Lauren Russo was named the second Maryville women’s bowling coach in program history in September 2022. She comes to Maryville University with an impressive collegiate and professional bowling career resume.
In her first season at the helm, Russo won NTCA Division II Coach of the Year and GLVC Coach of the Year after leading the Saints to new heights in 2022-23. Maryville earned the first appearance to the NCAA Tournament in program history before taking second at the ITC National Championships in April. The Saints additionally had five All-GLVC selections, with Anna Maxwell earning a spot on the NTCA All-America Third Team before taking silver at the ISC National Championships.
Russo, an Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota native, bowled collegiately at McKendree University where she was named the 2015-16 NTCA Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-American. She also helped the Bearcats to a 2017 NCAA National Championship and a 2017 ITC National Championship.
When the Saints are not in competition season, Russo bowls on the Professional Women’s Bowling Tour (PWBA). She has bowled professionally for four years with a career-high finish of sixth at the Long Island Classic.
Russo is also a three-time member of Team USA where she won a doubles gold medal, a team gold medal, and a trios bronze medal at the 2021 PANAM Elite Championship.
Russo graduated from McKendree in May 2019 with a Bachelor's in Sociology-Social Work and in May 2022 with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
QUICK HITS
2024 GLVC Conference Champion
2024 Southern Indiana Open Champion - First PWBA Title of career
5-time member of Team USA
4 Gold Medals in World competition
2 Bronze Medals in World competition
