November 5, 2007

Bellinder joins Team USA 2008
Professional bowler now eligible to compete in international bowling competitions.
By BARBARA GIASONE
The Orange County Register

FULLERTON – Professional bowler Missy Bellinder of Fullerton joined six women chosen last week to represent the United States for the first time as members of Team USA 2008.

This is the first year professionals will be allowed to compete in international bowling competitions.

Bellinder, a Team USA member in 2000 and 2001, was the first woman to own a Professional Bowling Association membership. She recently became the only woman to win a second PBA regional title.

Bellinder won the first U.S. Junior Amateur title thanks to a win at the 1998 United States Bowling Congress Junior Gold Championships.

Previously, she was collegiate player of the year at Cal State Fullerton in 2002-03.

"Competing with the men in the PBA has definitely improved my game a lot," she said in a prepared statement. "I've learned a lot more versatility, and it's definitely better to be back on Team USA with that added experience."