Holy Angels’ Kaitlyn Zheng Named NJ.com Athlete of the Week: A Trailblazer in Bowling and Beyond

Kaitlyn Zheng, a junior at the Academy of the Holy Angels, has earned the prestigious NJ.com Athlete of the Week honor, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport. With a remarkable journey that began as a freshman who had never bowled competitively, Kaitlyn has become a standout athlete, consistently raising the bar for herself and her team.

Zheng’s accolades speak volumes about her commitment and skill. She was named First Team All-County and Second Team All-State during her sophomore year, solidifying her place as one of the state’s elite bowlers. This year, Kaitlyn also earned a spot on the 2024 United States Bowling Congress Honor Wall for achieving the rare and challenging 4-6 split conversion.

Kaitlyn’s rise in the bowling world has been meteoric. Reflecting on her humble beginnings, she shared, “I hadn’t even touched a bowling ball until my first day of tryouts.” Despite her inexperience, Kaitlyn’s natural ability and dedication quickly propelled her to success. As a freshman, she began bowling for the Holy Angels team, inspired by her longtime friend and teammate, Carina Ardizzone. Since then, Kaitlyn has become a driving force for the team, averaging an impressive 218 during the opening week of this season and earning the title of individual medalist at the first two North Jersey tournaments.

Her achievements don’t stop there. Kaitlyn has been named NJ.com Bowler of the Week three times and has competed in multiple bowling leagues, often finishing in first place. Despite her busy schedule, she has managed to balance athletics with other pursuits, including her role in Holy Angels’ orchestra and jazz ensemble, where she plays the timpani and drums.

In addition to her accomplishments on the lanes, Kaitlyn’s adventurous spirit shines through in other areas of her life. From taking on new challenges to balancing her academic responsibilities with a part-time role at her family’s restaurant, Kaitlyn exemplifies resilience and versatility.

Congratulations to Kaitlyn on her well-deserved recognition as NJ.com Athlete of the Week.