Bowling inks another international standout
7/29/2026 9:30:00 AM | Women's Bowling
HUNTSVILLE — Head coach Brad Hagen and the nationally ranked Sam Houston bowling program continue their global success with the signing of Antonnette Garcia for the 2026–27 season.
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Garcia, from Bacolod City, Philippines, joins the Bearkats as arguably the nation's top youth female bowler in her age division and becomes the third Philippine Youth National Team member to join the Sam Houston program.
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Internationally, Garcia has excelled since making her debut in 2024 at the 24th Annual MILO Storm U22 International Junior All-Stars Bowling Championships at Sunway Mega Lanes in Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia. She made an immediate impact by capturing the Graded Division title. Most recently, she earned a team silver medal at the 14th Annual Friendship International Youth Championship in Qatar, an event that features many of the world's top emerging youth bowlers.
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Garcia has established herself as one of the Philippines' premier youth competitors. The 2025 season proved to be a breakthrough year, as she medaled in four consecutive major events. She claimed the PBF Youth Annuals Majors Division Girls Championship, followed by gold medals in both the Singles and Doubles events at the Philippine National Youth Championships, before adding a bronze medal in the Team event.
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"I am always looking for individuals who want to continue their journey with our perennial program and see Sam Houston as an opportunity to change their trajectory," Hagen said. "Antonnette is competitive, and she's proven she can win on big stages. She has high expectations and wants to succeed on and off the lanes. Her passion and drive will allow her to transition successfully into the NCAA collegiate bowling world."
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Garcia becomes the 17th international student-athlete and the third Filipina to join the Bearkats as the program enters its 17th season. She will also become the 21st Sam Houston student-athlete to represent her national team while competing as a Bearkat.
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A graduate of St. Joseph School–La Salle, Garcia completed her upper secondary education with highest honors while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans to pursue a degree in Business at Sam Houston State University.
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Garcia, from Bacolod City, Philippines, joins the Bearkats as arguably the nation's top youth female bowler in her age division and becomes the third Philippine Youth National Team member to join the Sam Houston program.
Â
Internationally, Garcia has excelled since making her debut in 2024 at the 24th Annual MILO Storm U22 International Junior All-Stars Bowling Championships at Sunway Mega Lanes in Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia. She made an immediate impact by capturing the Graded Division title. Most recently, she earned a team silver medal at the 14th Annual Friendship International Youth Championship in Qatar, an event that features many of the world's top emerging youth bowlers.
Â
Garcia has established herself as one of the Philippines' premier youth competitors. The 2025 season proved to be a breakthrough year, as she medaled in four consecutive major events. She claimed the PBF Youth Annuals Majors Division Girls Championship, followed by gold medals in both the Singles and Doubles events at the Philippine National Youth Championships, before adding a bronze medal in the Team event.
Â
"I am always looking for individuals who want to continue their journey with our perennial program and see Sam Houston as an opportunity to change their trajectory," Hagen said. "Antonnette is competitive, and she's proven she can win on big stages. She has high expectations and wants to succeed on and off the lanes. Her passion and drive will allow her to transition successfully into the NCAA collegiate bowling world."
Â
Garcia becomes the 17th international student-athlete and the third Filipina to join the Bearkats as the program enters its 17th season. She will also become the 21st Sam Houston student-athlete to represent her national team while competing as a Bearkat.
Â
A graduate of St. Joseph School–La Salle, Garcia completed her upper secondary education with highest honors while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She plans to pursue a degree in Business at Sam Houston State University.
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