Shannon O'Keefe Signs Contract Extension

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Two-time Professional Women’s Bowling Association Player of the Year Shannon O’Keefe has signed a two-year contract extension with Hammer.

“Shannon (O’Keefe) has statistically been the most dominant player on the PWBA tour since its relaunch,” Rob Gotchall, manager players and performance for Hammer, said. “Her work ethic and drive to succeed epitomize what it means to represent Hammer. We are very excited to see what the next two years bring and look forward to seeing her continue to grow both as a person and bowler.”

O’Keefe said from the moment she first signed with Hammer, she received a level of support unmatched on tour and she looks forward to continuing to represent the Hammer brand.

“When I first signed with Hammer, I was asked by Rob (Gotchall) how would it feel to win payer of the year and bring that back to Hammer?” O’Keefe said. “That was the first time any company I represented asked me that.”

“Hammer saw something in me and believed I was capable of achieving a level of performance prior to me fully believing it myself,” she said.

“The Ebonite International ball reps, staff and those at headquarters have provided a level of support and confidence in the team, that we can do anything, and I’m humbled and honored to continue this journey with them,” she said.

Even though she has amassed an impressive career résumé, O’Keefe said she still has plenty left to achieve on the lanes.

“I would love to put myself in position to win another major,” she said. “Maybe one of the two I haven’t won yet. I would like to be at a total of 15 titles by the end of the season, but my number one goal is to continue to compete for the pure love of the game, to focus on what I can control and becoming mentally tougher.”

O’Keefe said she realizes many youth today watch her bowl and represent the Hammer brand. She realizes many of them have dreams and aspirations of being where she is one day and she takes this seriously and has a special message for them.

“Don’t ever give up on your dreams and don’t let anyone ever tell you something is impossible,” she said. “I’m not saying it will be easy, but I promise it will be worth it.”

“Dream big, embrace the struggles and know that if you keep pushing to be the best, all things are possible,” she said.

In addition to bowling full-time on the PWBA tour, O’Keefe is also the head women’s bowling coach at McKendree University.