The Heart of Curling!

The United States Women's Curling Association was formed to promote and conserve the best interests and the true spirit of the game of curling. The USWCA unites women's curling clubs throughout the United States to cultivate friendly relations among its members and their clubs, to promote international friendships, to preserve the tradition and literature of the game and to hold women's curling events each year.

If you would like an informational brochure, a full color brochure suitable for printing is available for download here.  

Support the USWCA by Supporting Your USWCA Rep. (by Karen Brattesani, USWCA President)

Every September, 60 - 70 USWCA representatives from across the country meet in the organization's president's hometown to plan the upcoming season.  This fall, I have the pleasure of welcoming these dedicated women to Seattle. 

For each club representative, attending the two annual USWCA meetings is a volunteer commitment they make because of their dedication to youth and women's curling.  The meetings are an expense that most reps pay themselves.  Financial concerns are not new to volunteer organizations.  When it comes to the national meetings, the USWCA strives to be inclusive and accessible for all of our representatives.

The USWCA defrays some costs by providing partial travel stipends for our officers and committee chairs.  But we cannot cover travel expenses for our reps.  Although some committee members can join meetings remotely, face-to-face meetings are essential for the organization's future.

Individual clubs can make a big impact on attendance at USWCA meetings by allocating travel stipends for their representatives to attend national curling conferences.  I am grateful for the support I have received from my home club, the Granite Curling Club, which has provided its rep's travel expenses to every USWCA meeting since 2010.  Although the stipend may not have covered everything, it eliminated cost as a barrier to attendance.  Committing to the USWCA through travel funds does more than support the rep or the organization - it makes it possible for a club to best take advantage of every opportunity the USWCA offers.

What is your club doing to support the USWCA?  Reps, if your club does not financially support your work on their behalf at the USWCA, I encourage you to bring a proposal to your club board.

Club board members, the women and young curlers at your club stand to benefit from your USWCA rep's active involvement in the USWCA, as she provides timely information about USWCA-sponsored events, tours and small grant opportunities.  Your rep's participation in the USWCA connects your club with a national network of curlers, bringing news of bonspiels and innovative ideas your club can use.

Smaller clubs may not have the resources that larger ones do.  But they can make a commitment to their rep by setting aside a modest travel stipend each year.  A budget line item for this purpose is one way to build women's curling and a future for our sport among our youngest curlers. 

(July 17, 2019) 

Happy Summer!  It is time to enter a team or as an individual to the 2019 Senior Bonspiel at the Albany Curling Club if you have not already done so.  Information and an entry form for this event can be found on the 2019 Senior Women's Bonspiel page.  Information and entry form for the 2019 Super Senior Fun Day, for ladies 65 or over years of age, can also be found on the 2019 Senior Women's Bonspiel page.

All monies and completed Senior Bonspiel entry forms are due to Leslie Cooke by September 6, 2019. The entry form for the Super Senior Fun Day is due to Star Pfiffner by November 2, 2019.  You will be informed by e-mail of your team's selection very shortly after the due date for the Senior Bonspiel so that you can make hotel and travel arrangements.  The on-site committee at the Albany Curling Club will be communicating with you after the teams have been selected about the bonspiel schedule and activities planned.     

(June 24, 2019) By Karen Brattesani, USWCA President  

As I step into the role as president of the United States Women's Curling Association (USWCA), I thank my predecessors Martha Mazzarella and Past President Dawn Gutro for their service to the organization and their wise counsel.   I also welcome elected officers: First Vice President Beth Lepping, Second Vice President Naida Leslie, Secretary Diana Hoffman, Treasurer Tracy Lawless, and Comptroller Lisa Johnson.

I can't help thinking back to the all-girls' high school I attended in Oakland, Calif.  Our teachers encouraged young women to participate in school activities, but the vary structure of the high school also meant that women filled all the leadership roles.  And so, we became leaders.  We organized our student government, sports, social activism, ethnic and foreign language groups, art and poetry journal, and the yearbook.

Since then, I have gravitated toward women's organizations and, in the USWCA, have rediscovered my enthusiasm for these places where women lead, and where women together carry out the work.  For more than 70 years, the USWCA has encouraged such involvement, leadership, mentorship, and development of women in curling.  I have selected five goals to work on during the next two years:

• Encourage USWCA communication directly with its members.
• Share our collective experience among clubs.
• Support organizational transparency.
• Support women working toward equal treatment at their clubs.
• Foster cooperation and joint initiatives with USA Curling.

I invite you to contact me with an idea, a pet project, a program, or advice, for supporting our mission: to develop, nurture, and promote the sport of curling among today's women and all youth.

(February 20, 2019)  The 71st Annual USWCA National Women's Bonspiel, "Sweet Home Chicago", was held at the Chicago Curling Club in Northbrook, Illinois, February 14 - 17, 2019.  Congratulations to the Horn team from Mayfield Curling Club in South Euclid, Ohio, the winners of the First Event.  The team members, pictured above left to right, were skip Debra Horn,vice Irina Khusid, second Sue Frankel, and lead Courtney Schmidt.  The field of 32 teams began their competition early Thursday morning and the finals finished mid afternoon on Sunday.  

