Valparaiso bowling head coach Matt Nantais announced today that Gabriella Mayfield will join the Crusader bowling program for the 2015-16 season as an assistant coach. Mayfield comes to Valpo from bowling powerhouse Central Missouri, where she was a two-time All-American and helped her team to four NCAA Bowling Championship appearances.

“I cannot thank Coach Nantais enough for the opportunity to further my education, both by obtaining a master’s degree and by allowing me to fulfill my dream to become a NCAA bowling coach,” said Mayfield. “I am extremely blessed to work with such a talented group of girls and one of the best coaches in the nation. I am excited to see what this season holds with many seasoned returnees and a talented freshman class.”

A standout on the national bowling circuit pre-college, Mayfield made an immediate impact on the Central Missouri program, earning tournament MVP honors at her first career tournament. She went on to earn a total of four All-Tournament honors as a freshman and was named the NTCA Division II/III national Rookie of the Year, as well as an honorable mention All-American. Mayfield also claimed honorable mention All-American accolades as a junior. She closed her collegiate career with a total of 12 All-Tournament Team nods and helped lead UCM to NCAA appearances in each of her four seasons.

“I am very excited to have Gabby join the Valpo Bowling family this year,” said Nantais. “She has a world of experience and has competed at the highest level most of her career. She brings with her a desire to compete and win at the highest level. I am looking forward to what the season has in store for us.”

Mayfield earned her USBC Silver Certificate for coaching in 2013. While still competing for the Jennies as a senior, she also served as the program’s director of bowling operations for a year-long internship, creating a handbook for the position throughout the season.

“Working as the director of bowling operations gave me a better understanding on how a collegiate athletic program functions from the inside out,” said Mayfield. “With this experience, I feel like this will allow me to help Coach Nantais throughout the season to my full potential.”

Also a standout in the classroom, Mayfield was a two-time NTCA Academic All-American and spent three years on the dean’s list. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri in sport management and physical education, and will pursue a master’s degree in sport administration at Valpo. While coaching, Mayfield will continue to compete at a national level with the newly formed Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) and Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) regional events. She is also on staff with Vise Inserts and Brunswick Bowling.