Storm Products is excited to announce four new members to the Team Evolution Team. This team is an extension of the Evolution Program which is comprised of youth athletes from around the country who have an unbridled enthusiasm for the sport of bowling and have shown loyalty to the beliefs of the Evolution Program.
The Evolution Program is a free program that is open to all youth athletes, regardless of skill level or brand affiliation, who have a strong desire to learn and sharpen their skills on and off the lanes. Though this program is not designed to replace a personal qualified coach it is filled with lessons to help sharpen your game, give back to the community, set goals, and learn tips to become leaders, and learn additional life skills each month.
The Evolution Team is reserved for a small number of exceptional youth players who have heavily participated in the monthly lessons in the Evolution Program and are loyal to Storm Products through their equipment choices and support of the brands. The members of the Evolution Team are some of the top players in their respective age groups in the country and receive exceptional grades, are involved in community service initiatives, treat others with respect, conduct themselves with the utmost integrity, and find ways to encourage other youth athletes to join the sport of bowling in their local communities. The Evolution Team is an extension of the Evolution Program, and the members are encouraged to showcase the beliefs shared each month in the program. Leanne Hulsenberg, USBC and PWBA Hall of Fame Member, who is the Tournament and Events Manager at Storm Products serves as head of the Evolution Program.
“The Evolution Team was created as a way for passionate youth athletes who have aspirations to compete at the highest level of the sport to connect with our team as they work towards their goals to compete professionally in the sport one day in the future,” Hulsenberg said. “We believe these athletes have the ability to connect with other young athletes and share the positive impact bowling has had on their lives.”
The current athletes on the Evolution Team are Katelyn Abigania, Keegan Alexander, Alex Crowley, Aidan Furukawa, Morgan Kline, Brady McDonough, Matteo Quintero, Abigail Starkey, Kayla Starr, Eliana Occhino, Kaitlyn Stull, Micah Voorhis, and Jos Weems.
The athletes joining the Evolution Team in 2024 are Anna Antony, Malia Briggs, Ernesto Reynoso, and Rush Steen.
“These youth athletes have proven that they are committed to the sport through their dedication to the work in the Evolution Program, loyalty to throwing Storm Products, devotion to their physical and mental games on the lanes, and ability to share their passion as they encourage other youth athletes,” Huslenberg said.
The Evolution Staff Program requires each athlete’s parent or legal guardian to be part of the process. Each athlete and their support system are completely connected to the program as these athletes continue to step towards their future on the lanes.
MEET THE EVOLUTION ATHLETES:
Anna Antony
- 2023 U15G David Dahms Sportsmanship Award
- 2022 USBC Youth Open Championship Eagle
- NJYBT Doubles Champion
- 6-Time SYC Champion (U12/U15G)
- 3-Time Top 10 finish at Junior Gold
- 5-Time Connecticut State Pepsi Champion (U12G/U15G)
- 4-Time DJBT Champion
- 2023 PBA Junior East Regional Winner
- 300 Game
- 2021 School Badminton Champion
- 2021 Intramural Badminton Champion
- Registered volunteer for American Red Cross
“Joining the Evolution Sta?? is a big milestone for me. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel to be a part of this team. I hope to use this opportunity to build my leadership, support and enthusiasm towards the sport and give back to the game. By sharing my journey as a bowler, I hope to inspire young bowlers, especially girls, that are interested in honing their skills and pursuing this sport. I also hope to make lifelong friends and have fun on the way. I still have much to accomplish and am excited and honored to pursue more opportunities alongside Team Evolution.”
Social Media
Youtube:@annaantonybowling
Bio
Home State: Connecticut
Grade: 9th Grade
Favorite Food: Noodles/Rice
Favorite Subject In School: Computer Applications
Favorite Storm Ball: Hyped Solid
What are you known for: I try to be smiling even when things go wrong.
Fun Fact As a two-handed player, Anna Antony likes to watch Jason Belmonte and Anthony Simonsen. In addition to her accomplishments in the sport of bowling, Anna Antony also plays volleyball and badminton. She’s won in badminton championships for her school and in intramural competitions.
MALIA BRIGGS
- 4 Storm Youth Championship Silver Medals
- 1 Beast of the East Title
- 1 PJBT Girls' Only Scratch Title
- 1 Tough Shots Tour Title
- USA National Team Bowling Championships Qualifier
“I am very grateful to be part of the Storm family and ecstatic to be given the opportunity to bowl for such a great company.”
