March Athlete of the Month: Alivia Balsiger
Photos by Roberta Pratt.
Alivia Balsiger (pink sweatshirt) and the ASL Bowling Team
Congratulations to March’s female athlete of the month, Alivia Balsiger! She is currently a junior here at Hamilton and is an athlete in Hamilton’s Adaptive Sports League bowling team. The team bowled at Sussex Bowl and Classic Lanes Oak Creek. She is technically blind and an amazing teammate. Their season is over now, but be sure to support baseball, which is coming up!
Coach Melissa Kappeler praises Balsiger, stating, “Alivia was a joy to work with this bowling season. She was so happy to be there and worked really hard every practice and game. She had a smile on her face the entire time! No matter how Alivia performed, she was just grateful to be a part of a team. Congrats, Alivia!”
Fellow athlete and teammate Ben Gritzacher added, “We have been friends for so long that it was fun to be on the bowling team together.”
Teammate Kai Rowe also shared, "Alivia looked pretty sweet in our team's new jerseys."
Read more to hear from Balsiger!
How long have you competed for and why do you compete?
Adaptive sports recently came to Hamilton this year and it was Alivia’s first season bowling. She says she loves “getting a strike!” She also mentioned her coaches were very supportive and there were lots of fans.
Who is your athlete role model and why?
Alivia’s mom is her athlete role model who helps her, especially when things are hard.
What is your main goal this season?
“To play soccer next year. Also having a good time.” She also mentioned that adaptive sports is going great and she earned a varsity letter!
What are your future plans involving Adaptive Sports?
Alivia claimed her goals were to compete again and be a part of a team. She also wants to improve her bowling skills. She's a flexible teammate who doesn’t give up even when routines change and things are frustrating.
Besides bowling, what are some of your other hobbies?
She does Zumba every week with her mom (and with Mrs. Hasbrook!). She loves to have fun and play jokes on Ms. Ullman and Mr. Seely. She also pumps weights at Planet Fitness.
What are your pre-game rituals?
No pregame rituals.
Do you have any teammates, coaches, parents, or other people in your life that have helped as an athlete?
Coaches (Sandy and Rob, nonaffiliated), Coach Melissa, and Mr. Peterson. Conner and Ahan were great teammates. Plus, her mom and dad are super nice and supportive; they cheer very loudly.
