NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Danielle McEwan minces no words when she speaks about the role her family has had on her young bowling career. They've been instrumental to her success.

McEwan of Stony Point, New York, is one of the top rookies on the Professional Women's Bowling Association Tour this season, and she's enjoying strong support from her family at this week's Bowlmor AMF U.S. Women's Open.

With her family living just about 90 minutes from Brunswick Zone Carolier, McEwan had the opportunity to feed off the support from her mother, Susan Varano, her brothers and sisters, Nick (13), Victoria (11) and Gianna (8), as well as her boyfriend, Professional Bowlers Association champion Marshall Kent.

"I feel when you've made it to this level, you deserve to be supported," Varano said. "She's worked so hard, and I'm sure all the ladies out here work equally as hard, but I don't witness that on a daily basis. Just the practice, the workouts, the eating right and the books she reads to keep her mind where it should be. A lot goes into it."

McEwan, who was sixth on the PWBA Tour points list heading into the U.S. Women's Open, realizes the impact her family has had on her bowling career.

"I wouldn't be able to do this without them," said McEwan, a four-time Team USA member who was a collegiate standout at Fairleigh Dickinson. "I just came out of college and started bowling against the guys for three years, which really didn't allow me to earn enough money to support myself. So they really just said 'go chase your dreams, and whatever you need along the way we are here for you.' In addition to being behind me and supporting me, they are actually supporting me through life, so I can afford to do this without the normal stress of a 24-year-old."

As she watched McEwan grow up, Varano noticed a trait her daughter had that has helped lead to her success on the lanes. McEwan always pushes hard and works to achieve the best possible results, regardless of the sport or activity.

"Since she was little, Danielle has always been the type that when she decided to do something, there was no halfway," Varano said. "When she played tennis or did Irish step dancing, every single thing she put her mind to she took it as far as it could go. I have no doubt she will take bowling as far as it can go as well."

McEwan's passion, commitment and determination has not only led to her own success, it has inspired her brother Nick to find success on the lanes. Nick, who recently turned 13, used that inspiration to finish fifth at this year's Junior Gold Championships in the U12 division.

"Right before Junior Gold, I told him he had such an advantage to be able to go and practice with me and Marshall because we are familiar with the patterns and can give him so much information," McEwan said. "You can tell this week he's paying more attention. He's not just here clapping when I strike, he's more into it with watching what's going on with ball changes."

Even though it may seem easy to be a spectator while watching bowling, Varano said it's no easy task.

"It's very stressful for me," Varano said. "A lot of times I'm texting my husband about how she's doing, he tells me to stop worrying. You want to see your child do well, that's the ultimate goal."

And based on McEwan's performance in her rookie season on the PWBA Tour, Varano's goal for her daughter is being achieved on a weekly basis.