Growing up in a bowling family, Emily Newbauer has participated in the sport as long as she can remember.

“Ever since I could pick up a bowling ball, I’ve been bowling,” she said.

It shows. Simply put, Newbauer is dominating her sport, and not just at the women’s collegiate level. She is one of the best bowlers in the entire region. Her accolades are many, including being named NAIA All-American First Team, International Bowling Media Association Player of the Year Runner Up, and the Great Lakes Bowling Conference First-Team All-Conference. She won six of the 11 tournaments in which she competed last season, finishing in the top-five in two others, and in the top 10 in two more.

Newbauer’s crowning achievement thus far, however, might be winning the La Crosse City Singles Tournament with an 807 series. La Crosse is widely considered a strong bowling community, and the open tournament featured the best men and women bowlers from the city and surrounding area. She also threw her first elusive 300 game last season, a feat that drew a crowd and round of applause during Wednesday night league bowling.

“I took my game to a higher level during my senior year of high school, but I’ve only improved since receiving more advanced coaching at Viterbo,” said Newbauer, crediting V-Hawk bowling coach Terry McKinney for his expert instruction, communication skills, and the extra time and coaching sessions he puts in with both the team and individual bowlers.

“Bowling is Terry’s life, but it’s mine too,” Newbauer laughed. “And the team is like family.”

A junior from Albertville, Minn., with a strong aptitude for math, Newbauer is majoring in finance at Viterbo with plans to eventually become financial manager. That career aspiration will have to wait though as she pursues another after graduation in May 2027.

“I’m going to try to go full time on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association tour,” she said.

Explore the Program

Viterbo’s finance program blends market analysis, investment strategy, and hands-on learning in the Charles D. Gelatt Finance Simulation Lab to prepare you for real careers in banking, financial advising, corporate finance, and wealth management. With small class sizes and guaranteed paid internships, you gain the technical skills and ethical foundation to make confident financial decisions.