Senior Cadee Haniuk has been on the Shadow Bowling Team since her freshman year. Instantly she found something that she loved and wanted to be part of.
Haniuk has been bowling practically her whole life, so when she heard that bowling was an option as a sport at Shadow, she had to jump at the chance to see what it was all about.
“I first got into bowling just for fun with my family when I was around five. Then, when I was a freshman, I wanted to do a sport for the school just to spend my time differently,” Haniuk stated. “So I went to the intramurals and tryouts and I made the team, being the new person on the team with some other new people and with the returners, everybody was very helpful. The team was a mixture of people that knew what they were doing, and people who did this outside of school.”
Her dedication to the sport and her positive mindset has made her stand out to her coach, Jeremiah Baron.
“She’s funny, tough, dedicated, and has a positive attitude,” Baron said.
For Haniuk, it’s not just about the sport, it’s also about the friendships and connections formed along the way.
“What I love the most about bowling is meeting new people and having fun as a team, as well as getting that chance to make it to a team or individuals. But altogether, just being able to meet the new people that are coming into the team and the returners is my favorite part because you get to make new connections and you are able to keep those friends for a while,” stated Haniuk
This sense of camaraderie and support is something Haniuk cherishes, especially during the team’s memorable traditions. Reflecting on her favorite moments, she mentions the team banquets and the huddles before and after matches.
“I would say the most memorable moments normally come from our banquets and huddles. They are fun events where everyone can be themselves and we don’t have to worry about going and trying to bowl our best or any event,” Haniuk said. “Huddles are also memorable because before, and after every match, we have a huddle to talk to each other and be there for one another to inspire and cheer up our teammates. This happens after either a loss or a win and beforehand to tell them that they got this just pick up the spares because, at the end of the day, the spares are what matter. Yes, strikes are what we want, but at the end of the day, if you need to get a spare and that’s all we can get is what we go for.”
Her team-first mentality is one of her biggest strengths as a bowler.
“She always tries to rally the troops when someone is getting down on themselves. She cares very much about her teammates and always tries to support them,” Baron stated.
But the moments of personal triumph also stand out for her, particularly one achievement that remains a highlight of her bowling career.
“My personal best is a 214. I got it my junior year during individuals and I have yet to break it. Seeing that score go up so high made me so happy and my old coach, Mrs. Turner happened to be there which made the achievement even better because she was my coach for freshman year, helping me through everything when it comes to bowling,” Haniuk mentions. “She took a chance on me my freshman year as well as my sophomore year. She pushed me and never gave up on me to help me become a better bowler. So being able to achieve a 214 with her, watching from the stands, was a goal that I achieved and I was just happy. I don’t think there are any words that I could ever say to this day that could explain how I felt.”
Beyond her technical improvements, it’s Haniuk’s determination and attitude that has left an impression on those around her.
“Cadee’s positive attitude makes her stand out as a player,” Baron said.
When it comes to bowling in the future, Haniuk is unsure whether she wants to take the professional league, but she is for sure going to keep bowling with friends and making new memories there.
“I have thought about bowling for college, but if I was to bowl outside of high school, it may just be either for fun with friends and family or I may join a league but now that the season is over bowling with friends and family, and just having fun with it is what I’m gonna stick with for right now,” Haniuk stated.
Something that students will learn when they join the bowling team is patience and love.
“Take your time. Don’t rush it, don’t get in your head, and if you are lost and don’t know what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Both the coach and your team are there to help you. Your teammates become family and friends and if they know what they are doing, ask them, they may not make sense in the beginning, but it all works out,” Haniuk said. “I was taught by Mrs. Turner the 3,6 and 9 so whichever way from the headpin is you either move three boards six boards or nine boards to either your left or right depending on which side is missing if the left side is missing, you move 3,6 or 9 boards to the left from your head pin if the head pin is still there, throw your normal strike shot now if the right side is missing do the same thing.”
