Western’s Gonzalez and South Plantation’s Collins are the Broward Bowlers of the Year
South Plantation’s Joss Collins and Western’s Lucas Gonzalez both became leaders for their teams throughout their high school bowling careers.
For Collins, that came naturally as she grew up learning from parents who were teachers including her mother who is also her team’s head coach.
Gonzalez started bowling at age 10, and really honed his skills starting with his freshman season. It turned him into one of the state’s best bowlers and allowed him to elevate the younger players around him as a team captain.
This season, Collins and Gonzalez reached new heights as they each finished among the top bowlers in the state and led their teams to strong performances at the state meet as well.
And so, Collins and Gonzalez are the Miami Herald’s Broward County Bowlers of the Year.
Gonzalez, the winner on the boys’ side, finished 19th at the state meet with an 870 series. He also led his team to a district championship while placing fourth individually after rolling a 622 series.
Gonzalez’s efforts helped Western finish in 12th place at state. The Wildcats fell in the first round of the Baker bracket to Clermont East Ridge and then lost in Round 3 of the consolation bracket to Tampa’s SLAM Academy.
Gonzalez also had the county’s best average (216) and earned the chance to compete in the Junior Gold Nationals this summer. Gonzalez is aiming to continue bowling in college.
“It was a really fun season and we accomplished the most we ever had. We had really good chemistry all the way through to state,” Gonzalez said. “I learned how to control my emotions and stay calm when bowling.”
Collins hasn’t just learned composure while competing, she’s become like a player/coach during competitions. A multi-sport athlete at South Plantation, Collins also plays volleyball and lacrosse. But bowling became a passion of hers heading into high school and she capped a stellar career by maintaining a 209 season average, which led all Broward girls bowlers.
“Just like any other player (in that situation) will tell you, having your mom as a coach, you might not wanna listen to them right away, but she always listens to what I have to say,” said Collins, who wants to be a teacher like her parents, but continue to bowl in college. “We’re almost like co-coaches and we have a really great connection. It works. It clicks.
“I like to inspire. I see the moments my parents have with students and I want that experience.”
Collins won a district individual title with a 611 series and led the Paladins to a district crown as well. At the state meet, Collins finished 16th overall individually while helping South Plantation finish seventh as a team.
“Last year I fell pretty short of making it to the top 16,” Collins said. “I just went against two great bowlers, but I’m still proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish. I was the only senior so going with my juniors to state and watching them improve was incredible.”
