The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options
Last time the Bowling Green Curling Club hosted USA Curling’s Junior U21 National Championships in 1986, it was a men’s-only event. This time around, a sister duo is representing Northwest Ohio.
“Men and women are on the same playing field,” Natalie Hollands said. “There are days where guys can beat girls and girls can beat guys.”
“It’s kind of anybody’s game,” Jersey Hollands added. “There’s no advantage for what you look like, what size you are, how old you are. Just make your shots, and you’re good to go.”
Bowling Green natives Natalie, 19, and Jersey, 16, started curling when they were young. Their father and coach, Addison Hollands, initially gained interest in the sport after attending a Learn to Curl session at the Black Swamp Curling Center.
“He brought us to a bring your family and friends, learn to curl event,” Natalie said. “At that event I made a lucky shot, and I’ve fell in love ever since.”
While Natalie first became interested, Jersey soon followed in her sister’s footsteps. Ever since, the pair has played together with guidance from their father.
“We know each other off the ice and on the ice, so it’s just a huge advantage,” Jersey said.
The sisters have been on several winning teams in the past. In 2024, both earned a silver medal at USA Curling’s U18 National Championships alongside their teammate Lillian Molitor. Earlier this year, Jersey led her teammates to victory again, earning a bronze medal.
Team Hollands did not originally plan to compete in this year’s U21 National Championships. But after the Bowling Green Curling Club was announced as the host, the sisters were determined to qualify.
“We are very excited that we get to play at our home club,” Natalie said. “This is kind of our home region, so we’re excited to have that advantage.”
The sisters will compete against eight other teams alongside their teammates Kalina Petrova, Rese Elza, and Lillian Molitor. The winners will represent Team USA at the World Junior Curling Championships in 2026.
Interested in learning more?
USA Curling’s Junior U21 National Championships takes place Apr. 1-6 at the Black Swamp Curling Center. A full schedule of events can be found online.
“This is one of what USA Curling considers its top three annual events. It is a big deal,” said Lauren Whitmer, Board Secretary for Bowling Green Curling Club and the Junior U21 National Championships Event Chair. “It is a special opportunity for folks here in Northwest Ohio, or from wherever the region, to come watch some really high-level curling, right here.”
Whitmer, encourages locals to attend the competition regardless of their knowledge surrounding the sport.
“Curlers love to talk about curling, and if you have no idea what’s going on, I guarantee that there will be someone there who is happy to explain it to you,” she said.
Plus, attendees do not have to bundle up, Whitmer added. Spectators watch the event from the “warm room,” while athletes take the ice in the “cold room.” The 9th End Bar, located inside the club, will be open as well.
For those interested in trying curling for themselves, the Bowling Green Curling Club offers “Learn to Curl” sessions starting late October. People of all ages and abilities are welcome, and accommodations for those with mobility issues can be made.
“It is the sport that we all watch and say, ‘I could do that,’” Whitmer said. “And the beauty of the sport of curling is, you actually can.”
