2025-26 Union Bowling Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – With the 2025-26 season quickly approaching, the Union Commonwealth University bowling teams are preparing to hit the lanes with renewed energy, young talent, and strong leadership emerging on both the men's and women's sides.

Head coach Tom Doyle enters the year with high expectations, especially with several newcomers ready to make an immediate impact.

"I am excited about the men's team this year," Doyle said. "With just two returning players from last year, we will be relying on several freshmen to step up and form a building platform for our program. The talent on this team is as good as I have had since I have been here, so my expectations have soared."

On the men's side, junior Hunter Cain and freshman standout Gunner Watson will play key roles in guiding the young roster.

"With Hunter being the only junior on the team along with a superstar freshman in Gunner, I will be relying on these two in guiding the team this year," Doyle said.

The women's team also enters the season with a youthful core. Doyle noted that senior Olivia Brock anchors the lineup, but several new faces have stood out early.

"The women's team is also very young," he said. "Olivia is the only upperclassman on the team. The freshmen who have come in have put a smile on my face. Their personalities shine, and their skills have surprised me early on. I've been pleasantly surprised at their eagerness to learn and perform right away."

Leadership will be critical for both programs, particularly with young rosters and limited upperclassmen.

Cain, the lone upperclassman on the men's side, understands the responsibility.

"As the only upperclassman, I see myself taking an active role in guiding and supporting my teammates both during practices and meets," Cain said.

"I want to be a leader who leads by example and creates an environment where everyone feels supported, motivated, and accountable to each other."

On the women's side, Doyle highlighted sophomore Laila Lambert, along with freshmen Abigail Merten, Brylie Gold, and Alyssa Mueller, as important voices to set the standard for the future.

Lambert embraces that role.

"I see myself stepping up by leading through example and by being encouraging and supportive, whether that's pushing someone through a tough practice or celebrating their successes," Lambert said.

Brock, the team's lone upperclassman, echoed that sentiment.

"As the only upperclassman, my actions carry weight," Brock said.

"I want to model resilience, sportsmanship, and discipline. My goal is to help our newest teammates navigate challenges and set goals for the season. I want to lead with collaboration at the core—listening, valuing input, and creating a family vibe that will help us thrive as a team."

Both teams have emphasized building chemistry and skills during preseason.

Cain reflected on the men's team progress.

"Preseason training has been going very well. It's been exciting to work with our new freshmen and see them get involved, as well as to continue developing as a team," Cain said.

Lambert highlighted the importance of bonding on the women's side.

"I feel like our preseason has been really beneficial this year," she said.

"We've grown a lot closer as a team through bonding and different activities, which has helped build our chemistry."

Doyle praised the dedication of both squads and the foundation they've built heading into the season.

"I'm really looking forward to coaching the ladies this season and seeing how quickly the men adapt," Doyle said. "If we can get through the learning curve fast and efficiently, both programs can achieve results that have been hard to come by in recent years."

Union opens its 2025-26 bowling season Oct. 11-12 at the Columbia 300 Western Shootout, hosted at Western Bowl in Indianapolis.