Bellinder says she set two goals for herself after high school, “first, to finish college (which I did in four years), and secondly to go pro.” Lecturer Dennis Gaschen taught her public relations writing class, in which she experienced hands-on assignments. She later discovered these assignments helped prepare her for job interviews and tactics such as writing her own press releases. “I worked on my own website to feature my experiences, I write for magazines and newspapers, and I do a lot of public speaking,” she says. “These all were possible due to my PR writing classes with Professor Gaschen." Bellinder quickly moved along to her second goal. During her last year of college, she went pro. “As a professional, I mostly compete in individual tournaments, and try to bowl more internationally,” she says.

Her present goals include competing for Team USA, traveling, teaching and public speaking. She wants other prospective players to know about the sport; particularly young people who might want to take advantage of scholarship and tournament money. In the future, Bellinder may influence youngsters like a certain four-year- old who grew up wanting to be a pro bowler. Someday, they may be able to say as she does, “I’m living my dream now.”

Marquette bowlers compete downstate

Talk Tenpin - Storm English Open