Middleton named Coppin State bowling coach

BALTIMORE, Maryland --  Coppin State University has named Shaunita Middleton as its head bowling coach.

Middleton currently competes in United States Bowling Congress (USBC) national tournaments as well as amateur bowling tournaments and holds various amateur tournament titles.  She's excited to pass on her knowledge and passion for bowling while coaching and mentoring student-athletes.

"Rome wasn't built in a day," Middleton said. "I'm excited for the journey that lies ahead with Coppin State University's bowling program.  I take pride in having any opportunity to support and bring the passion and knowledge that I possess for the sport of bowling to my alma mater."

During her time at Coppin State, Middleton was the SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) president and winner of the distinguished President's Eagle Award in 2006. Middleton holds a bachelor's degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics.

Coppin State returns its top three bowlers from last season's team in seniors Kristen Sharpe and Kache Woods along with sophomore Jasmine Newman. Also returning will be junior Brionca Beard and sophomore Shawdae Frederick. The Eagles also had three bowlers named to the MEAC Commissioners All-Academic team.

Sharpe led Coppin State with 7,736 pins and a 161.2 average. She topped 200 three times during the MEAC Northern Division Meet Feb. 28m including a season-best 234 against Hampton. She rolled 221 and 214 against Howard and Morgan State, respectively. Sharpe bowled over 200 six times this season and had 14 matches with 170 or more pins.

Woods averaged a 166.1 pinfall for the Eagles and totaled 7,141 pins. She topped 200 three times at the Red Flash Invitational Jan. 31, including a career-high 241 against Cheyney, 229 against Farleigh Dickinson and 222 against Pitt-Bradford. Her performance placed her second overall and she was named to the all-tournament team. She bowled 170 or better 15 times this season.

Newman finished with the second-best total on the team with 7,525 pins and a 156.7 pinfall. On Dec. 6, she rolled a career-high and school-record 266 against Delaware State at the second MEAC Northern Division Meet. Her performance placed her seventh overall in the

"I always jump at the opportunity to provide our student-athletes with the knowledge I have acquired through experiences and teachings," Middleton said. "I believe that with hard work and dedication, we'll be able to grow as a program and become one that consistently competes with the best teams in our conference."
tournament. For her career, Newman bested 200 three times.

COURTESY COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION