NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kailee Channell is one of three freshmen on Vanderbilt’s bowling team for the 2021-22 season. She is the first native Tennessean to bowl for Vanderbilt in the 17 years of the program.
Channell ranked sixth academically in her Hardin County High School class of 231 and led her team to three Tennessee state championships. She was a two-time state Miss Bowling winner and won the state’s individual championship her senior year.
Channell was also a force on the national front, placing in the top 10 at the Junior Gold twice. She was the runner-up individually at the United States High School national championship as a sophomore and was a member of the National Honor Society, the English Honorarium and the school’s student council for four years.
Here is more about one of Vanderbilt’s newest Commodores:
Immediate family members: Jennifer (mother) works at Hardin County High School, David (dad) owns Savannah Bowling Center in Savannah, Tennessee and Ashley (sister) is a speech Pathologist graduate student at Louisiana Tech University.
Age I began to bowl: As soon as I could crawl to the foul line.
Who got me started with bowling? My parents.
When I was a kid I tried to be like: My sister.
Favorite musical performer: Morgan Wallen.
Favorite movie: I Can Only Imagine.
Favorite midnight snack: Ice cream.
Favorite thing about myself: I think I am funny sometimes.
The best tasting food I can make: Ramen noodles.
Favorite sport other than bowling: Softball.
Biggest misconception about bowling or bowlers: People think it is easy and requires no skill.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Simone Biles.
Talent I’d most like to have: To be a good singer.
Favorite thing to do away from bowling: Sleep.
Favorite aspect of Nashville: The food.
Who would you love to trade places with for a day? My dog.
Ultimate vacation destination: The Bahamas.
The person(s) I admire most: My mother.
Career goal outside of bowling: To pursue a graduate degree that will eventually get me a good job in something I enjoy.
The best advice I’ve received: To be a duck.
Three things on my bucket list are: Travel to Hawaii, attend the Olympics and see the Northern Lights.
One thing my hometown is famous for: We like to believe we are the “Catfish Capital of the World.”
My advice to young people is: Never give up on your dreams no matter how difficult things become.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught me: Enjoy every moment and do not take anything for granted.
Special talents or accomplishments by family members: My mom and dad both won TSSAA state championships.
Any family members play collegiate sports? Ashley bowled for Louisiana Tech, graduating in 2021.
I choose Vanderbilt because: It has always been my dream school and was an opportunity that could not be turned down.
