Shirley King, who grew up in Prince George's County, Md., moved to Waldorf, Md., in 1967 and became involved with the youth program at St. Charles Bowl, where her two daughters, Susan and Sharon, competed. She served as a coach and secretary/treasurer from 1977 through 1996, long after her daughters had moved on to the adult leagues. Shirley and her husband, Michael, recently celebrated their 35th anniversary.
Her association with bowling initiated a series of appointments/elections to various offices in the WDCAWBA, Virginia State YABA, and VIR-MAR-DIST YABA associations:
- 1981 - Elected director, WDCAWBA, through the 1988-89 season.
- 1982 - Appointed to the VIR-MAR-DIST JBA board as a representative from WDCAWBA.
- 1984 - Elected secretary/treasurer, VIR-MAR-DIST JBA, a position she currently holds.
- 1989 - Appointed treasurer, Virginia State YABA, a position she also currently holds.
- 1996/97 - Elected member emeritus, WDCAWBA.
Shirley, who has bowled since 1972, currently participates in four leagues, two of which she is secretary/treasurer and one in which she is secretary. She consistently bowls in local, state, and national tournaments conducted by WDCAWBA or other associations.
Shirley, who is present at virtually every major area youth bowling activity or function, is someone tournament managers and organizers can count on to assist in assuring that events runs smoothly. In fact, throughout the year, Shirley is on call to any person or group that needs assistance in organizing a tournament or league or to help with YABA/WIBC/ABC rules. She interprets rules based on her vast experience, empowering leagues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
One of her favorite activities through the years was working with BVL committees and setting up the annual tournament for hospitalized veterans. Her participation in bowling can be related to those legal advertisements on television: If you're near a phone, and you need help finding a sub at the last minute or are dealing with an unforeseen problem, you can call Shirley.
Shirley King's outstanding dedication to bowling and its participants makes her an excellent addition to the Washington, D.C. Area Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame.