Upperman bowler Kaden Holroyd is stepping into his third year of competitively bowling with confidence, focus, and a growing love for the sport that has became part of his family’s story.
Holroyd’s journey to the lanes for Baxter began far from Tennessee. The Holroyd family made the cross-country move from California, where both of Kaden’s parents bowled in both leagues. Holroyd said when he arrived at Upperman and discovered the Bees had a bowling team, it did not take much convincing for him to sign up.
“I just really like the team, all of our chemistry we have with each other,” Holroyd said. “Great coaches, great players, I’m just looking forward to this year.”
Now a junior at Upperman High School, Holroyd has continued to refine his game through patience, balance, and attention to detail.
“I’m just keeping my balance and focusing more,” Holroyd said. “I’m just paying more attention anything and learning how the sport is.”
Holroyd was part of a Bees team that went to the state championship last season. Upperman finished 23-1 during that regular season.
Holroyd said one of his biggest lessons he learned came through competition. Against Jackson County, Holroyd realized he was overthrowing the ball and made an in-match adjustment, moving down a ball size. Holroyd said the move helped him throw more accurately in what would go to be a victory for Holroyd and the Bees.
Holroyd said his biggest influence is Australian professional bowler Jason Belmonte, who is widely credited with popularizing two-handed bowling on the professional circuit.
“He kind of changed the sport and revolutionized two-handed bowling,” Holroyd. “He kind of just made a new way to bowl.”
Holroyd, who has bowled two handed all his professional career, bowled his personal best against Lebanon last year. He bowled a 280 out of a maximum 300 score in a winning performance.
