The sixth in an eight-part series profiling the players who will represent Junior Team USA at the 2010 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Youth Championships in Helsinki, Finland from July 24-Aug. 1.

Kristie Petravich

Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Born: March 22, 1990
Height: 5-9
Throws: Left
Age Started Bowling: 9
High School: Santaluces Community High School
College: University of Central Florida (health sciences, physical therapy)
Years on Junior Team USA (3): 2008, 2009, 2010

Accomplishments:
- 2008 USBC Junior Gold Championships champion
- 6th at 2009 USBC Junior Gold Championships
- Three gold medals (masters, trios and team), one silver medal (all-events) and one bronze medal (doubles) at 2009 Pan American Bowling Confederation Youth Championships
- Two gold medals (trios and team) at 2008 Pan American Bowling Confederation Youth Championships
- 14th at 2010 USBC Team USA Trials

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you had been selected to compete in the World Youth Championships?

KP: “When I found out I was one of the four selected to represent the USA in the World Youth Championships, I was very excited and texted a few people. I think it's an honor to be one of the few who can say they competed in a great event against other top bowlers from other nations.”

Q: Besides the competition, what are you looking forward to the most on this trip?

KP: “Other than the competition, I'm looking forward to just seeing the country and how different it is from the United States. From what I understand Helsinki has a lot of history throughout and it would be interesting to view any of it. I also wouldn't mind learning a little bit of Finnish.”

Q: If you were allowed only two bowling balls for competition, what would you use?

KP: “Ebonite Gamebreaker and Track 505A.”

Q: What are a couple of favorite songs in your iPod?

KP: Gyptian - Hold Yuh; Eminem – Not Afraid; 30 Seconds to Mars - This is War

Q: What’s your favorite motivational quote?

KP: “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” - Og Mandino