Athletics

Final Frame

N Our Voice by Kayla Verstraete

Final FrameScott Bruhn

Growing up in a bowling family, I was practically born with a bowling ball in my hand.

As a kid, I played almost every sport you could imagine.

But in middle school, I had a coach who saw something special and believed in me. 

She encouraged me to explore competitive bowling; from then on, I was hooked.

That push led me to a high school program where I thrived. 

I won state titles and an individual national championship in 2018—an emotional, unforgettable moment that helped me realize I was ready for the next level.

That win also helped me get noticed by college programs. 

When Nebraska reached out, it felt like everything aligned. 

I knew instantly. 

Before I even toured the bowling facility, I stood at Memorial Stadium watching the football team and turned to my parents and said, “I’m coming here.” 

I hadn’t even been in Lincoln for an hour.

Six years later, I’m still here—and grateful for every moment.

A Higher Purpose

Bowling brought me to Nebraska, but the experience has been so much more than the lanes.

I’ve always valued education and giving back, and Nebraska has helped me grow in both. 

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2024 and am working on my master’s, which I’ll finish in 2026. 

Academic success was always a priority for me—something my family instilled in me from day one.

Being named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll four times and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team five times means a lot, but what means even more is the work behind it.

Volunteering has always been close to my heart—from coaching a middle school team back home in Illinois to joining international service trips through Nebraska’s athletic department.

Those experiences opened my eyes and made me realize that what we do outside the sport is just as impactful as what we accomplish in it.

Chasing Legacy

On the lanes, I’ve been fortunate to earn multiple All-American honors. 

I still remember seeing the All-American Wall at our facility for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by the names etched into Nebraska’s bowling legacy. 

To now have my name there, too, is surreal.

This weekend, I hope to become a four-time All-American. 

But even more importantly, I hope to win one last national title with my team.

We’ve worked so hard to get here. 

After five weeks without competition, battling injuries and adversity, we found our rhythm when it mattered most. 

The regional championship in Pittsburgh was proof of that. 

We’re clicking at the perfect time—and that energy is electric.

And yes, we celebrated the win in true Nebraska fashion: by going to Build-A-Bear as a team and commemorating it with a bear. 

Little things like that—the karaoke on the bus, the late-night bonding, the pre-tournament hype—those are the memories I’ll carry with me forever.

The Final Push

This Final Four feels different. 

Our roster is deep, talented, and unified. 

We’re a mix of experienced bowlers and rising stars, and every single person has bought in. 

We’re selfless. 

We feed off each other’s energy. 

And we’re ready.

As I prepare to step into my final match as a collegiate bowler, it’s impossible not to feel emotional. 

Just a few days ago was my last practice in our facility. 

I just got off the last team flight. 

About to have the last team dinner.

The last of everything.

But I’m going into it with gratitude.

This program has given me six incredible years, a national championship, and the chance to compete alongside lifelong friends.

On to the Next Frame

After this weekend, I’ll transition to the PWBA Tour and pursue a professional career. 

It’ll be a new challenge, shifting from a team-centered mindset to an individual one—but I’m excited. 

The first tour stop is approaching fast, and I’m ready to roll.

When I look back, it won’t just be about the titles or the trophies. 

It’ll be about the people, the lessons, the small moments that shaped me.

And no matter what happens in the Final Four, I know I’ve done everything I could to leave my mark on Nebraska Bowling.

When future Huskers walk past that All-American Wall, I hope they see my name and feel the same inspiration I once did—and maybe even dream a little bigger.