Lincoln, Neb. – The No. 3 Nebraska bowling team finalized its 2024 incoming freshman recruiting class, bringing in the nation’s top prospective athletes to the Big Red roster including Haley Swindle, Karina Capron and Kayla Starr.
Kayla Starr, Crofton, MDStarr, a right-handed bowler from Crofton, Md., brings immense levels of experience to the Cornhusker bowling program. The bowler holds a top game of 300 and has demonstrated high performance levels at the Junior Gold championships. Starr earned runner-up honors at 2021 Junior Gold, while placing in the top five in 2022. She also finished second at the 2022 PBA Jr. Nationals and was a member of the 2022 Jr. Team USA Development Team. Starr also highlights her resume by being crowned a three-time Virginia State Pepsi Champion (2019, 2021, 2022).
“Kayla Starr is a tremendous player with a strong resume on the national scene,” Head Coach Klempa said. “She is a member of Team USA and has been a competitive player for years nationally. She is a great ambassador for the sport and will do the same for Husker Bowling. She comes from a supportive family and we are blessed to have her join our Husker Bowling family.”
“I chose Nebraska because there’s truly no place like Nebraska,” Starr said. “It felt like home. The amount of support offered to student athletes is unmatched. The amazing coaches, players, nutritionists, trainers and other support staff along with state of the art facilities are unlike any other. The legacy of tradition of Nebraska Bowling runs deep and their distinguished winning culture sets them apart from the rest.”
Haley Swindle, Sharpsburg, Ga.A Sharpsburg, Ga., native, Haley Shae Swindle joins Starr in the 2024 recruiting class. The right-hander hails from East Coweta High School with a 4.0 GPA, High Honors and a powerful resume of her sport. Swindle holds a high game of 277, with a 741 high series. A Georgia Pepsi Champion and GYBT Tournament of Champions Champion, Swindle is also the 2022 Youth Open Champion, PBA Regional Jr. Champion, as well as a three-time Junior Gold Final Advancer. Along with bowling, Swindle also was a strong volleyball player at East Coweta, earning a high school letter.
“I chose Nebraska because I loved the campus and all the opportunities given to athletes, and I feel like it will give me the best education as well as prepare me the best to bowl professionally after college,” Swindle said. “I also loved the program, team and coaches, so I am very happy I will be spending my four years of college with them!”
“Haley Swindle is an excellent addition to our program,” Klempa said. “She comes from a very supportive family and has a solid competitive resume. Haley has been a top player on the national scene for years and she also excels in the classroom. We are fortunate that Nebraska is Haley’s choice and we are confident she will help us succeed on and off the lanes for many more years to come.”
Karina Capron, Fremont, Neb.A native of Fremont, Neb., Karina Capron rounded out the 2024 class. The right-hander’s commitment marks the first Nebraska-born recruit to the bowling program since the senior year of three-time All-American and daughter of legendary coach Bill Straub, Meghan Straub. Capron brings a deep and extensive resume full of high school and national experience. With a pair of 300 games, and a 796 high series, Capron is a Junior Team USA member, in addition to winning the U12 2017 Junior Gold Championship. She continued her success at Junior Gold earning runner-up honors in 2018 and 2023 with a 300 game during qualifying. Capron has proven to be a dominant force both locally and nationally, highlighted by being a seven-time Nebraska State Pepsi Champion, holding the championship for the past six years since 2016. Capron also holds herself among professionals in the nation by placing in the top 36/149 at the 2023 USA Team Trials.
“Karina Capron is an outstanding competitor and player,” Klempa said. “We are thrilled that she is a native Nebraskan and has agreed to keep her amazing talents in-state. Karina will be a key force in extending Nebraska Bowling’s tradition of success in the classroom and on the lanes. We could not be happier that she will remain a Husker where she belongs.”
