WASHINGTON (June 22, 2022) – Howard University junior public relations major, sports administration and sociology minor Jade Spurlock discusses the experience of recent graduate Janae Bradford (Chicago) and her journey spent on the women's bowling team.
 
Q: Before discussing your time with the women's bowling team, tell us about yourself.
A: Sure, my name is Janaé Bradford and I am a Chicago native and graduate of the Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications with a Bachelor of Art in media, journalism & film with a minor in sports administration.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in bowling?
A: At age five, I was introduced to the sport and I have family members in Ohio who are bowlers, four of which are in the bowling hall of fame in their hometown or state.
 
However, I did try every sport growing up, but I didn't like people hurting me (lol), so bowling was my best sport.
 
Q: How has bowling impacted your life?
A: As a black woman playing a sport that's not respected in the athletic community, it showed me how much bowling needed me.
 
For so long, I have either been praised for doing something unique or belittled as an athlete who doesn't play a contact sport. This sport not only shaped me into a more disciplined woman but also inspired my career path as a sports reporter.
 
I want to uplift athletes (especially black and/or femme) who play underappreciated sports, so the world can be more open to learning and watching what goes into perfecting the craft.
 
Q: How did you balance training, academics and social life?
A: A schedule or calendar will save your life (lol)! I am grateful for having a very understanding support system because when I am unavailable, most likely because I'm training or studying.
 
My coaches were also very understanding because if I needed to miss practice to finish an assignment, I was able to because I'm a student first.
 
Overall, you make time for anything. If I wanted to attend a party Saturday night, then I needed to finish my assignment before it's due, which felt like a reward for being proactive instead of procrastinating.
 
Also, I knew which days to be more efficient, so I could focus on my workspace.
 
Q: What will you miss most about bowling at Howard?
A: I'll miss my teammates because I loved all the women throughout my Howard career. We came from different backgrounds, so it was a wonderful experience because I was able to learn from everyone, no matter our age or skill level. That was one of the most fulfilling parts for me.
 
I'll be in contact with them years after graduating.
 
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing this sport?
A: One year, we went to a tournament in Maryland and a young black girl was watching us bowl and taking pictures. She couldn't have been not more than 10 years old. Even when we moved to a different lane, she followed and watched us. She stayed the entire time and wanted to meet us afterward for a picture.
 
Once again, it hit me how much our representation mattered and if I can touch her life, just imagine how many other lives I can impact.
 
Q: What were your preferred pre-game, locker room, and post-game routines?
A: Everyone who knows me, I wear my teal studio Beats before every tournament. Growing up around Chicago drill music, that's most of my playlist, including some Kanye West.
 
Since I faced many injuries, I took about 30 minutes to stretch alone before rejoining the team stretches.
 
During tournaments, I don't look at the score sheet so I can stay focused. After the tournament, I ask the trainer for ice bags.
 
Q: Who is/was the most significant influence in your life (sports and non-sports related)?
A: My mother is easily the most significant influence in my life. She wasn't an athlete, but she always fed into my interests and reminded me of opportunities for my future. I wouldn't pursue a career as a sports journalist if it wasn't for her. She might not understand everything about bowling, but she understands my demeanor. So, she knows when to support and when to take a step back.
 
Q: What is one important lesson you've learned from your coach(es)?
A: My coaches taught me that my life is much bigger than this sport no matter how much I love or hate it. Constantly, they reminded me that I can only give so much to the game and I should be proud of how much I've dedicated to the game. They recruited me because they saw something special in me that I didn't see in myself.
 
During my selection process, I didn't consider Howard at the beginning. So, it's very comforting to know I picked a place where I'll have support beyond my undergrad years.
 
Q: Using one word, how do you think your teammates would have described you?
A: Uplifting because I hated seeing my teammates not in a good mood for any reason. So, I felt responsible to bring that positive energy every day, so it doesn't affect the team's performance.
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: I will be attending Arizona State University in the fall to pursue a master's degree in sports journalism.
 
As of now, I'm working at an entertainment venue and attempting to plan a vacation every month because graduating deserves a celebration.
 
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete or future Bison, what would it be?
A: Never forget your purpose because the student-athlete lifestyle is not for everyone. If you don't have the same love for the sport when it gets tough, then do what's best for you.
 
I thought about quitting, but I knew that would bring satisfaction to others, which I refused to allow. I wanted to leave an impact on the bowling program, not only within Howard Athletics but within the bowling community overall.
 
Take those moments to remind yourself why you love your sport/team, so you can always play to the best of your abilities.
 
About Janaé:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
  • Major: Media, Journalism, & Film
    • Minor: Sports Administration
• Academic:
  • Graduates Magna Cum Laude - 3.75 GPA
  • Dean's List (2019 & 2021)
  • Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women's Bowling All-Academic Team (2020 & 2022)
• Athletic:
  • 2018-19 Howard University Women's Bowling Rookie of the Year

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.