Beyond the Finish Line: Jazreel Tan

From Bowling Star to Bowling Centre Manager – The Passion & Dream Continues for Jazreel Tan

Jazreel Tan, Project Manager and Event Organiser at Sonic Bowl in 2024. Photo Credit : Jazreel Tan

Back in January 2024, Jazreel Tan announced her retirement from international bowling, ending a remarkable career that spanned over two decades with Team Singapore. At 34, stepping away from the sport was a painful decision. Reflecting on it now, she says, “I guess in life you'll never know whether a decision you make is a right or wrong decision. But once you make a decision, it's important to believe in it and follow through with it.”

Jazreel's journey in sports began at the age of 12, inspired by her older brother, Andrew. Initially into swimming, she switched to bowling, finding the sport more enjoyable and comfortable. This early change set the stage for an illustrious career.

Jazreel studied and trained at the Singapore Sports School before moving to Wichita State University (WSU) in the United States. There, she achieved significant milestones: Collegiate Rookie of the Year in 2010, Most Valuable Player in 2011, and Female Amateur Bowler of the Year in 2011. She majored in sport management and became a four-time collegiate first-team All-American.

Jazreel Tan competes for WSU in 2012. Photo Credit : the-shocker-wichita.edu

Upon returning to Singapore, Jazreel joined Sport Singapore’s “spexScholarship” programme from 2013-2020. These years taught her the importance of respect and honesty. "In any job or anywhere, respect for one’s fellow peers is important, especially if you want to have that respect back as well," she says. Honesty also played a crucial role in her sport, where one pin could determine victory or loss.

Jazreel's time in the US had a lasting impact on her. She considered staying permanently but eventually returned to Singapore, where she began handling management affairs for her family's boutique service apartment hotel, Triple 2 Studio. Here, she learned the importance of hospitality and respect for diverse cultures.

Since 2021, Jazreel has been the Project Manager and Organiser at Sonic Bowl. This role allowed her to stay connected to bowling while exploring her interest in event management. She gained experience in Public Relations and Events Management, working on the 2022 Singapore Badminton Open and the 2023 Asian Junior Bowling Championships. “All these extravagant events are extremely eye-opening,” she shares, recalling the stress and excitement of these projects.

In addition to her management role, Jazreel has attained Level 1 and 2 SBF Coaching Certifications. Though she coached part-time after the pandemic, she has yet to commit to a full-time coaching position. Her experience in coaching and management has broadened her perspective on the sport.

Jazreel Tan competing at a PWBA event in 2019, Cleveland USA. Photo Credit : PWBA

As a celebrated bowler at WSU, Jazreel's name resonated across US colleges. She claimed the championship title at the 2015 PWBA Lubbock Sports Open and finished third at the US Women’s Open in 2017.

Jazreel's current role at Sonic Bowl involves organizing both local and international tournaments. She aims to grow the Sonic Bowl brand and create more events for competitive and recreational bowlers. Additionally, she serves as the team manager of the Singapore National Seniors Team, preparing athletes for the upcoming Asian Seniors Championship.

Jazreel Tan (3nd from left) with her TeamSG counterparts, on the winner’s podium after their Gold-medal victory at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. Photo Credit : Jazreel Tan

Reflecting on her career and her transition to management, Jazreel acknowledges the mix of emotions. “There are regrets definitely about certain things not being done or achieved,” she says. Yet, she remains grateful for the opportunity to represent her country and hopes to continue contributing to the sport. “I'm also still understanding that the important thing is to keep going even if it takes a lot of time. Keep going with hope in your heart... YNWA,” she concludes.

Jazreel’s journey from a young bowler to a respected manager and coach demonstrates her unwavering dedication to the sport. With medals and titles across the world, she is committed to giving back, whether in competitive or recreational bowling. “Sport is for everyone,” she asserts, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and passion that has defined her career.