Rowland Heights grad bowls over college

One could say that Natalie Jimenez bowled over the competition. That's why the Hacienda Heights bowler is going to the University of Central Missouri on athletic and academic scholarships.

"We are very excited to be adding Natalie to our program," said head coach Ron Holmes. "Natalie is a tremendous addition to our team and will make an immediate impact."

Which is saying something for a team that regularly places first or second nationally in intercollegiate athletics.

"This year, they ranked second in the country. Nebraska was number one," explained the recent Rowland High graduate.

Jimenez should boost Missouri's chances for returning to the top slot. The 17-year-old is currently ranked first in the nation among young women competing in USBC Sport Bowling.

The local bowler was selected to the 2009 California All-Star Team. The 10-pin powerhouse was also named as one of the nation's top 50 high school prospects by "Bowler's Journal."

Read the rest of her story in the Rowland Heights Highlander.