Born: 1967 (Roseville, California)
Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg (born August 18, 1967) is a former professional bowler who had a remarkable career on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour. With a career spanning 17 years, she cemented her legacy as one of the top female bowlers of all time, winning 26 PWBA titles and earning numerous accolades.
Leanne Barrette was born on August 18, 1967, in Roseville, California. Her passion for bowling ignited at a young age, and she quickly displayed her natural talent on the lanes. At the age of 19, Barrette turned professional in 1987, making an immediate impact and capturing three PWBA titles along with the Rookie of the Year honors.
The pinnacle of Barrette’s career came in 1991 when she had a spectacular season. She clinched three titles, emerged as the leading money winner on the PWBA tour, and secured both the PWBA Player of the Year and the prestigious Bowler of the Year honors from the Bowling Writers Association of America. This remarkable feat solidified her status as one of the sport’s elite athletes.
In 1999, Barrette secured her first major title by winning the USBC Queens tournament (then known as the WIBC Queens). This triumph marked a significant milestone in her career and further established her as a force to be reckoned with in the bowling world. With five more titles achieved between 2001 and 2002, Barrette was steadily closing in on Lisa Wagner’s record of 32 PWBA titles, leading bowling writers to speculate that she had the potential to surpass the record.
However, Barrette’s pursuit of further accolades was put on hold when the PWBA suspended operations in 2003, going on an 11-year hiatus. Despite this setback, Barrette’s talent and determination remained undiminished. She proved her resilience and commitment to the sport by continuing to compete in various tournaments and maintaining her status as one of women’s bowling’s most respected figures.
In 2007, Barrette’s illustrious career was celebrated when she was elected to the USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance. The following year, she was inducted into the PWBA Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class. These prestigious inductions solidified her rightful place among the bowling greats and honored her contributions to the sport throughout her career.
Barrette’s success and longevity on the lanes were a testament to her skill, determination, and love for the game. Her unwavering dedication to her craft earned her a nickname, Boomer, and made her a familiar face during the heyday of televised women’s bowling. In fact, she made over 100 appearances on TV throughout her career, captivating audiences with her exceptional performances.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Barrette also exemplified sportsmanship and professionalism. She was recognized by her PWBA peers with two Robby Awards, which honored her outstanding conduct and behavior on and off the lanes.
Barrette retired from professional bowling, but her passion for the sport continued to burn. In 2017, she joined Senior Team USA and had immediate success. Alongside her teammates, she contributed to winning team gold medals at the World Bowling Senior Championships in 2017 and 2019. She also clinched the All-Events gold in both years and won the Doubles event in 2019 with her partner Tish Johnson.
Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg’s impact on women’s bowling and her achievements on the lanes solidify her place in history. Her mastery of the sport, numerous titles, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of women bowlers to strive for greatness.
Awards:
– PWBA Player of the Year (1990, 1991, 2002)
– USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance (2007)
– PWBA Hall of Fame (2019)
– USBC Queens champion (1999)
– Robby Awards (2)