Klempa signs Two-Hander from Spokane

The fifth-ranked Nebraska Bowling team has signed its first recruit of the 2027 class on national signing day, two-hander Candace Van Tine from Spokane, Wash., Head Coach Paul Klempa announced Wednesday.

The Spokane Virtual Academy product brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Huskers' roster. She is a 2027 Team USA Futures Team member, and was a second place finisher in Junior Gold U16 Girls in 2026 and a third place finisher in Junior Gold U15 in 2025. She is a four-time undefeated Washington State Pepsi champion and Pepsi Sectional champion from 2023-26. Van Tine is also a 16-time Storm Youth Championships medalist, winning the Oregon U18 Girls Championship and Boise U15 Championship in 2024. Additionally, she is a two-time Junior Bowlers Tour Scratch Champion Spare Time Shootout winner, most recently in 2025.

The daughter of Nathan and Valerie, Van Tine also has a brother, Cameron. She intends to major in athletic training with the goal of graduating with a Master's of Science to eventually work as a trainer for a professional sports organization.

Klempa on Van Tine: "(She) is a very accomplished player who was sought after by several of the top schools. We feel blessed that she chose to join our Husker Bowling family. She will be a greta addition to the team and will help us competitively right away. We look forward to all the exciting things Candace will achieve in her Husker career."

Van Tine on her reason for choosing Nebraska: "I loved the people, the coaches and the campus."