SXU Women's Bowling Senior Takes First at Collegiate Shootout
Saint Xavier University (SXU) women's bowling student-athlete Olivia Daujatas has been awarded the individual title and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Collegiate Shootout in Nevada. Daujatas collected 1,314 pins, helping the SXU Cougars win the No. 2 seed. The achievement marks the third time in her career that she's earned All-Tournament honors.
"Winning a Tier 1 Tournament means a lot to me! Words can't describe how I felt. When I found out I won, I had tears in my eyes. The grind with bowling keeps going and it never stops," said Daujatas.
Daujatas, a psychology and social work major, has been bowling since she was five years old. She was inspired to bowl after watching her parents, who bowled for a league.
"My parents met in a bowling alley, so I think what I'm doing is something special. I really enjoy making memories with my teammates and the supporters who cheer us on. Bowling is a very hard mental game and there are plenty of times I've wanted to give up and quit, but I do it for my teammates and supporters who are always there for me," said Daujatas.
Daujatas finds that being part of a collegiate athletics team has made her more responsible. Being out on the road so often, she's learned time management skills and how to balance school with her personal life, which has made her grow as a person.
Daujatas is interested in going into the social work field to help people and finds that her classes offer her real-world insight and are preparing her well for the future. At SXU, she is part of the Psychology Club and helps incoming freshman transition into college life.
"I've enjoyed my time at SXU, especially competing in Vegas for bowling, winning the Warhawk and NAIA invitational, and tailgating at football games with my family and friends. SXU and its community are very close, and I feel like we are one big family," said Daujatas.
After graduating, Daujatas plans to continue bowling while she works on earning a master's degree. Ultimately, she hopes to serve as a social worker in a hospital and work with children.