Northeast Ohio’s Top Girls Bowlers Ready for 2025-26 Season
The pins are set, and the excitement is building as the 2025 girls bowling season officially kicks off this weekend across Northeast Ohio. Teams are gearing up, taking their first steps on what promises to be a thrilling journey toward the state tournament in Columbus. Before the first ball rolls, cleveland.com is recognizing the region’s elite talent.
The Race to State: Who to Watch This Season
As bowlers begin their quest for glory at H.P. Lanes in Columbus this coming February or early March, many eyes will be on the proven stars and rising talents of the sport. The competition is fierce, and these athletes have already demonstrated the skill and composure needed to go deep into the postseason.
Cleveland.com Preseason All-Stars for 2025-26
The Cleveland.com Sports Staff has compiled a list of the top players expected to dominate the lanes this season, featuring both seasoned veterans and promising juniors.
First Team All-Stars
Gracie Dunne, Highland, Jr.
Returning as the Cleveland.com Girls Bowler of the Year and a Division I first-team All-Ohio selection, Gracie Dunne is a force to be reckoned with. Last season, she secured a runner-up finish at the state tournament with an impressive 676 series after placing fifth at the Northeast district. Dunne regularly competes with the Highland boys team, sharpening her skills for her individual postseason run.
Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt, Rootstown, Sr.
A key player for Rootstown, Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt finished 31st at the Division II state tournament last season, contributing to the Rovers’ seventh-place team finish. She also delivered a team-best 10th-place finish at the Northeast district tournament, making her a consistent performer.
Brooklyn Krager, Green, Sr.
Brooklyn Krager is a veteran with a history of state appearances, including a 13th-place finish as a sophomore that helped Green secure seventh in the team race. While 61st at state last year, her consistent high finishes in previous tournaments make her a strong contender for Green.
Aubrey Masuda, Wadsworth, Jr.
Aubrey Masuda had a stellar regular season last year, earning first-team All-Suburban League honors. She followed that with a seventh-place finish at the Northeast district tournament (609) before finishing 44th at the Division I state tournament, poised for a breakthrough year.
Isabella Phillips, Vermilion, Sr.
Isabella Phillips led Vermilion to a Sandusky Bay Conference championship last season. Individually, she placed an impressive 11th at the Division II state tournament with a 618 series, earning honorable mention all-state recognition and boasting a 193 average.
First Team Player Snapshot (2024-25 Season Highlights)
| Player | School | Year | 2024-25 State Finish | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gracie Dunne | Highland | Jr. | 2nd (Div. I) | Cleveland.com Girls Bowler of the Year |
| Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt | Rootstown | Sr. | 31st (Div. II) | Team-best 10th at District |
| Brooklyn Krager | Green | Sr. | 61st (Div. I) | 13th at State (Sophomore) |
| Aubrey Masuda | Wadsworth | Jr. | 44th (Div. I) | First-team All-Suburban League |
| Isabella Phillips | Vermilion | Sr. | 11th (Div. II) | 193 Average, Honorable Mention All-State |
Second Team All-Stars
Abby Hopkins, Open Door, Sr.
Abby Hopkins was instrumental in Open Door’s 10th-place finish at the Division II state tournament last year, where she rolled a 529 for 38th place. Her season highlights included a 237 high game and a 432 high series.
Addisyn Martin, Wadsworth, Sr.
Addisyn Martin recorded the highest finish for the Wadsworth Grizzlies at the Division I state tournament last season, placing 34th with a 555 series. She helped her team to a 12th-place finish at state.
Ella Smith, Magnificat, Sr.
As Magnificat made their inaugural team appearance at the state tournament, Ella Smith was a significant contributor, finishing 45th at the Division I state tournament with a 537. She looks to build on that experience this season.
Katie Smith, Firelands, Sr.
Katie Smith excelled at the Northeast district tournament last year, finishing as runner-up (588) and claiming the top individual qualifying spot for state. She then placed 32nd at the Division II state tournament with a 538.
Hayley Sauric, Eastlake North, So.
A promising sophomore, Hayley Sauric made an impressive debut at the Division I state tournament last year, finishing 51st with a 520 series. She qualified individually by finishing 10th at the Northeast district tournament, showcasing her potential early on.
Honorable Mention
The talent pool runs deep in Northeast Ohio. Other bowlers to keep an eye on include Miah Adkins (Green, Sr.), Roni Caputo (Archbishop Hoban, Jr.), Olivia Davies (Rootstown, Jr.), Anna Drago (Rootstown, Sr.), Molly Felty (Open Door, Sr.), Ashley Hohmann (Magnificat, Sr.), Julia Johnson (Magnificat, Sr.), Lauren McKinney (Fairport Harding, Sr.), Sophia McLaughlin (Fairport Harding, Sr.), Cassidy Myers (Wadsworth, Jr.), Bella Phillips (Archbishop Hoban, So.), Payton Taylor (Green, Jr.), and Eleanor Zbiegien (Magnificat, Jr.).
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the 2025 girls bowling season officially begin?
The 2025 girls bowling season begins this weekend across Northeast Ohio. - Where is the OHSAA state tournament held for bowling?
The state tournament for bowling is held at H.P. Lanes in Columbus. - Who was recognized as the Cleveland.com Girls Bowler of the Year last season?
Gracie Dunne from Highland was the Cleveland.com Girls Bowler of the Year for the 2024-25 season. - Which schools are expected to have strong team performances based on these preseason rankings?
Schools like Highland, Rootstown, Green, Wadsworth, Vermilion, Open Door, Magnificat, Firelands, and Eastlake North are highlighted with top players, indicating strong team prospects for the season.
With an abundance of talent returning and new stars ready to emerge, this OHSAA girls bowling season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet for fans across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Make sure to follow your local teams as they roll toward the state championships!
Northeast Ohio Girls Bowling Preseason All Stars Named
