Athlete Selection

Darren Tang (left) and Shannon Pluhowsky proudly display their trophies after winning their respective divisons at the 2024 Team USA Trials in Las Vegas.

ATHLETE SELECTION
Earning the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2027 Pan American Games begins with performance at the highest level. Athletes selected to compete in Lima will come from the 2027 Team USA roster, which is determined at the 2027 Team Trials. From the 2027 Team USA, up to two men and two women will be selected to compete at the Pan American Games, with final team size dependent on quota places earned through the Pan-American Bowling Confederation (PABCON).

The selection process is designed to identify athletes through a combination of performance at major championship events. All athletes must first earn a position on Team USA through the 2027 Team Trials, and those selected will then compete in required evaluation events including the 2027 Team Trials, the 2027 USBC Masters for men, and the 2027 USBC Queens for women. Performance across these events determines selection using a weighted points system.

Pan American Games selection is based on a combined scoring system where 60 percent of an athlete’s total comes from performance at the Team Trials, including daily standings and total pinfall, and 40 percent comes from performance at the USBC Masters or USBC Queens, including both qualifying position and final match play results. Athletes are ranked based on their total points, with the lowest point totals indicating the strongest overall performance. The top-ranked athletes per gender will be nominated to represent Team USA in Lima.

To be eligible, athletes must meet all requirements established by USBC, Panam Sports, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, including holding a valid U.S. passport, maintaining active USBC membership, and complying with all SafeSport, anti-doping, and athlete conduct policies. Athletes must also be in good standing and complete all required documentation and eligibility standards leading into the Games.

Athletes who are selected to represent Team USA at the Pan American Games will be required to attend a pre-event training camp at the International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas. This minicamp serves as a final phase of preparation, ensuring athletes are ready to compete together as Team USA on the international stage.

Representing Team USA at the Pan American Games is one of the highest honors in the sport. The selection process reflects that standard rewarding performance and the ability to compete at the highest level when it matters most.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2027 Pan American Games Athlete Selection Procedure. 

Want to learn more about the 2027 Pan American Games Staff Selection Procedure? CLICK HERE.