- April 26, 2024
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Gabriella Hernandez measures up the exact spot where she wants to place the ball. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
"I'm a little new to the high school bowling. but I really enjoyed being a part of this team."
A year-old Gabriella has a bowling ball in her possession.
You can tell she’s in her comfort zone. Hi-fiving her teammates after strikes and spares. Laughing it up with onlookers about scores. Palm Coast Lanes is Flagler Palm Coast freshman Gabriella Hernandez’s second home.
Even before she was big enough to hold a ball, Hernandez had her hands extended for one of her parents’ as if it were the largest candy fire ball she had ever seen. But that didn’t stop her from actually playing. With the bumpers up and the ball made ready, little Hernandez would push the ball down the lanes with the same excitement she still exhibits for the game.
Her parents, Jessica and Randy – tournament bowlers – signed her up for a league when she turned 8, and, ever since it has shifted into a job-like responsibility, replacing her leisure time with practices and weekend tournaments.
“I guess you can say my life can be labeled as pretty boring,” Hernandez laughed. “I literally live at the alley, whether I'm practicing or there at 10 p.m. because my dad has league. The bowling alley has become my second home.”
Making her residence in the alley, Hernandez has elevated her game. Not only is she the Lady Bulldogs’ anchor (best bowler), but her rounds usually beat or compete with all the boys’ rounds.
“Beating the guys definitely hypes me up and gets me motivated,” she says, “because you know guys always think they’re better than girls.”
The Lady “alley” Dawg has aspirations to continue her playing career throughout college and all of her adult life.
“I want to bowl until I can't walk anymore,” Hernandez says. “Bowling is my life and passion. When I bowl really great, it makes as happy as anything. Bowling has given me confidence and helped me become mentally strong in many ways.”
Insane numbers: Hernandez has rolled a 634 series this season, going 155, 222 and 257 in a game. Her career high is 267 and a 640 series. She has also won multiple local and area tournaments.
