Months after serious crash, South Ripley grad added to college bowling team

(GOSHEN, Ind.) -- Two sisters who were involved in a serious crash in Ripley County in January are continuing to make incredible progress. 

20-year-old Hailee Dowers and her sister, Savannah, were traveling on U.S. 421 when icy conditions led to a head-on crash with another vehicle on January 27. 

Hailee suffered numerous injuries including two broken legs and a broken arm. She spent 32 days in a Louisville hospital.

16-year-old Savannah was also seriously hurt, including a brain injury, and was hospitalized for 37 days until she was able to come home.

It’s been a long road to recovery for both sisters but they're now both finding success through different programs. 

Back in high school, Hailee was on the South Ripley bowling team and that sport continues to be a hobby for her. 

She graduated in 2025 and was hoping to play in college but that never materialized last year.

“My sister and I tried this bowling league this summer and I couldn’t even do the full approach due to my injuries. However, after a month I said screw it and started doing the full approach,” Hailee said. 

In June, she decided to post a video of her bowling onto a Facebook group called ‘College Bowling Connection’ and it led to an immediate response from schools. 

Hailee had approximately 30 schools reach out including several that were out-of-state in Missouri, Alabama, and elsewhere.

She selected Goshen College because of the educational opportunities as well as a scholarship she received. 

https://youtu.be/PvYxGesTjS8

“I feel like I’ve come a long way from the car accident and bowling has really helped me by building my strength back and also being something I can get out and do, rather than just sit home,” Hailee told The 812. 

Hailee and the Goshen College women’s bowling team will kick off their season at the Maple City Classic on September 19. 

Her sister, Savannah, is currently a sophomore at South Ripley and has been actively involved in the welding program at the Southeastern Career Center.