When Gretchen Daenell took over as head coach of the Cumberland County Jets bowling program in August, Daenell said she stepped into a role that balances competition, safety, and school pride.
Daenell, who teaches at Cumberland County High School and holds a degree from Tennessee Tech, assumed leadership of the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams following the tenure of former coach Daniel Rickman. Daenell said she credits him with helping ease her transition into the program.
“Coach Rickman has been able to help me get used to coaching bowling,” Daenell said. “I enjoy supporting the students as they compete. It gives them an opportunity to find a way to represent their school and show school spirit while learning a skill that they will actually bowl probably all life long.”
Before the season began, Daenell completed professional development and training courses required by TSSAA to ensure she met coaching standards and safety regulations.
“They put in certain guidelines,” Daenell said. “They put in safety guidelines for what you have to wear and practice. It’s all done to keep the bowlers safe while bowling.”
This season, Daenell takes charge of a boys’ roster that features ten bowlers, a mix of experienced athletes and newcomers. The group has leaned on one another as they learn and grow together, something Daenell said has been one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.
“They share their skill sets and help guide one another, especially with the new bowlers about how to hold your ball, how to improve their approach,” Daenell said. “They’re very supportive. It’s very much a family atmosphere.”
Daenell coached her first bowling game earlier this month. She will look to take the Jets to the state playoffs for the first time since 2003.