After an impressive season, junior Gaby Silva qualified to advance to IHSA State for girls bowling.

“Since it was my goal to make it to State, I knew I had to put in some hard work each week, including getting personal lessons to strengthen my mechanics, and with time, my hard work and dedication paid off. I’ve been bowling for the last 8 years, and I truly love the sport. Hence, why I’m so dedicated,” said junior Gaby Silva.

Silva worked hard to get to State, where she bowled consistently.

“At State I scored, 225, 193, 159, 175, 176, 172. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I got to spend quality time with the coaches and my teammate, Payton. After every ball I threw on Friday, I knew I had my little fan section cheering and rooting for me,” Silva said.

Silva knew State would be nerve-racking, but she kept her head high and stayed humble. Although Silva did not make it to the second day, she bowled her hardest and had fun.  

“Since it was my first time qualifying as an individual, I was super nervous. I had to have the mindset of being humble and quiet because I didn’t have the rest of my team down on the lanes with me. I had people tell me over and over again to just have fun and enjoy my time there. Which I did, but I am very competitive and would let myself down if I missed a spare or two when really, that should’ve fired me up to strike it up and finish the game strong,” Silva said.

Since the beginning of her bowling career, she had Coach Trusky and her mom cheering her on and pushing her to do better each and every day.

“Both Coach Trusky and my mom knew I could do it and believed in me 100%. Coach Trusky pushed me everyday at practice to make sure I was going to accomplish my goal. My mom also does everything she can to make me the bowler I am today with all the lessons I’ve gotten in the past and will continue to get in the future. I will forever be appreciative,” Silva said.

Silva is proud of how she has come this season and knows she will be doing bigger and better things in the near future.

“I am super proud of myself. When I first started the season, my goal was going to be with the team or as an individual, and I made that goal. When I bowled the first day, my goal was to qualify for the final round on Saturday. Unfortunately I did not, but I know I’ll be doing great things next year, and my ultimate goal for next year is to make it to day two at State,” Silva said.