Ohio bowler honored for 50 years at Women’s Championships
May 27, 2026
LAS VEGAS – Shirley Miller of Troy, Ohio, has had a very rewarding experience at the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships over the years, and she recently celebrated her 50th year of tournament participation at the 2026 event in Las Vegas.
This incredible bowler made her tournament debut at the 1975 event in Indianapolis. Miller has visited an amazing total of 29 cities and 22 states for an unbelievable journey around the United States to bowl.
She received a plaque, chevron and commemorative necklace during her presentation at the South Point Bowling Plaza to recognize her milestone achievement.
Miller has been an association manager for the Stillwater Valley USBC for more than 25 years now.
She randomly picked up the sport of bowling in 1966 and has not looked back since.
“When I started my new job and I was working, the girls at my work had already set up a bowling team,” Miller said. “They asked me to sub one night for their team. I had only bowled once before that, but they told me they were just out bowling for the fun of it. I haven’t looked back since.”
Miller has enjoyed all the wonderful people and places she has been to over the years thanks to the Women’s Championships.
“You meet so many interesting people, and you see a lot of different sites and cool places that you probably would never have had the opportunity to visit if it wasn’t for this amazing tournament,” Miller said.
Miller has dedicated the last six years to her friend, Jackie Thompson, who she met in the tournament years earlier.
Sadly, Thompson passed away at the age of 81 in 2020. Thompson was also from Troy, Ohio.
Miller carries Thompson’s legacy of bowling on, though. She brings Thompson’s bowling shoes with her every single year to the Women’s Championships.
“I carry her actual bowling shoes that she gave me before to she passed away to every Women’s Championships,” Miller said. “I wanted to have her make it to this special milestone of 50 years with me, and she’s been with me in spirit even more this year.”
Miller has found happiness when it comes to bowling.
“I mean, I don’t always do my best, but I think what’s important is the nice people you meet here,” Miller said. “It’s just a fun experience to be a part of. Along with getting out of my small town and enjoying the thing I love the most, bowling.”
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
This incredible bowler made her tournament debut at the 1975 event in Indianapolis. Miller has visited an amazing total of 29 cities and 22 states for an unbelievable journey around the United States to bowl.
She received a plaque, chevron and commemorative necklace during her presentation at the South Point Bowling Plaza to recognize her milestone achievement.
Miller has been an association manager for the Stillwater Valley USBC for more than 25 years now.
She randomly picked up the sport of bowling in 1966 and has not looked back since.
“When I started my new job and I was working, the girls at my work had already set up a bowling team,” Miller said. “They asked me to sub one night for their team. I had only bowled once before that, but they told me they were just out bowling for the fun of it. I haven’t looked back since.”
Miller has enjoyed all the wonderful people and places she has been to over the years thanks to the Women’s Championships.
“You meet so many interesting people, and you see a lot of different sites and cool places that you probably would never have had the opportunity to visit if it wasn’t for this amazing tournament,” Miller said.
Miller has dedicated the last six years to her friend, Jackie Thompson, who she met in the tournament years earlier.
Sadly, Thompson passed away at the age of 81 in 2020. Thompson was also from Troy, Ohio.
Miller carries Thompson’s legacy of bowling on, though. She brings Thompson’s bowling shoes with her every single year to the Women’s Championships.
“I carry her actual bowling shoes that she gave me before to she passed away to every Women’s Championships,” Miller said. “I wanted to have her make it to this special milestone of 50 years with me, and she’s been with me in spirit even more this year.”
Miller has found happiness when it comes to bowling.
“I mean, I don’t always do my best, but I think what’s important is the nice people you meet here,” Miller said. “It’s just a fun experience to be a part of. Along with getting out of my small town and enjoying the thing I love the most, bowling.”
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.