Social Media
Instagram:@maliabriggs300
Youtube:@maliabriggs300
Bio
Home State: Pennsylvania
Grade: 10th Grade
Favorite Food: French Fries
Favorite Subject In School: Math
Favorite Storm Ball: Phaze II
What are you known for: My never give up attitude!
Fun Fact Malia Briggs works hard on the lanes and off the lanes. She maintains a 4.4 GPA. She loves meeting new friends and really enjoys introducing new people to the sport of bowling. Through her digital presence on YouTube and Instagram, Malia shares ball reviews and tournament reviews. She has 194,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 followers on YouTube. She consistently posts new content and her channels are always growing.
Ernesto Reynoso
- 2023 U15 Junior Gold National Champion
- 2 PBA Jr. Titles
- 2023/2024 PBA Jr. National Finalist
- 2 2nd Place SYC Finishes
- 2 YBT (California) Titles
- 1 JBT Title
- 1 Midwest USA Regional Team Title
- 1 Pacific USA Regional Team Title
- Volunteers with American Red Cross and Twin Lakes Food Bank
“Team Storm has been my dream since the moment I touched a bowling ball. I've been throwing Storm Equipment since I was 10 (when I started bowling)! I've worked for many, many, years and always have looked up to all the Team Storm members and it has been a dream come true. Words don't describe how I feel. It's indescribable when I've put in so many hours to achieve this goal it's surreal! Hard work pays off!”
Social Media
Instagram:@ernestobowls_300
Bio
Home State: California
Grade: 10th Grade
Favorite Food:Definitely, chicken wings!
Favorite Subject In School: Science
Favorite Storm Ball: !Q Tour
What are you known for: I never quit trying. No matter how far I am down or how many times I get second I keep coming back and wanting more. It's how you win!
Fun Fact Ernesto plays basketball for his high school and is also on an AAU Team when he has time. He loves to snowboard every winter and is big into the sneaker game! He loves researching all the limited-edition releases, following drops, and adding new sneakers to his collection. He has even made this into a small business for himself. He sells Jordans, Nike Dunks, and other designer brand sneakers.
Rush Steen
- 2 300 Games
- High Series: 809 Series
- USBC Youth Open Championship Eagle
- EYT Title
- SYC Medalist
- 2-Time USA Bowling Regional Champion
- 2023 Badger Elite Champion
- 2023 Iowa High School Middle School State Individual Champion
- 5-Time YBSF Division Champion
- Gives back through the Youth Bowling Scholarship Foundation
- Coaches younger athletes in the local youth program and middle school program
- Member of the EYT Elite Youth Council
“Joining Team Storm means the world to me! It shows me that my work has started to pay off...on and off the lanes. It helps me realize that all things are possible when you stay humble and work hard. It makes me want to continue to grow bowling and help others enjoy this game. It helps confirm that I'm going in the right direction physically, mentally, and intellectually while still knowing my journey is so young and continuous. And most of all, it's so awesome to take the next step toward achieving my dreams alongside my favorite company...Storm!”
Social Media
Instagram:@rush_steen
Facebook:@RushSteenBowling
YouTube:@Rush Steen Bowling
Bio
Home State: Iowa
Grade: 9th Grade
Favorite Food:Breakfast
Favorite Subject In School: Strength and Conditioning
Favorite Storm Ball: Virtual Energy Blackout
What are you known for:I used to change hair styles a lot during competition. Most people know me as a kind and humble challenger who works and succeeds at their dreams.
Fun Fact Rush maintains a 4.0 GPA and was a former student council president. In his free time, Rush also golfs for his high school and loves to fish. He’s even caught a 16 lb. salmon. Rush loves to share his journey through the sport through his digital presence and is always making new friends through the sport. He loves to give back!
About the Evolution Program The Evolution Program was created in 2021 and is a free program open to all youth athletes who believe bowling is a sport and have a strong desire to learn and sharpen their skills on and off the lanes. This program has something to offer every athlete along their journey within the sport regardless of their starting point. Applications are reviewed monthly. Once accepted, athletes in the Evolution Program receive an email on the first of every month filled with a variety of lessons to enhance their learning process in the sport of bowling. This program does not replace a personal coach but will give athletes items to discuss with their team during training sessions. Each lesson includes a monthly challenge that they are encouraged to submit. To learn more about the Evolution Program click here: https://www.stormbowling.com/evolution