Athlete of the Week: A’leigha Smith, Troy High School

Grade: Junior

Age: 17

Sport: Bowling

Claim to fame/honors: Bowled first 300 at Troy Bowl against Tippecanoe; earned first-team Greater Western Ohio Conference honors and finished third individually; compiled 207 average in GWOC matches; helped team win GWOC championship; rolled games of 266 and 237 against Trotwood-Madison, 247 and 203 against Sidney and games of 223, 2333 and 168 for a 624 series to help Troy win Centerville Elks Invitational.

Bet you didn’t know … that my family owns Troy Bowl

Words you live by: Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.

Toughest opponent: Beavercreek

Biggest influence: My grandpa and my mom

Match-day rituals: Always listen to music as a team; when we go out to eat, usually go to Steak ‘n Shake

What’s on your bedroom walls? Bowling medals, Ohio State poster

When I’m bored I like to … bowl

Favorite movie: The Help

Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite musical artist: Luke Bryan

I can’t live without: My family and friends

I can live without: Pop

Event you’d like to attend: A Professional Bowlers Association tournament

Favorite book: The Blind Side

Favorite home-cooked meal: Steak and mashed potatoes

Favorite restaurant: Chili’s

Favorite smell: Vanilla scented candle

Favorite cereal: Fruity Pebbles

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Rue 21

Vegetable you won’t eat: Asparagus

I’d love to trade places for a day with … any PBA bowler

Whose mind would you like to read? Jason Belmonte, pro bowler

Place where you’d love to travel? Hawaii

Talent you’d like to have? Speak another language

Favorite school subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Danielle McEwan, pro bowler

Favorite team: Cincinnati Bengals

Favorite Olympic sport: Gymnastics

Something in the world I’d like to change: People’s negativity

Favorite sports moment: My first 300 game

Favorite junk food: Chips

Best thing about bowling: You get to interact with different people

In 10 years, I hope to be … a pediatric surgeon

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.