Three Huskers Named All-Americans – University of Nebraska

Lincoln, Neb – Three members of the Nebraska women’s bowling program were honored Thursday night, as they were selected as National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) All-Americans.

Sophomore Kayla Verstraete earned second-team All-America honors, while Cassidy Ray and Kendyl Hofmeister both earned honorable-mention honors. Both Ray, a three-time All-American, and Verstraete, a two-time pick, are repeat honorees, while this is Hofmeister’s first All-America certificate.

Verstraete led NU’s honorees as a third-team selection. The sophomore placed in the top 15 in seven of eight tournaments she competed in this past season. Her season was highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Columbia 300 Saints Invite with an average of 216.4, one of three top-five finishes on the year. She was named to the All-Tournament team at the Prairie View Invitational, Columbia 300 Saints Invite and the Big Red Invitational.

“Kayla had another solid season, and we are happy to see her being recognized for all of her hard work,” Nebraska Coach Paul Klempa said.  “She continues to be trending upward with her progress as a player and there are more big things ahead for her.”

Hofmeister captured honorable-mention honors for the first time, as she averaged a 207.8 on the season over seven tournaments. She was one of NU’s most consistent bowlers, placing in the top 25 in all seven tournaments she competed in this season, Her best performance of 2021-22 came at the Bearcat Hammer Open, where she placed sixth en route to all-tournament Honors.

“Kendyl has quietly been a force for Husker Bowling the past three seasons,” Klempa noted. “I am thrilled to see her finally get the recognition she deserves for her contributions to our program. Kendyl is an extremely solid player with nerves of steel.”

Ray wrapped up her Husker career with her third certificate, after earning All-America honors in both 2020 and 2021. The team co-captain averaged a 207.2 over nine tournaments and led NU with six top-10 finishes. Her best effort of the year was at the Big Red Invitational, where she placed third with an average of 234.4.

“It good to see Cassidy finish her career at Nebraska by garnering her third consecutive All-American honor,” Klempa said. “We are proud of the player and person Cassidy has grown into during her time with Husker Bowling. I am happy that Cassidy had a nice senior season, and she is being honored once again for her efforts and hard work.”

Nebraska bowling now has had 37 bowlers combine for 80 All-America certificates since becoming a varsity sport in 1997-98. Dating back to its days as a club sport, NU now has had at least one bowler earn All-America honors in 29 straight seasons.

2022 NTCA All-Americans