Still only 31, Asbaty has accumu-


lated more than 60 international medals, including gold with Team USA and at the World Champion- ships. She’s captured pro titles under the glare of television lights, win- ning a PBA Women’s Series event and a PBA Mixed Doubles title. But none of those triumphs pre-


pared her for the level of elation or fl ood of emotions that overcame her after the 10th


frame strike that


sealed a 244-218 victory over Caro- lyn Dorin-Ballard at the 2012 USBC Queens, securing her fi rst major title. “I felt a high I’d never felt be-


fore,” Asbaty recalled days after claiming the Queens tiara. “I was in a state of euphoria. It was like a dream. I just couldn’t believe it. I’ve won big titles in the past, but nothing ever felt like this.” The extra boost of adrenaline


Asbaty experienced could prob- ably be traced to several factors. For starters, Asbaty is the fi rst


to admit that, despite all the hard- ware and accolades she’s already collared, her career would have been painfully incomplete with- out a major professional title. “The lack of a major was every-


thing,” she admitted. “I would not have retired from bowling until I had a major. I would have bowled forever chasing it if I needed to. “I think that’s one of the rea-


sons I was so elated. The ma- jors are so hard to win because


KILLER QUEEN: Click the video above to watch Diandra Asbaty close out her 2012 USBC Queens victory with three perfect strikes in the final frame.


there are so few opportunities, the fi elds are always so diffi cult and the players are so focused.” Additionally, for the fi rst time


since her youth, bowling wasn’t the most important thing in Asbaty’s life. The birth of her and husband John’s son, Madden, in August 2010, was a welcome challenge to her ca- reer, but a challenge nonetheless. “Having Madden was the best


thing ever,” Asbaty acknowledged. “But I’ve struggled fi nding the bal- ance in my life. I’ve got a lot on my plate with Madden, our coach- ing company [International Art of Bowling with pro bowler Jason Belmonte and renowned coach Ron Hoppe] and bowling. I won- dered if I could still compete at this level and be a great mother. “The answer is yes. You can have


14 USBOWLER MAY 2012


a family and still reach your dreams. Carolyn and Lynda [Barnes] were the ones who showed me that was possible. They were on top, had kids and then got back on top.” Not that the road back to the top


was easy or happened overnight. As- baty struggled more times than not in pro events since Madden’s birth. Still, she missed precious few oppor- tunities to work on her game under


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