NCAA MVP, First Team All-American and National Player of the Year- all in her first year in our program under our leadership and outstanding chemistry among our student-athletes. She deserves everything that she has earned and I am proud of her accomplishments."

Kayla Verstraete received All-American Second Team honors for the first time in her career. Verstraete had a breakout performance this season, having made her first appearance as a Husker this season and being named to the Central All-Region Second Team. As a redshirt freshman, she placed in the top 10 three times in her four tournaments this season. Verstraete's season was highlighted by a second-place finish at the Music City Classic, averaging 216.80, and a third-place finish at the Big Red Invitational with a season-high average of 233.50. She was named to the All-Tournament Teams in both competitions. At her first tournament, the Prairie View Invitational, Verstraete earned ninth, having bowled a 199.00 average.

Klempa went on to mention, "Kayla redshirted last season and was extremely anxious to make an entrance on the NCAA Bowling scene this year. Her entrance was more like a splash as she made several All-Tournament teams, garnered a spot on the All-Freshman team and now has landed on the All-American Second Team. All this while helping lead her team to a National Championship last month. Kayla has asserted herself as a top tier player in NCAA Bowling and I know she is hungry for more success as she progresses through her career at Nebraska. I am proud of what she has accomplished so early on and will enjoy seeing how far her star can rise in the future."

Cassidy Ray was named to the All-American Third Team to receive her second NTCA All-American Honor, as she was named a 2020 All-American Honorable Mention. She earned Central All-Region Second Team honors at the end of the season, bowling a season average of 208.11. Ray was a Team Co-Captain for the 2020-21 season and had top-20 performances in all five tournaments this season. Ray's highest finish was seventh, twice, at the Big Red Invitational with a season-high 226.75 and the Mid-Winter Classic (218.17).

"Cassidy had paid her dues in our program and in NCAA Bowling," Klempa noted. "She redshirted her freshman year and waited patiently for her turn to be a star in the college bowling scene. Cassidy has arrived and followed up last year's All-American season with another one this year. I could not be happier for Cassidy and it is a joy to see her reap the rewards and recognition she has earned through her hard work and dedication. She is a great person, athlete and leader of our team."

Klempa was named the Bill Straub Coach of the Year after leading Nebraska to a National Championship in only his second season as head coach. He has been with the team since it was hosted as a varsity sport at NU. This is the fourth time the Huskers have had a coach earn the honor with Former Head Coach Bill Straub earning the other three awards. During Klempa's tenure as Assistant and Head Coach, he has had 33 different bowlers make a total of 68 All-American Teams.

"I am humbled to win the Bill Straub Coach of the Year," Klempa said. "To be recognized by my peers and colleagues in NCAA Bowling is an honor I will cherish."

During bowling's time as a sport, going back to when it was a club, the Huskers have had at least one bowler earn All-American Honors for 28 straight years.