TAYLOR MCDANIEL | Reporter

This week’s athlete spotlight will highlight a freshman bowler, Iliana Paz.

Bio

Name: Iliana Paz

Nicknames: Ili

Age: 18

From: Plainfield, Illinois

Year: Freshman

Major: Business administration

Minor: Music

Sport: Bowling

Q&A

Q: When did you start playing your sport?

A: “I started bowling my junior year of high school when I was 16 years old.”

Q: How did you get started in your sport?

A: “I started bowling because I was lazy and didn’t like running. But also because I wanted to be able to say I did something in high school. I stuck with it because after doing it for one year I fell in love not only with the sport but with my team.”

Q: What is your biggest strength in your sport?

A: “My biggest strength is I never give up. Bowling can be very stressful but I remind myself that there is always another frame.”

Q: What was your most embarrassing moment in your sport?

A: “My most embarrassing moment was when I went to throw my shot and the ball flew out of my hand backwards and rolled off the approach and my teammates jumped around like on Wii sports.”

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your sport?

A: “My biggest accomplishment is placing second in the JV division of a tournament.”

Q: What do you like most about your sport?

A: “I like how it’s not really like other sports and that it takes so much precision.”

Q: Why did you choose to play for Lindenwood?

A: “They have an amazing team with a great coach.”

Q: Do you have any game day rituals?

A: “Our rituals as a team are to stretch and cheer very loudly. Mine personally are to listen to Carrie Underwood’s champion in my head phones.”

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

A: “Some of my hobbies are singing and songwriting. I also like to hang out in my sorority’s chapter room.”

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: “Brian Urlacher.”

Q: Who do you look up to in your sport?

A: “Jason Belmonte.”

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: “Bears.”

Q: What keeps you motivated?

A: “My dad keeps me very motivated. He’s always cheering me on.”

Q: What are three things you could not live without?

A: “Music, my dogs, food. Food is obvious and music and my dogs I love and they help me through everything.”

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people who would they be?

A: “George Washington, Cate Blanchett, Michael Jackson. They are all awesome.”

Q: What is your favorite Quote?

A: “’kick a**.’”

Q: Do you have any advice for young athletes?

A: “Just stick with it. Even if it gets rough or hard, stick with it.”

Q: What are your plans for after college?

A: “I plan on moving to California after college and starting my own record label.”