Elite Level Players National Rookie of the Year Recognition for outstanding play by first-year student athletes is given by the Coaches’ Association as the National Rookie of the Year for each respective division. Central Missouri has been fortunate to have five players selected in the last decade.
Kara Richard finished as the top rookie for NCAA Division II in 2011 and an Honorable Mention All-American for all divisions. Kara immediately stepped into the starting line-up as a freshman and played in all 10 contests, starting 119 matches. Richard’s season average was 195.7, finishing six tournaments among the top 15 athletes in all divisions and earning MVP honors at the Big Red Classic where she scored a blistering 233.0 per game. Richard also earned a spot in the UCM record books, posting top 10 spots in two single-season categories.
Natalie Jimenez was recognized as the top rookie for all NCAA divisions in 2010, including Division II. The freshman immediately stepped into the starting line-up for Central Missouri and earned 2nd Team All-American honors for her efforts. She played in all 11 events and started 123 matches. Jimenez averaged 191.4 for the season, finishing four of the tournaments among the top 15 athletes in all divisions and earning Most Valuable Player honors at the Alabama A&M Holiday Classic where she averaged an outstanding 230.4 per game.
Jamie Mitchell was recognized as the top rookie for NCAA Division II in 2007. Jamie’s first year at Central produced positive results right away as she played in all 9 tournaments and started 118 matches. Mitchell averaged 188.8 for the season, finishing six of the tournaments among the top 15 athletes in all event fields. Jamie earned All-Tournament Team honors at the DII/DIII Challenge in Virginia and the Southern Classic in Louisiana. Mitchell also finished in the top three of several team statistical areas for the 2006-07 season.
Bryanna Caldwell burst onto the NCAA bowling scene as a freshman and started one of the most decorated careers of any female player in collegiate bowling. Not only was she the top rookie in 2005, she was also selected as a 1st Team All-American for multiple divisions. Caldwell immediately stepped into the anchor position for Central Missouri and played in all 10 contests and started 102 matches. Bryanna averaged 200.5 for the season, earning a team record eight AllTournament Team selections. Caldwell also led the Jennies to the 2005 NCAA Championships this season and a national runner-up finish.
Tina Peak’s first year as a member of the Jennies was a very memorable one. Tina’s selection as the top rookie for 2004 was in addition to being honored as a 1st Team All-American for multiple divisions. The freshman immediately stepped into the starting line-up for Central and played in all 10 contests, starting 119 matches. Tina averaged 205.6 for the season, earning four All-Tournament Team awards and MVP honors at the MVSU Classic. Peak finished her first year with a tremendous experience at the NCAA Championships, averaging 229.3, rolling a perfect 300 game, and helping the Jennies to a national runner-up finish.
Photos credits from the top of page to bottom: UCM Public Relations Staff, NCAA staff, Megan Raymond, and Bob Badalucco
49 ~ 2011-12 UCM Jennies Bowling ~ 49