Editors Note: Ever since she recorded her first honor score as a junior bowler, on August 7,1999 at Bowl ElPaso in El Paso, TX. An honor score that included a 289-700 series. Kyndle Tooke-Farrell of Tucson, has quietly been accomplishing great things in bowling. Here is a story on where her journey began in bowling, to where it is today.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor - thetenpinexpress.com
Pictured Above Is: Kyndle Tooke-Farrell of Tucson. Demonstrating the kick that made her famous at the 2025 Women's OC at South Point.
Tucson, AZ. - - - About 90 miles south of Phoenix, down in Old Pueblo, aka as Tucson, Arizona. And on any given night in league play. There are eight ladies that come to mind, who can give each other a run for their money. Where anything can happen in a positive sense by the end of league, and it always does.
Those seven of the eight ladies are as follows: Heidi Woods. Kalyn Arthurs. Shawna Strause. Amanda Falk. Bryanna Coté. Lori Elfont and Michelle McNew. These women set a very high standard for competitive bowling in Tucson, and the State of Arizona.
And now Kyndle Tooke-Farrell of Tucson, can be included as the eighth member of this elite group of ladies. Ever since she relocated to Tucson, from El Paso, TX., prior to the start of the 2014-15 season. She has always made her presence known in leagues and tournaments down south, and in the State of Arizona itself. She has quietly been getting the job done on the lanes without much attention being drawn to her.
"Before moving, I worked for four years as the Medical Transcriptionist for the Office of the Medical Examiner in El Paso. After my daughter Teagan was born, I left the position. My husband, Nick was working as a Death Investigator with the El Paso Medical Examiner’s Office at the time and the economy was struggling. There was a hiring freeze and the yearly cost of living increase in pay had not been provided in years. As a young family of three, something had to change," she said, of her move from El Paso to Tucson. "My Dad pitched a business venture that would include hiring my husband. He created Ice Ice Tucson, Inc., which now has several ice and water kiosks and locations across Tucson and Nogales. It was a big move — but one I was excited and ready for."
The TV series 'Quincy' aired on network television from 1976-1983. Jack Klugman portrayed a coroner, who solved cases that others could not.
"Working in a Medical Examiner’s Office was interesting to say the least. You see so much more than most people could probably ever even think about. You are talking to people during one of the worst — if not the worst — moments of their lives," she said, of her experience. "Hearing the occasional “thank you so much” through tears on the other end of the phone always made the work worth it.
it takes a special kind of person to work in that environment, and it absolutely leaves a mental impression that stays with you."
El Paso is where she got her start in bowling, and it didn't take her long to figure out she would be good in this game if she continued to work hard at it. As a junior bowler, she recorded her first 700 series on August 7, 1999, at Bowl El Paso. Her series of 700 exactly, included a 289.
"Bowling has been a part of my life for almost 39 years, and I am only 41. I fell in love with the sport at a very young age. My parents bowled in leagues in El Paso, and I tagged along every week before eventually picking up the game myself," she said, of her start in the game. "At age five, I competed in my first Texas State Tournament, sparking what would become a lifelong commitment to bowling."
And what is it about her first honor score that she will always remember?
"I needed to convert a 10-pin to finish exactly at 700, and when I did, I heard cheering from the parents. At that age, I didn’t fully understand the significance — but now it remains one of the most memorable moments of my youth career."
Her best season as an adult, came during the 2009-10 campaign, where she averaged 219 for 80 games in the Wednesday Night Mixed League at Fiesta Lanes in El Paso. Yes, there is another Fiesta Lanes outside of Tucson.
"That year I won the El Paso Women’s High Average award," she said, of the 2009-10 season. "At the time, I worked as Assistant Manager, League Coordinator, Pro Shop staff, and Front Desk employee. Bowling three leagues at two different centers strengthened my versatility. "Leaving the City of El Paso and bowling community where I grew up in was scary at first, but also exciting. I hoped to build new relationships and continue growing as a bowler — and Tucson offered exactly that."
It didn't take Kyndle long to make her presence known in the Tucson bowling community after completing her move from El Paso. Since 2014 she has accomplished the following:
Tucson Metro Titles: • 2014 Women’s Team Scratch. • 2014 Women’s Singles Scratch. • 2015 Women’s Team Scratch. • 2016 Women’s Team Scratch. • 2016 Queens Champion. •• 2018 Women’s All Events Scratch (2270). • 2018 2nd Place Women’s Singles Scratch. • 2020 Women’s Singles Scratch. • 2023 Women’s Singles Scratch. • 2023 Women’s Team Scratch. • 2025 Women’s Team Scratch • 2025 2nd Place Tucson Open City Doubles Handicap (Highest female doubles finish).
Her Arizona State Titles & Finishes are impressive as well: 2014 Women’s Singles Scratch. 2016 Women’s Doubles Scratch (1537 State Record). 2017 Women’s Doubles Scratch. 2023 Women’s Team Scratch. 2023 2nd Place Women’s Handicap Team. 2025 1st Place Women’s Team Scratch. 2025 1st Place Women’s Team Handicap 2025 3rd Place Women’s Singles Handicap. 2025 3rd Place Women’s All Events Handicap. 2025 5th Place Women’s All Events Scratch. 2025 4th Place Open State Scratch All Events.
"The Tucson bowling community welcomed me with open arms. Many of my closest friendships today were formed here, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and camaraderie this city has brought into my life," she said, of the Tucson bowling community. "Tucson is filled with opportunities: tournaments year-round, multiple centers, and a strong culture of high-average bowlers and Hall of Famers. The competitive drive here pushes everyone to improve."
