Tournament champion celebrates 50 years at Women’s Championships
June 08, 2026
LAS VEGAS – Jennette James of Syosset, New York, recently achieved a major milestone of 50 appearances at the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships.
In reaching the milestone, James was presented with a plaque, chevron and commemorative necklace at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Her bowling career started at her job, where a lady would ask her to bowl. This is when she started to love the sport over time.
“They had a bowling lady, and she would say, ‘Come on, Jennette, come on,’” said James, who made her debut at the Women’s Championships during the 1974 event in Houston. “Then I got into it, and I really loved it. It got to the point where it was difficult for me to miss a day of bowling.”
In her road to 50 years, James had a little hiccup and missed two years due to back surgery. It was the only moment in her career when she wasn’t able to make an appearance at the Women’s Championships.
“It would have been consecutive except for ’87 and ’88,” James said. “I had to have a back operation, and I missed those two years. It’s funny because the therapist was also a bowler and was adamant on getting me back to competing.”
After taking a break from bowling due to the surgery, it wasn’t hard for James to get back into the swing of things.
“It was like riding a bike, coming back to bowling after missing it for those years,” James said.
Throughout the years, James had one memory that was her favorite. That moment was back in 1975 in Indianapolis, where she won the Classic Doubles title with Dawn Raddatz. They posted a 1,234 score to secure the victory.
“Winning the national tournament, where I won doubles,” James said. “It was with a lady I bowled with, and we just clicked.”
Over time, James also has loved traveling to different cities and states to bowl the tournament. This made her appearance more exciting, as it was an adventure to look forward to each year.
“I just enjoy bowling and getting the chance to go and visit other states, it’s so much fun,” James said.
Wrapping up her special moment at the tournament, James was over the moon to reach this major milestone. She's still in disbelief that she finally hit her 50th and plans to keep on going.
“It’s just a lot – like, wow, 50 years – that’s a lot,” James said. “I just truly enjoyed today, meeting all these different ladies from different states. It’s just wonderful.”
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.
In reaching the milestone, James was presented with a plaque, chevron and commemorative necklace at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Her bowling career started at her job, where a lady would ask her to bowl. This is when she started to love the sport over time.
“They had a bowling lady, and she would say, ‘Come on, Jennette, come on,’” said James, who made her debut at the Women’s Championships during the 1974 event in Houston. “Then I got into it, and I really loved it. It got to the point where it was difficult for me to miss a day of bowling.”
In her road to 50 years, James had a little hiccup and missed two years due to back surgery. It was the only moment in her career when she wasn’t able to make an appearance at the Women’s Championships.
“It would have been consecutive except for ’87 and ’88,” James said. “I had to have a back operation, and I missed those two years. It’s funny because the therapist was also a bowler and was adamant on getting me back to competing.”
After taking a break from bowling due to the surgery, it wasn’t hard for James to get back into the swing of things.
“It was like riding a bike, coming back to bowling after missing it for those years,” James said.
Throughout the years, James had one memory that was her favorite. That moment was back in 1975 in Indianapolis, where she won the Classic Doubles title with Dawn Raddatz. They posted a 1,234 score to secure the victory.
“Winning the national tournament, where I won doubles,” James said. “It was with a lady I bowled with, and we just clicked.”
Over time, James also has loved traveling to different cities and states to bowl the tournament. This made her appearance more exciting, as it was an adventure to look forward to each year.
“I just enjoy bowling and getting the chance to go and visit other states, it’s so much fun,” James said.
Wrapping up her special moment at the tournament, James was over the moon to reach this major milestone. She's still in disbelief that she finally hit her 50th and plans to keep on going.
“It’s just a lot – like, wow, 50 years – that’s a lot,” James said. “I just truly enjoyed today, meeting all these different ladies from different states. It’s just wonderful.”
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.