Jillian Martin Makes History as Youngest USBC Queens Champion

Green Bay, Wisconsin – February 13, 2024 – At just 19 years old, Jillian Martin of Stow, Ohio, has made history as the youngest-ever champion of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Queens. Her victory came after a grueling journey through the elimination bracket, culminating in a dominant 267-220 win over Hope Gramly of Aubrey, Texas, at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley.

A Hard-Fought Journey to Victory

Martin’s road to the title was anything but easy. Despite qualifying as the No. 2 seed, she was upset early and forced into the Elimination Bracket, where every match was do-or-die. She fought her way through 42 games before even reaching the stepladder finals, securing the No. 3 seed.

But that pressure only seemed to fuel her.

“It means the world to me, just being able to go out here and show everyone that anything is possible, no matter your age and no matter who you are,” Martin said after her historic win.

Stepladder Finals Recap

Quarterfinals: Martin vs. Boomershine

Martin’s first challenge was against defending champion Lindsay Boomershine of Brigham City, Utah. Boomershine, fresh off a 193-154 victory over Canada’s Felicia Wong, was hoping to become the first back-to-back Queens champion in over 40 years.

Boomershine bowled well but struggled with 10-pin leaves, while Martin remained steady. A strike, nine, and spare in the 10th frame sealed Martin’s win, 206-186, ending Boomershine’s title defense.

(Boomershine finished in 4th place, earning $17,500.)

Semifinals: Martin vs. Kulick

Next, Martin faced PWBA legend Kelly Kulick of Union, New Jersey, a former major champion whose career began before Martin was even born.

Martin set the pace early with four strikes in the first five frames, while Kulick struggled with two splits. Even an open frame in the 9th didn’t slow Martin down—she struck out in the 10th to secure a 219-183 victory.

(Kulick finished in 3rd place, earning $22,500.)

Finals: Martin vs. Gramly

With the $60,000 top prize and the tiara on the line, Martin faced top seed Hope Gramly, who had gone 6-0 in match play with a 234 average.

The match started competitively, with both players striking early. Gramly briefly took momentum with a turkey in frames five through seven, but Martin never looked back—she struck in her final seven frames, putting the game out of reach.

Final score: Martin 267, Gramly 220.

Martin’s victory shattered a long-standing record—PWBA and USBC Hall of Famer Wendy Macpherson had been the youngest Queens champion at 20 years old in 1988.

(Gramly finished in 2nd place, earning $30,000.)

A Mental Game Victory

Reflecting on her triumph, Martin credited her mental resilience as the key to her success.

“It’s that much sweeter knowing how good I was able to keep my mindset through it all,” Martin said. “It shows the work I’ve put in on the mental side has paid off.”

With this victory, Martin adds a major championship to her PWBA resume—and she’s just getting started.

“I hope everyone will see a lot more of me in the future.”

The PWBA Tour now moves to Smyrna, Tennessee, for the PWBA Classic Series – Nashville, starting May 28.