Kimes looking forward to new start at Goshen College
STURGIS — Back in early December, Kami Kimes of Sturgis said there was one thing she wanted to accomplish in her final year as a bowler.
"I want to help lead the Sturgis girl's bowling program to its first regional title," she said at the time of her signing a letter of intent to continue her academic and bowling careers with Goshen College.
Just a handful of weeks ago, Kimes and the Lady Trojans won that regional title and qualified for state. Now, the next chapter in her journey is about to begin at the conclusion of her senior year at Sturgis High School.
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Kimes did sign her letter of intent with Goshen and will be a part of the first Maple Leafs bowling team. The school announced bowling for both the men and women to begin in the 2024-25 academic year.
Scott Curtis was tabbed to be the head coach. He coached at Reese High School for some time and said he's looking forward to being a part of the Leafs program.
"I'm from Michigan originally, and I know the state," he said. "I was a part of the (state bowling) board for a long time, and I know a lot of the coaches. There are good bowlers everywhere, it's just a matter of finding them."
Curtis said Kimes is one of those good bowlers, and he was happy to have her agree to commit to competing for Goshen. Kimes said she did not take long to realize it was where she wanted to continue bowling as well.
"It's a very good school, and I felt very at home there," she said. "It seemed very normal, which to me was a sign that I would fit in and like it."
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Kimes has only been bowling for a couple of years. Sturgis head coach Scott Spahr said she's made big improvements in those two years, and she should be able to fit in at the next level.
"She took to it right away; she was open to criticism, and she buys into putting in the work," Spahr said. "That's the big thing with her, she has a work ethic. She is a leader, but she's a quiet leader. I'm super proud of her. She has worked hard for this."
Kimes said she is looking forward to being on the first Goshen College team. In the classroom, where she is a solid student, Kimes said she plans to study nursing during her time on campus.
She's always been a fan of math and science. English, like many high school students, is her least favorite subject. She said going the route of nursing made the most sense for her.
"I've always had a passion for helping people, and this is a way I can give back to the community," she said. "I'm very happy with my decision."
Curtis said having Kimes in the fold with whom to help build from the ground up will be a positive. The entire team this coming season for the Maple Leafs will be new, and Curtis has enjoyed being able to hand pick his athletes and start from scratch.
He said Kimes brings some intangibles that will be helpful.
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"She's very coachable, and that's a big thing. We've had her on campus and had conversations with her," Curtis said. "She's fired up. She wants to give this a shot, and she's a good kid. Plus, she knows that education is a priority for us."
Kimes said she will miss her time at Sturgis with friends and family, including coach Spahr.
"He's always been there with support and always gives us the passion to strive for the best," she said. "He lets me know about mistakes, and those are OK; it's part of bowling, and you look to get better from that."
Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at watson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Kami Kimes signs on to continue bowling at Goshen College
