Roc’n Bowl
by Jenny Thomas
Daniele Roca, a standout junior, shares her passion for bowling with her family. Her father, Jose Roca, started to play recreationally in Bellrose, inspiring his children to pursue Bowling. “One summer, I saw she was not doing anything other than sitting around and hanging out, so I had to give her something to do. I gave her bowling,” said Jose Roca. She started in sixth grade and by seventh grade, she had averaged a game of 160. She practiced, and perfected her skill, allowing her to play with the top female bowlers in Nassau, ranging from grades 7-12. As she continued her passion in high school, she has made it into counties ever since. She plays all year round, and practices vigorously. Daniele has reached an average of 279 in a game while using a 14 pound ball.
When asked about her father/coach, Daniele explained, “I think he is a good coach. He understands all of my flaws and constantly gives me criticism and advice that motivates me to keep going. Although it’s been really tough with my dad, now that I’ve grown to have more experience, my skills have improved. It’s always a lot of pressure under his surveillance, and when his expectations are not achieved, it’s kind of a heart breaker.” On the other hand, Jose Roca is very appreciative of all of Daniele’s efforts. “I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She is so talented, but I am very hard on her when it comes to bowling. I base practices off of what the professionals have done. Your parents will say things that you have to hear,” said Jose Roca.
Bowling has taken up most of Daniele’s time. Last year she was able to balance school work, spring varsity track, and bowling. Due to the fact that she is a junior, there is more pressure to think of the future and deciding on a career. “I would like to pursue this career [bowling] in college. I’d like to stay local and I believe that if I do, it’ll give me advantages like having my dad around,” said Daniele.
“Hard work beats talent,” has been her favorite quote because she remembers how she has improved since she started. Her dedication to the sport of bowling is remarkable. She puts everything she has into it. Daniele humbly stated, “I was never really good. My mechanics were terrible, but since the first day I practiced, I improved.” With her work ethic, she will surely continue to improve in the future.
Daniele Roca, a standout junior, shares her passion for bowling with her family. Her father, Jose Roca, started to play recreationally in Bellrose, inspiring his children to pursue Bowling. “One summer, I saw she was not doing anything other than sitting around and hanging out, so I had to give her something to do. I gave her bowling,” said Jose Roca. She started in sixth grade and by seventh grade, she had averaged a game of 160. She practiced, and perfected her skill, allowing her to play with the top female bowlers in Nassau, ranging from grades 7-12. As she continued her passion in high school, she has made it into counties ever since. She plays all year round, and practices vigorously. Daniele has reached an average of 279 in a game while using a 14 pound ball.
When asked about her father/coach, Daniele explained, “I think he is a good coach. He understands all of my flaws and constantly gives me criticism and advice that motivates me to keep going. Although it’s been really tough with my dad, now that I’ve grown to have more experience, my skills have improved. It’s always a lot of pressure under his surveillance, and when his expectations are not achieved, it’s kind of a heart breaker.” On the other hand, Jose Roca is very appreciative of all of Daniele’s efforts. “I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments. She is so talented, but I am very hard on her when it comes to bowling. I base practices off of what the professionals have done. Your parents will say things that you have to hear,” said Jose Roca.
Bowling has taken up most of Daniele’s time. Last year she was able to balance school work, spring varsity track, and bowling. Due to the fact that she is a junior, there is more pressure to think of the future and deciding on a career. “I would like to pursue this career [bowling] in college. I’d like to stay local and I believe that if I do, it’ll give me advantages like having my dad around,” said Daniele.
“Hard work beats talent,” has been her favorite quote because she remembers how she has improved since she started. Her dedication to the sport of bowling is remarkable. She puts everything she has into it. Daniele humbly stated, “I was never really good. My mechanics were terrible, but since the first day I practiced, I improved.” With her work ethic, she will surely continue to improve in the future.
