Biography:
Shannon O’Keefe (née Rondeau, born January 27, 1979) is an American professional bowler and bowling coach now living in Shiloh, Illinois. She has made significant contributions to the sport of bowling, both in the United States and internationally. O’Keefe’s achievements are marked by her remarkable skill and accomplishments, as well as her dedication to promoting and developing the sport.
O’Keefe’s journey in bowling began early in her life. As a young girl, she displayed a natural talent for the sport and quickly fell in love with it. Her passion and determination paved the way for a remarkable career that has left a lasting impact.
O’Keefe’s talent and hard work earned her a spot on Team USA in 2005, and she went on to represent her country for an impressive 18 years, retiring from international play in 2022. During her time as a member of Team USA, O’Keefe showcased her skills and proved herself to be a formidable competitor. She earned an impressive eight World Championships, including individual titles in Singles in 2007 and All-Events in 2013. Additionally, she won the Doubles in 2013, Trios in 2011 and 2017, and Teams in 2011 and 2015 at the World Championships. O’Keefe’s success continued when she clinched the gold medal in Singles at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, AL, further solidifying her status as a world-class bowler.
O’Keefe’s success wasn’t limited to international competitions. She also made her mark on the PWBA Tour, where she has 15 titles, including three major championships. Her accomplishments on the tour earned her the prestigious title of PWBA Player of the Year three times, in 2018, 2019, and 2022. O’Keefe’s dedication, skill, and consistency have made her one of the most respected and admired bowlers on the tour.
In addition to her individual achievements, O’Keefe has been an invaluable asset to her teams. As the women’s bowling coach at McKendree University since 2014, she has played a crucial role in the success of the program. Under her guidance, McKendree University’s women’s bowling team has won two NCAA Women’s Bowling National Championships, a testament to O’Keefe’s exceptional coaching abilities and leadership.
Beyond her coaching responsibilities, O’Keefe’s influence extends to the bowling industry. She has been a brand ambassador for Hammer Bowling and is currently a member of the Roto Grip pro staff. She is sponsored by VISE grips, Coolwick sportswear, and BowlerX.com. O’Keefe’s association with these brands further demonstrates her reputation as a top-notch bowler and a respected figure in the industry.
Throughout her career, O’Keefe has faced challenges and obstacles, but her unwavering determination and love for the sport have propelled her forward. Her achievements have made her an inspiration to aspiring bowlers and a role model for women in sports. O’Keefe’s contributions to women’s history in sports cannot be overlooked, as she has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes in the male-dominated world of professional bowling.
Awards:
– Eight-time World Champion (including individual titles in Singles in 2007 and All-Events in 2013)
– Gold medal in Singles at the 2022 World Games
– Winner of the 54th QubicaAMF World Cup in 2018
– Three-time PWBA Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2022)
– 15 titles on the PWBA Tour, including three major championships
– Winner of the 2019 Doubles gold medal at the Pan American Games