One of those friendships she made right away, was with Kalyn Washburn-Arthurs. The two of them won back-to-back state doubles titles in 2016 and 2017.
"We encouraged each other, made adjustments quickly, and approached every frame as a team," she said, of her success with Kalyn, in winning the back-to-back state doubles titles. "Kalyn and I share similar strengths and communicate exceptionally well. We trust each other and respond positively to constructive feedback. 2016–1537 Scratch (775 Kyndle -765 Kalyn) – State Record at the time 2017–1327 Scratch (636 Kyndle- 690 Kalyn) Winning back-to-back titles was incredible — something I never imagined possible."
Since 2004-05, she has also averaged 200 + in at least one league she has bowled in. A streak that has gone on for 21 years now. 2009-10, continues to be her best year with a 219 average. Her highest series to date is a 300-833, that was bowled at Cactus Bowl in Tucson on January 13, 2018. She has a simple philosophy on why she has been able to continue to do this.
"I genuinely love bowling as a team. Growing up in the 3rd or 4th lineup spot taught me how to handle pressure and stay calm during crucial frames. Those experiences helped me become consistent enough to average 200+ in at least one league every season since 2004–05," she said, of her streak. "I currently have five 300 games (one unrecorded), but my proudest accomplishment is my 833 series at the Tucson Women’s City Tournament. It included a 300 game and contributed to a 2270 Scratch All-Events total. I later learned I was pregnant with my daughter Jolee during that tournament, making it even more meaningful."
She has also been able to occasionally bowl in a national PWBA tournament also. That occurred in 2018 at the Tucson Open at Golden Pin Lanes in Tucson. The bowling center closed for good following the event. Shannon O' Keefe won the tournament. Arizona was well represented to say good-bye to Golden Pin Lanes. Liz Kuhlkin rolled the last 299 in the center, during the televised finals. Kelly Kulick rolled the last 300 game in the center during the cashier's round.
"Competing in the PWBA event that closed out Golden Pin Lanes was incredibly meaningful, especially with my entire family present," she said. "The event didn’t unfold as I hoped, and mentally it was tough — but it taught me resilience and reminded me of my love for the sport."
A Pima County service center was supposed to be built on the former site of Golden Pin Lanes, and we were wondering if anything has transpired since the closure of Golden Pin Lanes.
"Golden Pin was my favorite bowling alley in Tucson," she said. "Its closure was heartbreaking. Seeing the site redeveloped has been difficult — it once hosted incredible tournaments and leagues. I am grateful I bowled many leagues and tournaments there. Many friendships were formed within those walls, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
"So much of my success comes from the people around me. Teammates who are not only talented, but uplifting, and truly supportive. Being part of a group like that makes all the difference," she continued, on bowling on the national stage. "Our 11th-place finish at the 2025 USBC Women’s National Championships is something I still smile about. We knew we had a strong team and the potential to do well, but watching everything come together was unforgettable. Our team dynamic was so solid, and it showed. We steadily climbed the standings and held first place for a long time. What made it even more meaningful was my parents made the trip. Having them there — after decades of supporting my bowling — meant the world to me. We ultimately missed the national title by only 77 pins. Showing how close we were to something extraordinary. Competing at that level, performing that well, and sharing it with my parents is something I will never forget. It will remain one of my favorite bowling memories."
After it was all said and done at the Women's OC in 2025, she accomplished the following: •11th Place Team. • 187th Place Singles. • 110th Place Doubles. • 144th Place All Events. • 218 Tournament Average.
If you know Kyndle well, you know she has some interesting mannerism's that she uses on the lanes. We will let her explain the mannerism's that she does use on the lanes. They are often imitated by others, but not as done as well as the original.
"My leg kick began naturally after moving to Tucson. If a shot is close to missing, the kick instinctively comes out," she said, of her mannerism's. "Right-leg kick for a 10-pin. High left-leg kick on a wide shot. People often ask if I was a cheerleader, and the answer is no. I didn’t realize how high the kick was until my dad filmed me at Women’s Nationals. That clip captured one of my favorite shots and became my Facebook profile picture."
If you bowl as much as she does, there are times when she has had to deal with adversity. She has a simple way of dealing with it and conquering it.
"I used to dwell on misses, but experience taught me to analyze instead of overthinking," said. "I now ask myself: Did I execute correctly? Did I miss my mark? Do I need a ball change? My motto is: “The last shot is in the past.” If my timing is off, I slow my steps and count to reset my rhythm."
But it's nice to know, she always has a support system around her, to help her reach the next level of bowling.
"I work for my dad, in a secretarial position with Ice Ice Tucson, Inc., and I’m blessed to work from home. This allows me to be available for my children while adjusting my workload as needed. My husband sets his own schedule, and one of the ways we maintain balance is by bowling on different nights, ensuring one of us is always home with our daughters," she said, of her work-life balance. "Family is my number one priority, and bowling will always fit around what matters most. My time working at the Medical Examiner’s Office gave me a deep appreciation for life and the importance of being present with those I love."
During her bowling career, this is the first time she has had a story written about her.
"If I’m being honest, I’m not really sure. I’ve never had an article written solely about me before. It was unexpected but greatly appreciated," she said, of the attention. "No matter what comes from it, I’m grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share my journey."
We enjoyed telling the story of your journey. Keep up the great work! on the lanes.
Arizona Bowling News - December 17, 2025