For more results and other information, please go to the National Women's Bonspiel 2019 page.    

(January 14, 2019) by Martha Mazzarella, USWCA President

Happy New Year!  It's a few weeks into 2019 and the latest show storm.  I hope you are enjoying one, if not both, of them.  I am looking forward to February and the USWCA's 71st Winter and Annual Meetings and National Bonspiel in Chicago supported by the Chicago Curing Club.  Many, many thanks for the time and energy spent on organizing these events from Julie Denten (meeting planner), Susan Bennett (bonspiel chair), and Joby Berman (bonspiel co-chair).  Executives, committee chairs and representatives will gather from all over the country.  Mid-February in Chicago will be a great time to renew friendships and form new ones.  I hope to see many of you soon.  In the meantime, good curling!

(December 4, 2018)  Great News for 5 and Under Curlers!  The USWCA and USA Curling have joined together with John Shuster to sponsor the USA Curling 5 and Under National Championship Bonspiel.  John Shuster, 2018 winner of the first ever Olympic gold medal for the United States, has teamed up with the USWCA and USA Curling to bring together the best and most enthusiastic new curlers from across the nation to compete at the Duluth Curling Club, February 22 - 24, 2019.  It is only fitting that this bonspiel should get its start at the club that inspired John to fulfill his Olympic dream.  Winners of USWCA sponsored or Regional (i.e. GNCC, MoPac) 5 and Under events held in 2017 or 2018 are guarantee a spot if they are within the first 32 teams to apply by January 1, 2019.  For the other admission criteria and more information, go to the official 5 and Under Nationals web page to download the eligibility rules and application form. 

(Updated December 4, 2018) 

The 37th USWCA Senior Women's National Bonspiel was held November 28 - December 2, 2018 at the Centerville Curling Club in Galesville, WI.  The 32 teams from around the country 'Curled The Driftless'.  Congratulations to the Pielage team from Madison, WI who were the winners of the event.  The team, pictured left to right below, consisted of skip Kathy Pielage, vice Clarion Gilbertson, second Dae Jean Jahnke, and lead Judi Page.  The 2nd Super Senior Fun Day was scheduled for November 28, 2018 and 2 draws were held before the Sr. Women's National Kit Party took place Wednesday evening.  

Go to the Sr. Nat'l Bonspiel 2018 page for more information.                                             

(November 18, 2018)  On November 4, the 16 members of the Senior Friendship Tour met in Boston to begin their tour.  

The ladies finished their tour on November 16 and returned to Boston.  It was a wonderful trip.  Use #USWCAFriendship2018 to find their postings on most social media and @heartofcurling to find them on Twitter.  Or go to the Daily Report page to read about all of their adventures.

(June 15, 2018) by Martha Mazzarella

Well, summer has finally made it to the Midwest.  Not only do I want to welcome summer, but I also want to welcome all of you to the exciting 71st year of the USWCA celebrating and encouraging women's curling across the United States.  I am honored and humbled to be your President this year - our organization is simply amazing!

Thank you for your faith in me and the governing body of the USWCA.  YOU are the USWCA.  It is your participation, your strengths and your energy that make it so successful and will give us an even more amazing future.  We have lots of issues to deal with; and I look forward to working with all of you, the club members the club representatives, the committee chairs, and the officers.

We have many events on our 2018 - 2019 calendar.  Not only do we have our scheduled USWCA Senior and National Bonspiels and our Five and Under Bonspiels, but in November sixteen of our members will be traveling to Canada to participate in the Senior Canadian Friendship Tour.  Congratulations ladies!

Please become acquainted with this USWCA website.  It reflects many hours of work and is an excellent reference guide for new and continuing club representatives, committee chairs and members, and officers.  Included are listings of elected officers, scheduled bonspiels, Responsibilities of a Representative, standing and ad hoc committees, Representatives' Liaisons, and member clubs, along with contact information.  I hope this information is as useful to each of you as it has been to me.

(February 24, 2018)  The 70th USWCA National Women's Bonspiel, "Goin' to Carolina", was held at the Triangle Curling Club in Durham, North Carolina, February 15 - 18, 2018.  Congratulations to the Longnecker rink from the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth, Massachusetts, the winners of the First Event.  The team members, pictured here right to left, were lead Francesca Delle Femine, second Marinna Martini, vice Gabriele Bruce, and skip Krista Longnecker.  The team was presented their trophy by USWCA President Dawn Gutro, pictured here in red.  The field of 32 teams began their competition bright and early Thursday morning and the 8 teams in the finals finished mid afternoon Sunday.  For more results and other information, please go to the National Women's Bonspiel 2018 page. 

