Winning Elite 90, NCAA championship a dream come true for McKendree bowler

McKendree junior Rebecca Hagerman was shocked when her name was called out to end the practice day at the National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship in Columbus, Ohio. Her teammates erupted in cheers as she was named the winner of the Elite 90, an award presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site at each of the NCAA's championships.

"I think it represents all the hard work I put in for school," Hagerman said of the award. "There's a lot of homework, a lot of late nights, a lot of time that I don't have between practice and going to class and homework on top. It's a lot to manage, so I think it's just worth it, getting that award, doing all the hard work has been worth it."

About 48 hours after receiving the award, the McKendree cheers were combined with joy-filled tears as the Bearcats won the championship by topping Stephen F. Austin in the nationally televised finals Saturday night.

The experiences were the culmination of a dream for Hagerman, whose older sister bowled for McKendree. 

"I saw her doing it and was, like, 'This is what I want. I want to live this dream. I want to be able to compete with girls that I love … just to bowl with them and be able to love them and make great memories,'" Hagerman said. 

Seeing it all come to fruition has been more than Hagerman ever imagined when she started being recruited to bowl for schools. At first, she thought she wanted to be a forensic psychologist. But she also loves anatomy. So, someone at McKendree offered her a combined alternative: biopsychology.  

Hagerman now holds a 3.93 GPA in the major, which earned her the Elite 90, and she plans to become a child counselor or psychologist. She said balancing both school and athletics so successfully has taught her better time-management skills. She added that, personally, the two also play off each other well. 

"When I'm bowling, I am never thinking of homework or my schoolwork. It's kind of like a break from it," Hagerman said. "Then maybe there's times at practice where they don't go great, so I kind of use my schoolwork to get away from bowling or take that step back."

Hagerman also emphasized that her success in and out of the bowling alley has been a school-wide effort. 

She complimented the professors she's had for being so willing to work with her, especially when her bowling schedule ramps up and she's on the road frequently. Hagerman said many of her peers from her major have become close friends who've helped her, as well. Both, she added, are part of what was attractive about a smaller school in the recruiting process. 

"The Division II experience means a lot to me," Hagerman said. "Whether it be with the professors talking to us or our coaches, they both talk to each other. I think it's great we're like a close-knit family."

As for the McKendree bowling team, its impact on Hagerman has been significant in ways that evoke deep emotion. 

"They just mean the world to me, and they really supported me through everything. It's great to have another family away from the one I have at home," she said. "I came in as a freshman, and I was super shy. I really didn't talk that much and definitely did not stand up for myself, but with my coaches and my teammates pushing me to grow, I've definitely come out of my shell. I probably would've been terrified to do this interview, and my voice would've been cracking up all over the place. And I've grown in standing up for myself. I used to let people run all over me, and I don't let that happen anymore. They've definitely given me confidence and comfort with being who I am."