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 Lauren Marks: Caldwell University’s First NTCA All-America Bowler and Fine Arts Standout

Introduction

Imagine a student who spends her days crafting intricate drawings with colored pencils and her evenings knocking down bowling pins with precision. That student is Lauren Marks, a senior fine arts major at Caldwell University, who has recently been honored with the National Tenpins Coaches Association (NTCA) Honorable Mention All-America award. This historic achievement marks her as the first Caldwell University bowler to receive this prestigious recognition, announced at the NCAA Bowling National Championship banquet in Wichita, Kansas. Lauren’s story is one of dedication, balance, and passion, making her an inspiring figure for students and professionals worldwide, including those in India who juggle academics with extracurricular pursuits.

A Journey of Resilience and Dedication

Lauren Marks’ path to Caldwell University was not without its challenges. Hailing from Parsippany, New Jersey, she began her collegiate journey at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) before transferring to Caldwell after her freshman year. Reflecting on her transfer, Lauren shared, “I thought I was only going to have four years of eligibility. But the NCAA granted an extra year. That meant so much to me. I wanted to have the same chances as everyone else because my first year did not work out.” year of eligibility highlights her determination to pursue her goals in both bowling and academics.

 3.95, Lauren has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence. Her academic achievements include being a three-time Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) All-Academic Team member and a CSC Third Team Academic All-America performer. This balance between academics and athletics sets her apart as a role model for students striving to excel in multiple areas.

Visual Suggestion: [Photo of Lauren Marks in her Caldwell University bowling gear or holding her artwork]

Bowling Excellence: A Historic Achievement

On the bowling lanes, Lauren Marks has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the 2024-25 season, she led the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) with an individual scoring average of 20.375 pins per frame overall, 20.189 in Baker format, and 20.632 in traditional format. For those unfamiliar with bowling, a “frame” is a single turn in which a bowler attempts to knock down 10 pins, with a maximum score of 30 pins per frame (10 for the first ball, 10 for a spare, and a bonus for strikes). Lauren’s high averages reflect her consistency and skill. Her technical prowess is further evidenced by her league-leading percentages:

• Frame Fill: 86.5% (successfully completing a frame)
• Strikes: 50.6% (knocking down all 10 pins with the first ball)
• Spares: 92.2% (knocking down all remaining pins with the second ball)

Her list of accolades is extensive:

Achievement Category	Details
National Honor	NTCA Honorable Mention All-America
Conference Awards	Two-time CACC Bowler of the Year, All-CACC First Team
Academic Honors	Three-time CACC All-Academic, CSC Third Team Academic All-America
Statistical Leadership	Led CACC with 20.375 pins/frame overall, 20.189 in Baker, 20.632 in traditional; Frame fill: 86.5%; Strike: 50.6%; Spare: 92.2%
Additional Awards (2023-24)	NTCA Strike Percentage Leader Award for Division II (48.30%), NTCA All-Academic Team, CACC Student-Athlete of the Month (March 2024)

Lauren’s team, the Caldwell Cougars, had a strong 2024-25 season, finishing with a 47-36 overall record and 13-5 in the CACC, securing the No. 2 seed in the conference championship. Despite going 2-2 in the tournament, Lauren’s individual performance stood out, earning her recognition as the first Cougars bowler to receive NTCA All-America honors.

Beyond college, Lauren has ventured into professional bowling, competing in two tournaments—one in 2024 and another in 2025.  the format was different. But I felt a lot less nervous the last time I bowled (pro). It was a really good experience. I love bowling with higher caliber bowlers. I’m excited about seeing what’s out there.” She also highlighted the social aspect of the sport: “Bowling is a social thing for me. I grew up in that environment. The people I watched growing up, I’m bowling with now. Bowling is competitive to me, and I plan on bowling in everything I can. I have a few tournaments coming up this month.”

 As a fine arts major, she specializes in colored pencil art, creating intricate and vibrant pieces that reflect her patience, precision, and creativity—qualities that also serve her well in bowling. Her artwork has gained recognition, notably through her collaboration with Prismacolor, a leading brand in art supplies, where she has created content for their social media platforms \ This achievement is particularly notable for an undergraduate student, highlighting her ability to make an impact in the art world.

Lauren’s artistic pursuits complement her athletic endeavors, showcasing her versatility. The same focus and steady hand required to create detailed drawings are evident in her bowling technique, where precision is key to achieving high scores. Her ability to excel in both fields makes her a unique and inspiring figure.

Visual Suggestion: [Examples of Lauren’s colored pencil artwork]

Inspiration for Students and Professionals

Lauren Marks’ story is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas with dedication and time management. Her journey resonates with students worldwide, particularly in India, where young people often face pressure to focus on a single academic or career path. For example, consider Priya, a student from Mumbai who balances her love for classical dance with her engineering studies. Like Lauren, Priya demonstrates that pursuing diverse passions can lead to personal growth and success. Lauren’s ability to thrive in both bowling and fine arts shows that students can follow their interests without sacrificing excellence in any one area.

Her story also highlights the importance of resilience. Transferring universities and petitioning for an extra year of eligibility were not easy decisions, but they allowed Lauren to achieve her goals. Her success serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges in their academic or extracurricular pursuits.

Actionable Guidance

Lauren’s journey offers practical lessons for students and professionals:

• Pursue Your Passions: Identify your interests, whether in sports, arts, or academics, and dedicate time to each.
• Master Time Management: Create a schedule to balance your commitments, ensuring you have time for both work and play.
• Seek Opportunities: Look for ways to showcase your talents, such as collaborating with brands like Prismacolor or competing in tournaments.

• Stay Resilient: Overcome setbacks, like Lauren’s challenging first year, by seeking solutions and staying focused on your goals.

For those interested in bowling, consider joining a local league or exploring collegiate programs. For aspiring artists, experiment with different mediums, like colored pencils, and share your work on platforms like Instagram to gain visibility.

Lauren Marks’ historic achievement as Caldwell University’s first NTCA All-America bowler, combined with her excellence as a fine arts major, makes her a true role model. Her ability to balance competitive bowling, academic success, and artistic creativity is a testament to the power of hard work and passion. As she prepares to graduate, Lauren leaves behind a legacy of excellence and an inspiring message: with dedication, you can achieve greatness in multiple fields. Her story encourages students and professionals everywhere to embrace their diverse interests and pursue their dreams with confidence.

Visual Suggestion: [Photo of Lauren with her team or receiving her award, or a motivational quote graphic]

Call to Action

Discover more about Lauren Marks’ remarkable achievements on the website. Explore her artistic portfolio online or follow her journey on social media. Let Lauren’s story motivates you to pursue your passions, whether in sports, arts, or academics. Share this post to inspire others or leave a comment about how you balance your own interests!