Each week during the school year, The News-Press will select a player who stood out from the previous week based on coaches’ reports and school nominations sent to sports@news-press.com, as well as our own reporting. These players will be voted on every Monday at news-press.com, where readers can vote for who they think performed best. The winner of The News-Press’ Player of the Week poll, sponsored by Elevate Home Services, will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get to know the winners better, The News-Press will hold a Q&A with each player each week.
The winner of the News-Press Week Athlete of the Year Award, sponsored by Elevate Home Services, for Aug. 26-31, was Bishop Bellotte bowler Mia Gasperini. The senior received 17,649 votes, or 42.2 percent. She was selected for the ballot because Gasperini helped the Vikings win against Gateway, scoring 187 points.
Q: Why did you start bowling?
Gasperini: I started bowling because I wanted to be involved in sports. I was busy with school, so this year and last year I had the time, so I started bowling. My friends were on the team, and I’d known them for a long time, so I just wanted to be with them.
Previous winner: Angel Cruz of Mariner Cross Country, News-Press Athlete of the Week winner, Aug. 19-24.
What is your best bowling memory so far?
Gasperini: I think for the girls it was regionals (last year) because everyone felt so good, we made a lot of memories and met a lot of new people.
What has been your proudest moment as a bowler?
Galperini: I think I’ve improved overall. When I started, I was terrible. My form was awful and I had a very negative view of myself compared to other people. But as time went on and I started practicing more on the weekends, I definitely improved a lot. I’m very proud of that.
Previous vote: News-Press Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Elevate Home Services, Aug. 26-31
Do you have any rituals or superstitions before bowling?
Galperini: I never think about the strength of the opposing team because it stresses me out. So when I pitch, I just try to stay calm. Even if I’m not in good form that day, I try not to be too negative because I know that my attitude can affect how I play during the game.
Bowling balls come in all sorts of colors. Which is your favorite and why did you choose it?
Galperini: My ball is blue and green with a little bit of turquoise. I chose it because blue is my favorite color and I thought it was the prettiest ball there.
What is your favorite class?
Gasperini: My favorite class is probably AP Calc. I’m a STEM person, I’ve always been a STEM person, so I can’t imagine not being in a STEM class.
