HEEMAN NAMED HEAD WOMEN'S BOWLING COACH AT PENN STATE ALTOONA

Penn State Altoona athletics has announced the hiring of Ashley Heeman to be the next head coach of its varsity women’s bowling program. 

Heeman is the second coach to lead the program since its inception as a varsity sport at the campus in 2009. 

“I’m very honored to be the new Penn State Altoona women’s bowling coach and continue my coaching at the collegiate level,” said Heeman. “I’m excited to join this well-established program and have the chance to help the students grow and develop as individuals and competitors.”

A native of Pleasant Gap, Pa., Heeman graduated from Bellefonte Area High School and attended Penn State Berks, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She has compiled over 15 years of experience as a bowler, including time in a Bellefonte area youth league and spending four years as a top five bowler on Penn State Berks’ club bowling teams.

“We are excited to welcome Ashley to our athletics department. Her experience bowling collegiately will be an invaluable asset to our players, and she has demonstrated the ability to teach the game to others,” said Penn State Altoona Director of Athletics Brent Baird. “Women’s bowling is a still-emerging sport across the NCAA, and we believe that Ashley can help put our program on the road to consistent success.”

As a member of the Penn State Berks club teams, Heeman helped run the program as its vice president, assisting in scheduling practices, contacting tournament directors, and organizing fundraisers. Her service to the Penn State Berks club bowling teams was recognized when she was presented with the Lion Heart award, which is given to an individual who goes above and beyond expectations to help the club.

Heeman’s coaching experience includes volunteering with the Bellefonte Area High School bowling club from 2012 to 2015. Last year, she was the team’s head coach and helped the squad reach its regional competition for the first time ever, placing ninth out of 36 teams.

“The future of Penn State Altoona women’s bowling is a bright one,” Heeman stated. “I’m proud to help the program along its path to reach new levels.”

Heeman continues to be an active bowler in both leagues and tournaments.