SPORTSINK.COM PHOTO

Coventry sophomore bowler Karlee Evans is the SportsInk.com Athlete of the Week for Jan. 15-21.

Coventry sophomore bowling sensation Karlee Evans is the SportsInk.com Athlete of the Week for Jan. 15-21.

Evans has the higlest average, boy or girl, in the Portage Trail Conference at 200.4.  Her pin count is at 5611 and she has 14 games with a score of 200 or more.

"She is really good and I am glad I have her for a long time," Coventry bowling coach Dave McCormick said.

The Coventry girls team currently is 6-8.

But during August, September and into October, there was genuine uncertainty whether Evans would be able to bowl this season. Born with a sixth vertebra which causes grinding back pain as well as nerve and muscle damage, Evans went to six specialistsand none could relieve the pain.

She sat out the 2011 soccer season.

"I had so much pain that I could not even sit up at night," she said.

Then in October, luckily and for no apparent reason, the ache ceased.

"It was amazing when the pain left just before the bowling season began," Evans said.  "I remember that first roll after the injury, I was nervous."

Evans is ranked at or near the top of her sophomore class and recalls starting to bowl at age 3. She was a state finalist very early in her career.

"I never used bumpers or two hands," she said. "I loved the sport right away."

Evans bowls regularly five months out of the year, has played soccer for the Comets, and also participates in a number of school and family activities.

Now coping with a nagging wrist injury, she still has compiled a remarkable average in helping her team.

"In two years, I will have a chance to bowl with my younger sister who is real talented," Evans said. "That will be a big deal for our family."

Karlee Evans

Sophomore

Coventry

Bowling

GPA:  4.0

TV:  Make it or Break It

Movie:  The Longest Yard

iPod:  Pink Floyd

Pizza: Sausage

Home Cooking:  Turkey Tettrazini

Class:  Math

Bucket List:  To make a difference