Southeast bowler Alyssa Brantley told VYPE in a recent interview that “Being part of the Southeast Buffaloes has been a wild ride. This is my second-year bowling for them, and I don’t have any regrets. The most enjoyable part has been the energy and optimism each person on the team brings. Everyone makes you feel like you’re welcome without an ounce of judgement”. At the moment, Brantley wants to “end my junior year strong keeping my 4.0 GPA intact, get my first ever 600 series, qualify for State and medal”.
She also shared that “I am part of Education Imagine Academy’s eSports group; my love of games has been present ever since I was younger and being able to express enjoyment with new people is why I joined”. Through all of these endeavors Brantley has learned “Adaptability is Important in bowling and life. Bowling isn’t as easy as people think it is. You may try one thing and it doesn’t work; you must learn to adjust quickly. Over the course of my life, I have learned how to adapt to many situations to succeed. Keeping a calm mind also helps with that as well. I tend to overthink quite a bit but always being able to figure out the best-case scenario makes it a lot easier to get through”. This is not all she has learned through her time as a bowler.
Brantley explained “I had a teammate who I grew up alongside and did several tournaments as well as leagues with, her name was Dani. We met each other at a Saturday Morning League and after talking with her I learned both of us had issues when it came to our health in the past, so I gained a sense of understanding for her. Even though she had to go to several doctor appointments, receive massive amounts of treatment, sustained several injuries and had to wear braces to not have pain she still always came back to bowl. Her determination always influenced me”.
Although it is her family that inspires her. “No matter what they are always by my side motivating me, rooting for me and right there to give out any form of help whenever I need it, I’m eternally grateful for having them and love them with all my heart to the point where I want nothing more than to see them succeed” said Brantley.
Before we finished she also took the time to give a few shoutouts. Saying “Thank you, mom, for being my loudest cheerleader and the best teacher I could ever ask for. The lessons you’ve taught me, the times you’ve listened and guided me to what is right and the unconditional love and dedication you’ve shown by being my mother. I can’t thank you enough, so I’ll do my best to not have anything you’ve done for me be taken for granted. I love you”.
“My best bud and brother Nate, my whole life you’ve had my back and kept my head up when times have changed. From the long talks to our joyrides through the city every time we’re together we end up laughing and joking around. You’ve coached me on some very important things that I still take time to implement even when you’re not around. For that I’ll forever appreciate you taking the time and effort to show me, couldn’t ask for a better brother” said Brantley.
