ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS - To borrow from the well-worn pen of Pete Townshend, the kid is all right. For the first time in the history of the Professional Women's Bowling Association, Kelly Kulick, Union, New Jersey was a unanimous selection as the 2001 PWBA Rookie of the Year.

"I'm humbled by this wonderful honor," said Kulick. "It is extremely gratifying to be noticed by so many of the top bowlers in the world."

Turning pro at the ripe old age of 24, Kulick served notice of her arrival to the rest of the PWBA by starting the 2001 season with a second place finish at the Women's International Bowling Congress Queens tournament. In 23 tournaments she was among the top 10 in 14 events while cashing in 19. In spite of not winning a title this season Kulick qualified for the televised finals in five of the last six tournaments and nine total. She ranked eighth in earnings ($65,057) and ninth in competition points (11,645) and averages (208.02).

"It's a dream come true to finish my rookie year this way. At the beginning of the season I set high goals for myself but Rookie of the Year is icing on the cake."

A three-time member of Team USA (1998-2000), Kulick joined the PWBA ranks after an extremely successful amateur career. In 2000 she was named the U.S. National Amateur Champion. One year earlier she helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games and claimed a gold and two silver medals at the FIQ World Championships.

A graduate of Morehead State University, Kulick helped guide the Eagles to a 1998 Intercollegiate National Championship and was named the collegiate Bowler of the Year in 1997 and 1998. In addition she was selected as a college All-American three times from 1996-99.

The Professional Women's Bowling Association, founded in 1981 as the Ladies Professional Bowlers Tour, provides a professional tournament program for the most skilled women bowlers in the world. The PWBA's key sponsors include the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC), Travelodge Hotels Inc., Riverside Resorts and more than a dozen other bowling industry sponsors. For the latest information on the PWBA go to www.pwba.com.