There is a two-sport athlete already making a strong impact on the UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team.

Elizabeth Vanderhei, a freshman from Mukwonago who is an athlete on both the women’s golf and bowling teams, has made her presence known on the lanes. While many freshmen take their first season to adjust to college athletics, Vanderhei has done not only that, but has also excelled at the sport. 

Elizabeth fell in love with the sport of bowling in first grade and competitively bowled throughout middle and high school. She has now taken it to the next level in college. 

“Her ability to repeat shots when they are needed and her energy on the team is super important,” head coach Becca Hagerman said. “Her impact was immediate.” 

Vanderhei started off bowling strong and is travelling frequently with the varsity bowling team. But even though her skills have improved, so has her mental game. With college bowling being more intense and a different atmosphere than high school competition, she had to adapt to that change in atmosphere. 

“College bowling is a lot more intense, but it’s a fun competitive atmosphere,” Vanderhei said. 

Being a part of the bowling team has been a smooth transition for Vanderhei. With training and lifts throughout the week, and competitions taking up the weekend, she has gotten close with the team as a whole. 

“We all get along really well and we’ve all bonded,” Vanderhei said. “There’s a lot of freshmen this season as well, and the older girls have taken us in.” 

Vanderhei has already been a part of a tournament, when the team won the Division II Thanksgiving Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky in late November 2025. The victory marked a major highlight in her career. 

“That tournament was definitely the highlight of the season so far for me and really bonded the team together,” Vanderhei said. 

With bowling being such a mentally heavy sport and a sport that relies on the longevity of the season, Vanderhei has learned and stayed strong. 

“She’s so committed and fearless on the lanes and when she puts her mind to something she commits to it and does it,” Hagerman said. 

Vanderhei’s goal is to stay strong for the rest of the season. The team is heading to Nashville to compete in the Music City Classic, and then shortly after, the USBC Sectionals. She aims to bowl well at both tournaments. The team is also hopeful to make nationals shortly after that. Hagerman’s goal is more individually-based.

“My goal for her is for her to get D3 Rookie of the Year,” Hagerman said.

The Music City Classic takes place March 6-8, where Vanderhei aims to continue the momentum for the season.