Washington, D.C. — Youngstown State University's 2025 National Championship Women's Bowling Team was celebrated at the White House on Tuesday as one of seven recent NCAA championship teams invited by President Donald Trump.
The Penguins spent a few moments and were photographed with the President in the Green Room on the State Floor, and they joined the other national championship teams for public comments in the State Dining Room shortly after. It was the first time a team from Youngstown State has been hosted at the White House since the football team joined President Bill Clinton on March 6, 1995, after winning national championships in 1993 and 1994.
Members of YSU's group included student-athletes Kara Beissel, Madison Doseck, Ellie Drescher, Lyndsay Ennis, Madyson Marx, Hannah Miller and Kirsten Moore, Head Coach Doug Kuberski, Assistant Coach Mackenzie Olesky, Youngstown State University First Lady LeeAnn Johnson, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo, Assistant Athletic Director for Finance and Business Operations Steve Pinciaro, and Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Communications John Vogel.
Nine members of the travel party departed campus together early Tuesday morning, and the whole group convened for lunch at Founding Farmers DC. The YSU delegation then walked to the White House to join the other six teams for a 3 p.m. scheduled entrance, and teams entered the White House State Floor with a small ensemble from the United States Marine Band playing We Are The Champions. The Penguins explored the East Room, Blue Room and Red Room on the State Floor before settling into the Green Room for an arranged photograph and introduction with President Trump. The President entered with the Marine Band playing Youngstown State's Fight Song shortly before 4:50 p.m., and Marx presented the President with a YSU letterman's jacket.
Youngstown State was then escorted by United States Air Force Officer Morris, a Northeast Ohio native and the son of two Youngstown State graduates, into the State Dining Room to sit with the other six championship programs for congratulatory remarks during a session that was broadcast nationally on television. Marx was recognized individually by President Trump at the podium as a 2025 First-Team All-American, and she answered a question about her average.
The other national championship teams in attendance were the Florida State women's soccer team, the Georgia women's tennis team, the Oklahoma State men's golf team, the Texas A&M women's volleyball team, the Wake Forest men's tennis team, and the West Virginia mixed rifle team.
Comments About the Experience
Head Coach Doug Kuberski
"It was quite an honor to visit the White House and be recognized for our accomplishments. We thank the President and his staff for what was an unforgettable experience. I know there were a lot of moving parts to make the day go smoothly, and our ongoing support from our campus is always appreciated. Getting members of last year's team back together and honoring what we accomplished was truly special."
YSU President Bill Johnson
I'm extremely grateful that the President is recognizing the excellence displayed by YSU's Women's National Championship Bowling Team with this visit to the White House…it's a powerful moment. These student-athletes earned it by being the best in the country. I'm exceptionally proud of how they competed, how they carry themselves, and what they represent for our university, our community, and our nation.
Student-Athlete Madyson Marx
Walking through the doors of the White House was a surreal experience. It was one of those moments where you pause and realize how far the journey has taken you. From all the early mornings and hard work to standing in a place filled with so much history, it really puts everything into perspective and makes you appreciate just how special this opportunity was.
