After helping lead Apollo girls’ bowling to a second-place finish in the Region 1 Tournament and an appearance in the State Tournament, junior Sophie O’Bryan has been named the 2026 Midway University/KHSAA Female Bowling Student-Athlete of the Year.
“I feel very honored to be presented with this award,” O’Bryan said. “Through the endless support of my coaches and teachers at Apollo, I have been able to create and reach new goals in both my academics and my bowling. I couldn’t be more blessed.”
The award was based on athletic and academic achievements, as well as community service and leadership. In the classroom, O’Bryan is enrolled in multiple AP classes and, at the time of her application, has a weighted 3.912 GPA.
O’Bryan joined Apollo’s bowling squad as a 7th-grader, finishing that year with an average of 105.5 and being named the team’s Rookie of the Year. She has won multiple team awards, including Eagle Bowler of the Year, and was twice named First Team KHSAA Academic All-State.
Outside of school and the lanes, O’Bryan has volunteered with the Region Special Olympics Bowling events, the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization, and concession stand events. She is also an altar server for St. Mary Magdalene Church, volunteers at the church picnic activities, and is a member of their youth group.
“Sophie embodies student and athlete,” Apollo Head Coach Kerrie Franklin said. “She cares for her academics just as she does her time on the lanes and excels at both. She sees a future where she moves on to continue her academics and her bowling career, and is very goal-driven by that. Sophie does not take the easy courses to get by, but pushes herself academically.”