(February 11, 2018)  The USWCA honored Past President Donna Purkey (1994 - 95) with the USWCA Service Award at the Senior National Bonspiel hosted by Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe, Arizona. Past President Carol Stevenson presented the award to Donna during the Opening Ceremony and bonspiel kit party.  "We honor a very special lady," Carol noted in her moving tribute, "one who embodies the spirit of curling.  She has enhanced our beloved sport and the USWCA organization." Donna Purkey's list of accomplished is long and distinguished.  In addition to serving as the USWCA president, she played in the U.S. National Championships (1982).  She was captain of the 1996 USWCA Scot tour.  She is a former USWCA National Champion and a two-time USA Senior National Women's Champion (2007, 2008). She twice won bronze medals at the World Senior Curling Championship (2002, 2007).  Additionally, Coyotes Curling Club has honored Donna with an eponymous annual women's bonspiel, held for the first time in October 2017.  "It is with a deep love and most sincere appreciation that we recognize and honor our very own Donna Purkey," said Carol.  "Thank you, Donna, for being a shining star and an example to all of us."  (In the photo, Donna Purkey, on the left, holds the USWCA Service Award presented to her by Carol Stevenson, on the right.)

(reposted Feb. 2018, original post, May 16, 2017)  The USWCA will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2021, just 4 years from now.  We are looking for individuals interested in helping to assemble the anniversary book.  If you worked on your school's yearbook, this might be just the project for you.  For more information about the type of skills and help needed, click on the flyer to the left.  

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

(December 17, 2017) by Dawn Gutro, pictured right.

Happy Holidays!

I want to wish all our USWCA members and member clubs a very Happy Holiday season!

If you are like me, you are crazy busy this time of year; at home, work, and at your curling club.  Our curling clubs are busy running leagues, hosting in-house and external bonspiels, and special events.  This year our curling clubs are also gearing up for the Winter Olympics which is expected to bring lots of interest and inquiry in our sport.

Our USWCA Winter Meeting and National Bonspiel Planning Committees are working hard getting ready for our upcoming Winter Meetings and Annual Meeting, February 12 - 15, 2018, and the National Bonspiel at Triangle Curling Club in Durham, NC February 15 - 18, 2018.

I am so blessed to have so many amazing people working so hard in our USWCA committees and on our events.  I hope that everyone can take a breath, pause the craziness, and enjoy peace and joy this holiday season.

Happy New Year!

(December 4, 2017)  The 36th USWCA Senior Women's National Bonspiel was held November 29 - December 3, 2017 at the Coyotes Curling Club in Tempe, Arizona.  This year there were 32 teams vying for the number one spot.  Congratulations to the Leslie rink from Nutmeg Curling Club for winning the national event.  The members of the team, pictured left to right, were skip Naida Leslie, vice Bobbie Stoll, second Jayne Beattie, and lead Karen Shane.  The theme of the event was Desert Jewels and everyone had a sparkling good time.  Outside the high temperatures hovered around 75 degrees while inside the ice house the low stayed at about 41 degrees.  No one complained about the variation in temperatures.  On November 29, the day began with the Super Seniors playing exhibition games.  There were 39 Super Seniors participating in that event.  Go to the 2017 Senior Women's Bonspiel page for more information and the complete results.   

(September 17, 2017)  At the Fall Meeting in Natick, MA, it was decided to expand the Senior Women's National Bonspiel from 24 to 32 teams.  Eight lucky teams on the waiting list were moved to the event and all participants can be found on the Sr. Women's 2017 page.  The committee thanks the Coyotes CC and the USWCA  Board for allowing the additional teams to participate.  This is a very popular and always over subscribed event so the addition of 8 teams is welcomed!    

(February 21, 2017)  The 69th USWCA National Bonspiel, "Bikes and Brew - Thunder on the Ice", was held at the Milwaukee Curling Club in Cedarburg, Wisconsin February 16 - 19, 2017.  Congratulations to the Roessler rink from the Centerville Curling Club in Galesville, WI on winning their second National Bonspiel back to back.  The team members, pictured here left to right were skip Laura Roessler, vice Sara Hein, second Elyse Sorenson, and lead Toni Paisley.  The theme of the bonspiel celebrated the legacy of the Harley Davidson company and the history of beer brewing which helped make Milwaukee famous.  The field of 32 teams began their competition bright and early Thursday morning with the first draw at 7:30 am (CST).  Please go to the National Bonspiel 2017 page for results and more information.

(The photograph of the winning team is the property of Charli and is used here with her permission.)

(February 16, 2017)  The 2016 Scot Tour team, pictured here in their red blazers, are awarded the Marguerite Roberts Quaich by Gilean Hoenke.  Gilean, pictured in the center in gray, is the daughter of Marguerite Roberts.  The Royal Caledonian Curling Club article about the Scot Tour can be read here.  For additional  more information about the USWCA 2016 Scot Tour, go to the 2016 Scot Tour Daily Report page.

(December 4, 2016)  Congratulations to the team from the Schenectady Curling Club for winning the 35th annual Senior Women's Bonspiel held at the Waltham Curling Club in Triumph, Illinois.  The members of the team, pictured here right to left, were skip Dorothy Szymaszek, vice Fay Navratil, second Denise Cashmere, and lead Michele Moffitt.  

The 24 participating teams were welcomed to a host home on Thursday night and entertained and educated by a Celtic fiddler on Friday night.  The meals at both locations were exceptional.  The volunteers from the club took good care of their visitors and all agreed the bonspiel was delightful.  

For all results, go to the 2016 Senior Women's Bonspiel page.