Name:
Carolyn Dorin-Ballard
Carolyn Dorin-Ballard is the current top professional in Texas. Born in New Jersey, Carolyn now resides in Texas with her husband, Del Ballard. Carolyn has been runner-up for PWBA's Bowler of the Year honors three years in a row (1997, 1998, 1999). Already in the year 2000, she has two titles; the Bowl for Blindness Classic and the Greater San Diego Open. She won two titles in 1999, the Greater Jacksonville Classic and the Visionary Bowling Products Classic. Her most impressive title is the Inaugural Brunswick Women's World Open, a major tournament on the PWBA schedule. Her other titles include the 1991 LPBT National Doubles with Lisa Wagner, the 1994 Lady Ebonite Classic, the 1997 Three Rivers Open, and the 1998 Greater Orlando Classic.
Name:
Carolyn Dorin-Ballard
Birthday: 07/29/64
E-mail Address: cdb300@mindspring.com
Website: www.carolyndorin.com
How long have you been bowling? 29 years
High Game: 300
High Series: 801
300's: 12
800's: 2
Are you a native Texan? No
If not, where were you born and how did you end up in Texas? I was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. I lived in Linden, New New Jersey my whole life until going to West Texas State University in 1986. My parents still live in Linden and I do go home quite a bit. I moved back to New Jersey after I graduated in 1989 for two years and moved back to Texas in 1991.
Left Handed or Right Handed: Right
What equipment do you throw? I throw all Ebonite equipment. I have been a member of their women's pro staff for six years. If anyone has any questions about their equipment, please feel free to e-mail me through my web page or they can go to ebonite.com.
What is your favorite all-time bowling ball? Ebonite Turbo X
What female bowler(s) do you admire the most and why? There are so many. The first would be Robin Romeo-Mossonntte. I always thought I could learn alot from her game because she also went straight up the lane. I also admired Lisa Wagner. I always thought, "how could anyone win that many times." I also, have a special admiration for my sister Cathy. She has had to endure alot, to receive so little from this sport. Thank goodness, patience and persistence has paid off. But, on an over all view, I admire all the women past, and present, who gave and still give their all to bring women's bowling to the level of recognition it deserves.
What female bowler(s) from Texas do you admire the most and why? There are so many GREAT women bowlers in Texas it is so hard to pin point just one. My list would include Mary Betke, Debbye Berry, Donna Conners, Luci Bonneau, Donna Dillon, and Regina Loveall to name just a few. They all had different creditials and something was special about everyone of their games. There are people I admire for all their work behind the scenes, like Sylvia Broyles, Mary Terrell and the whole crew of the Texas State WBA and Fort Worth WBA. These women are a driving force in our state and I myself would not have half the recognition I do if it was not for them. A special thank you to Regina for guiding me through college and after.
Describe your most memorable bowling experience(s): Winning both my Collegiate National Championships.(1987,1988) There is nothing like being there for your team and sharing your victory with four other people. I would have to say my first PWBA title with Lisa Wagner was memorable, since we were down in every match we bowled. Not many people can say they bowled with a bowler of the decade. Also, winning my first major title, the Brunswick Women's World Open. Not only was it my first major, but Del and I are the only husband and wife to win the same tournament.
What is the funniest or most embarassing thing in bowling you have ever seen or experienced? Embarrasing. Missing the 10 pin at collegiate nationals in 1989. I still don't think I am over it or have accepted it.
List awards, honors, titles, etc.: Two Collegiate National Championships. (87,88) Three time collegiate first team all-american. Nine national titles including one major, the Brunswick World Open. Three time Runner-up for Player of the Year. (97,98,99) Three PWBA regional titles, seven Women's All-Star titles, one WWPB title. Current president of the PWBA Player's Association. Member of the Union County Hall of Fame. Two-time Texas State Bowler of the Year.(98,99)