Miranda Nolte aims to succeed in bowling and growing the sport at Cedar Rapids Xavier

CEDAR RAPIDS — Miranda Nolte has a clear legacy in mind when her time as a high school bowler comes to an end.

It’s not about the impact of her individual accomplishments, per se. It’s about changing how the bowling program is perceived at Cedar Rapids Xavier.

“I think a lot of people just don't see it (bowling) as much of a sport in itself, because it's also recreational,” Nolte said. “I just want girls’ bowling to become more popular at Xavier.”

Nolte, a senior and 2023 state qualifier, hopes future generations of Saints can share the same enjoyment in the program she’s had.

“I want more people to get involved,” Nolte said. “I think if we're having scores that are getting noticed, or just talking about how much fun it can be, then people will start to notice it and maybe they'll give it a try.”

With the scores Nolte and the Saints are putting up this season, there’s reason to believe her legacy will live on.

Xavier ranks ninth in Class 2A in score per game (2,403) and has two top-20 scorers.

Junior Aubrey Sires has 2A’s ninth highest average (186.10 score per game), with Nolte close behind (178.50). Sires’ average is up 24 pins this season, giving the Saints a formidable one-two punch.

“Aubrey’s starting to really put things together,” Xavier Coach Russ Camacho said. “She's been one of the major bright spots.”

Part of her improvement, along with the growth of several bowlers, can be attributed to the coaching of Camacho, and Sires’ father and assistant coach, Devin Sires.

“I think Devin has really done an outstanding job this year of locking in with the girls and bringing them along, giving them the confidence,” Camacho said. “He’s been a major reason why we've had success.”

Leah Ambrosy, a senior, is another Saint who’s significantly upped her average, going from 124 in 2022-23 to 159.60.

“Leah shot a 235 at our last meet (Dec. 19),” Nolte said. “I don't see her going down much from that.”

Freshmen Chloe Strunk, senior Audrey Hutchins and sophomore Anna Hutchins round out Xavier’s top six varsity bowlers.

Nolte hopes the returning members of this year’s varsity team will continue to make younger, still developing players feel seen and valued — something she’s tried to establish as the team’s current leader.

“I just want all of the girls to be able to look over at JV when they're bowling and noticing that they're improving,” Nolte said. “I think it helps that Aubrey’s little sister Emma is on JV, so there's already a bond there and we're just making sure we support her and also noticing the rest of the team.”

As for passing the torch, Nolte has full faith with it in the hands of Aubrey Sires.

“She's (Aubrey) definitely growing in her leadership,” Nolte said. “I think she's already being watched by people for her scores, so she’ll be anchoring the team next year.”

Camacho agrees.

“Personality-wise, Miranda's very welcoming,” Camacho said. “She embraces the people on the team. You know, she's not that in-your-face leader, she just leads by example. I think Aubrey is taking a lot of that from her and preparing herself to be that person next year.”

It’s a challenge Sires will be up for, thanks to Nolte’s example.

“I’ve loved being beside her (Nolte) these past few years,” Sires said. “She's great at getting people to go out for the program. She’s brought a couple of her friends in and we’ve had a lot of fun. It's been really great to be with her through it all.”

Before her Xavier bowling career ends, Nolte hopes one message resonates with current and future Xavier bowlers.

“Have fun,” Nolte said. “We're just there with our friends. If you do good, you do good. If it's a rough day, then just get back at it next time.

“I just want everybody who goes out for bowling to graduate feeling like they've accomplished something.”