Green Bay, Wis. - Two-time NTCA All-American Jillian Martin made history Tuesday night as she became the youngest USBC Queens Champion after defeating top-seeded Hope Gramly at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, marking her second professional title and first career major.
Dating back to 1961, the USBC Queens stands as a landmark major in the PWBA organization. The best bowlers from around the country vie for the chance at the coveted tiara and a check of $60,000. Martin’s victory marks the second-straight Husker Queens champ after the 2023 victory by Linsday (Baker) Boomershine. Martin also becomes the fifth Husker all-time to win the crown and third in the last four years dating back to the 2021 Queens, won by current assistant coach Julia Bond.
Martin, the Husker junior to be, earned the overall No. 3 seed in the stepladder finals. Former Husker great Boomershine sat at the No. 5 seed, followed by No. 4 Felicia Wong, No. 2 Kelly Kulick and No. 1 Hope Gramly. Boomershine kicked things off in the finals against No. 4 Wong. Boomershine took the first win 193-154 to advance against No. 3 Martin. In a tight match, Martin emerged victorious 206-186 to face No. 2 Kulick. With her second 200 in the finals, Martin advanced to the title match with a 219-183 victory against No. 1 Hope Gramly. Gramly, the 2023 PWBA Rookie of the Year would remain close, but a massive 267-220 win, would clinch Martin the title, adding a historic moment to her resume.
The 2024 Queens began with 186 bowlers. After 15 games of qualifying over the course of three days, the top 64 players advanced to match play.
“I lost the first match, but no matter what happened I just kept getting back up and I kept fighting,” Martin said. “Just really grateful for the people around me.”
The PWBA Tour season continues May 28-June 3 at the PWBA Classic Series – Nashville at Smyrna Bowling Center in Smyrna, Tenn.