Mother and Son Make History at Kapunda Bowling Club
Kapunda Bowling Club witnessed a historic moment as Katrina Green and her 11-year-old son, Jayden, claimed their respective club championships simultaneously. The duo’s remarkable achievement has not only strengthened their bond but has also made Jayden one of the youngest-ever men’s club champions in South Australia, if not the country.
A Shared Victory and Unbreakable Bond
Speaking about the unique accomplishment, Katrina described the moment as “incredibly special,” emphasizing the deep connection the shared victory has created between her and Jayden. “It’s a moment that we will both always treasure,” she said.
Making History at Just 11 Years Old
For Katrina, watching her son make history at such a young age fills her with “so much pride and joy.” She admitted the experience was surreal, stating, “As a parent, you always hope your child will find success, but watching him break records and achieve greatness in such a prestigious sport—there are no words for that kind of pride.”
Born Into the Sport
Jayden’s passion for lawn bowls was seemingly inevitable. Katrina recounted that she was five months pregnant with him when she played her last state game before giving birth. “He was born into it,” she pondered. Jayden was exposed to the sport from an early age, often watching his father play and practicing on the greens as a child. By the age of six, he had officially taken up the sport, quickly mastering the game through observation and plenty of practice.
Balancing Competition and Support
Competing in her own matches while also supporting Jayden presented a challenge for Katrina. “There were moments I was watching him more than focusing on my own game,” she admitted. It wasn’t until Jayden finished his match that she realized her own game was close and needed her attention. However, Katrina believes their strong family support system helped them both thrive. “Just knowing we were near each other during the game was enough,” she said.
An Unforeseen Dream Come True
Katrina never imagined that she and Jayden would win club championships at the same time. “If I had thought about it, I would have assumed it would happen when I was old and frail!” she joked. For her, this moment signifies years of dedication and effort paying off. “Seeing your child succeed in a game you both love is just incredible.”
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused
Jayden’s road to victory wasn’t without obstacles. One of his biggest challenges was playing against his own brother in the semifinals, a match that could have gone either way. Additionally, managing the pressure of such a significant competition was tough. Katrina’s advice to him throughout the tournament was simple but powerful: “Stay focused, take it one shot at a time, and be confident but not cocky. Most importantly, enjoy the process—no matter the outcome.”
Guidance from a Champion Mother
Having won her own championship, Katrina has always guided Jayden with wisdom. “Success doesn’t come without hard work, but it’s just as important to learn from losses as it is to celebrate wins,” she said. Her advice to her son has always been to have fun and enjoy the game.
A Strong Competitor at Such a Young Age
What makes Jayden stand out at just 11 years old? According to Katrina, his mental toughness and focus are key. “He’s naturally competitive, but his discipline and dedication are what set him apart,” she said. Jayden practices regularly, especially after pennant matches, and his commitment to the sport has fuelled his success.
What’s Next for the Mother-Son Champions?
The journey doesn’t stop here. Katrina and Jayden are both set to compete in the Association Singles in the Barossa. Additionally, Jayden is in the last 16 of the State Fours, playing alongside his father. They both have their sights set on the Champ of Champs Singles, and Katrina has also reached the last 16 in the State Singles. Looking ahead, both hope to qualify for the Nationals in November.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Lawn Bowlers
Katrina hopes that their story inspires other parents to encourage their children to take up sports. “The love for the game has to come first,” she advised. “Be supportive, but don’t push them too hard – let them set their own pace. And most importantly, make sure they have fun.” She believes the lessons learned in sports—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—will benefit children in all areas of life.
With their incredible double victory, Katrina and Jayden have not only cemented their names in Kapunda Bowling Club history but have also proven that family, dedication, and passion for the game can lead to unforgettable success.
