ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS - Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas, has been named the 2001 Pro Bowler of the Year, the New Jersey Sports Writers Association announced last Sunday.

"This past year has been a wonderful dream that I hope I never wake up from," said Dorin-Ballard. "I'm flattered that I was chosen for this honor among the many talented professional men and women bowlers."

Dorin-Ballard is the second-ever PWBA'er to be recognized by the New Jersey writers. The first was PWBA Rookie of the Year and Union, New Jersey native Kelly Kulick, who was honored in 2000.

Dorin-Ballard was presented with the award at the 66th New Jersey Sports Writers Anniversary Banquet . Other notable honorees that participated in the evening included Minnesota Twins Manager Tom Kelly, New York Mets Manager Bobby Valentine, Oakland A's Pitching Coach Rick Peterson, New Jersey Devils defenseman Slava Fetisov, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and New York Giants cornerback Will Allen.

Recently chosen by the Bowlers Journal International as the industry's Person of the Year, Dorin-Ballard reigned supreme in 23 PWBA tournaments this past season. The 12-year pro tied Patty Costello's 1976 record for the most professional women's bowling titles in a single season with seven and closed the 2001 campaign as the tour leader in earnings ($135,045), competition points (17,415) and averages (214.73). In addition she led all PWBA'ers in televised finals appearances with a PWBA-record 18 telecasts and broke or set eight other PWBA records.

Paying tribute to Dorin-Ballard's 2001 success has become a common occurrence of late. On January 11 the right-hander was selected by her peers as the 2001 PWBA Player of the Year. In December she was featured in REAL Sports magazine as part of its 2001 Best in Sports issue. Dorin-Ballard is also expected to be an ESPY nominee for Bowler of the Year.

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.