Kirtland Athlete Named to the 2023 NJCAA All-American Team
GRAYLING, Michigan (Mar. 10, 2023) – Kathie Parks, a Kirtland’s bowling team member, was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American Team after an outstanding final season with the Kirtland Firebirds.
“It was a great honor to watch Kathie bowl this season,” said Kirtland Bowling’s Head Coach Scott Rice. “She proved that the top score doesn’t always mean you’re the best bowler.”
Parks, a native of Livonia, Michigan, has been bowling for over 40 years and has been a member of the Firebird’s Bowling team for two years. A science and art transfer degree student, Parks was named All-American after her performance at the NJCAA National Championship in New York. She finished 7th in singles and 12th overall in doubles.
“I am proud that I made the All-American Team,” said parks. “And proud that I represented Kirtland, our conference, and our state very well throughout the season.”
Parks’s performance at nationals came after a series of accolades she acquired over the season. During two separate invitationals, Parks won High Series overall, placed in the top 5 regularly throughout the season, and was named bowler of the year in Kirtland’s division. Through consistently being ranked at competitions, Parks was recognized as one of the most consistent bowlers in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association.
“Kathie will pave the way for future Kirtland bowlers to exceed in coming seasons,” said Rice. “Bowlers will realize that we are a quality program with access to great local high school bowling programs. Those returning to continue their education, as non-traditional students, can still make an impact with their experience at the lanes.”
A sophomore at Kirtland, Parks will finish her two-year associate degree in arts and sciences at the end of the academic year. Parks plans on applying the knowledge she learned at Kirtland to her real estate business, Eagle Point Real Estate.
For more information on Kirtland Firebird bowling, visit https://www.kirtland.edu/athletics/bowling/