Bryan O’Keefe

USBC Gold coach

Head Coach of Team USA and Coordinator for Bowling Operations at Jacksonville State University, brings decades of experience and success to Bowlers Link. Formerly the Director of Bowling at McKendree University (2014-2023), O'Keefe led teams to six national titles, including the prestigious ITC and NCAA championships. Under his leadership, McKendree produced 13 All-American bowlers and multiple national champions. He played a crucial role in the men's team winning gold at the 2022 IBF World Cup and the women's team securing gold at the 2021 IBF Super World Championships. Bryan’s expertise and passion for the sport make him an invaluable asset to our coaching team.

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Bryan O’Keefe

Bryan O’Keefe is a renowned figure in the world of bowling, bringing decades of experience as both a coach and a player. Currently serving as the Head Coach of Team USA and the Coordinator for Bowling Operations at Jacksonville State University since 2023, Bryan’s career is marked by numerous successes and accolades.

Early Career and Education

Bryan’s journey in bowling began at the University of Nebraska, where he distinguished himself as a standout bowler. He was a key player in leading the Huskers to the 1996 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championship. His exceptional performance earned him first-team All-America honors and a runner-up finish for national Bowler of the Year.

Coaching Career

Bryan’s coaching career took off in 1997 when he guided the program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He later joined the USBC as a coaching specialist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before becoming the assistant coach and facility manager for the International Training and Research Center for Team USA Bowling. Under his guidance, Team USA members secured over 100 medals, including more than 20 gold medals from 2010 onwards.

In June 2014, Bryan was named Director of Bowling at McKendree University. His tenure at McKendree was marked by unprecedented success. He led the Bearcats to six national titles, including:

ITC Titles: 2016 (Men), 2017 (Women), 2018 (Men), 2023 (Women)
NCAA Titles: 2017 (Women), 2022 (Women)

Under Bryan’s leadership, McKendree produced numerous All-America honorees, with the women’s squad alone yielding eight All-Americans, including standout bowlers Breanna Clemmer and Taylor Bailey. The men’s team also flourished, with multiple All-America selections, including a program-record three honorees in the 2019-20 season.

Bryan’s impact at McKendree extended beyond national championships. The men’s and women’s teams consistently ranked among the top in national polls, achieved numerous tournament victories, and earned multiple conference titles. His coaching prowess was recognized in 2017 when he was named head coach for Junior Team USA, leading young talents to international success.

International Coaching Achievements

Bryan’s international coaching accolades are equally impressive. He has been instrumental in leading Team USA to numerous victories, including:

2022 IBF World Cup: Team USA men’s team gold
2021 IBF Super World Championships: Team USA women’s team gold
2019 International Bowling Federation World Junior Championships: Junior Team USA top podium finish
Multiple gold medals at the PANAM Bowling Youth Championships, World Youth Championships, and other prestigious events

Current Role and Contributions

In 2023, Bryan joined Jacksonville State University as the Coordinator for Bowling Operations, overseeing the Gamecock bowling team and serving as an assistant coach. Alongside his wife Shannon, who was appointed the program’s first head coach, Bryan brings his vast experience and expertise to the university’s inaugural bowling season.

Bryan’s commitment to advancing the sport is further demonstrated through his contributions to coaching certification programs. He holds a USBC Gold-level coaching certification, the highest level attainable, making him one of only 28 active coaches worldwide with this distinction.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bryan continues to be a competitive bowler and, alongside his wife Shannon, won the PBA Luci Bonneau Doubles championship in 2012. His legacy in the sport is not only defined by his personal achievements but also by the success of the athletes he has coached and mentored over the years.

As a respected coach at both the collegiate and international levels, Bryan O’Keefe’s dedication to bowling excellence makes him an invaluable asset to Bowlers Link. His passion for the sport and his commitment to developing the next generation of bowlers ensure that his impact will be felt for many years to come.