Editors Note: From its birthday in August 2015, to now. What started out as a vision and a dream then. The Ball Busters Womens League, has since grown into one of the most competitive female bowling leagues in Arizona.
Below is a recap of their first 10 years of league bowling.
Story And Photo is courtesy of the Ball Busters Womens Bowling League.
Chandler - - - On April 27, 2027 twenty four teams converged on the American Italian Club in Phoenix, Az for the annual awards banquet. This year’s event marked the 10 year anniversary of the Lady Ball Busters league. The night began with a welcome by President Dawn Johnson followed by the notorious Loehr- Maxwell awards. Throughout the year these two ladies learn unique things about the bowlers in the league and award them with special and most of the times hilarious gifts that complement the team or the individual. All in the name of fun.
The evening continued with recognition of the Bowlers the best of the Month. Each month, the highest scratch score from three different divisions is used to determine the honorees. The divisions are based on average as follows: Division I – 166 average and above, Division II – 133–165 average, and Division III – 132 and below.
Bowlers of the Months were: Division I: Ericka Berg (279), Haylee Coor (300), Mickey Hicks (269), Arica Hanna (268), Dawn Johnson (277), Marie Redlin (278), and Christine Shropshire (257).
Division II: Stacie Kraige (230), Jennifer Harris (238), Rhonda Huddlemeyer (241), Tiffany Reese-Ellis (222), Pam Weise (220), Kelley Crosby (225) and Amanda Cavanaugh (243).
Division III: Casey Dozhier (205), Kim Kelley (182), Lydia Terry (195), Kim Williams (199), Shannon Hay (213), Carol McCant and Sandy Maggio (178) and Amey Johnson (208).
Each of the bowlers Bowlers of the Month were recognized with beautiful trophies provided by sponsors, Copper Canyon Coatings and LeBaron Carroll insurance. Other sponsors included Virtue Bowling Supply and Sincerely Supermom.
At the end of the season, these bowlers compete for the opportunity to be named Bowler of the Year in their respective divisions. On April 13, 2026, the Bowlers of the Month participated in a three-game series using their league scores. The field was narrowed to four bowlers after the first game, then to two after the second, with the final two competitors using their third-game score to determine the title. The 2025–2026 Bowlers of the Year were: Division I – Arica Hanna, Division II – Stacie Kraige, and Division III – Sandy Maggio. The Division III title came down to an exciting finish, with Sandy Maggio needing to strike in the final frame to secure the win by just two pins.
The idea of “Bowler of the Month” originated with league secretary Cynthia Coor’s aunt, Vangie Johansen, who owned and operated Ponderosa Lanes in Lakeside. She believed it was important to recognize bowlers’ achievements throughout the year. Coor carried on that tradition by bringing the Bowler of the Month recognition to the Ball Busters league, ensuring that outstanding performances continue to be celebrated.
Ten women who have been part of the league since its inception were recognized as founding members: Shelly Dickens, Haylee Coor, Stacie Kraige, Dawn Johnson, Sandy Maggio, Mary Striebel, Cindy Loehr, Skeeter Maxwell, Mary Jane Douthat, and Cynthia Coor. To commemorate this milestone, Sincerely Supermom (Arica Hanna) generously donated beautifully designed mugs featuring the “10 Amazing Years” emblem along with the names of sponsors.
The evening featured a special drawing for two American flags handcrafted by Mike Coor. The lucky winners were Ann Poole and Gretchen Geerdes.Prize money was distributed, and both league champions and runners-up were presented with trophies in recognition of their accomplishments. The 2025–2026 league champions were “Punch ’Em In The Face,” with team members Gayle Guild, DeAnn Padilla, Tameisha Bell, and Joni Smrek. The runner-up team, “Family Affair,” included Mary Jane Douthat, Martha Greene, Terry Chynoweth, and Jessica Vance.
The league began its journey in 2015 at Mesa East Bowl with just 11 teams. Over the past ten years, it has grown into a thriving community of 24 teams. What makes this league truly special is its mission to empower, support, and encourage women of all skill levels, regardless of average. It’s more than just bowling—it’s a dedicated “me night” for ladies to unwind, connect, and have fun. Along the way, it has fostered lifelong friendships and continues to grow stronger each season.
A special thank you goes out to Rhonda Huddlemeyer for her gracious donation of custom cupcakes representing the 10 year anniversary. Additional appreciation is extended to Virtue Bowling Supply for their continued partnership with the Ball Busters league. Any lady interested in joining the Ball Busters League on Monday nights at Kyrene Lanes may contact Cynthia Coor via email at Ballbusters2016@gmail.com. The fall meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2026, with the location to be determined.