In September 2015, Penn State Altoona athletics announced the hiring of Ashley Heeman as the next head coach of its varsity women’s bowling program. Heeman is the second coach to lead the program since its inception as a varsity sport at the campus in 2009.
A native of Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, Heeman graduated from Bellefonte Area High School and attended Penn State Berks, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She has compiled over fifteen years of experience as a bowler, including time in a Bellefonte area youth league and four years as a top five bowler on Penn State Berks’ club bowling teams.
As a member of the Penn State Berks club teams, Heeman helped run the program as its vice president, assisting in scheduling practices, contacting tournament directors, and organizing fundraisers. Her service to the Penn State Berks club bowling teams was recognized when she was presented with the Lion Heart award, which is given to an individual who goes above and beyond expectations to help the club.
Heeman’s coaching experience includes volunteering with the Bellefonte Area High School bowling club from 2012 to 2015. Last year, she was the team’s head coach and helped the squad reach its regional competition for the first time ever, placing ninth out of 36 teams.
