With her selection, Asbaty becomes the first woman to receive the award in consecutive years after winning in 2006. It also marks the fourth straight year an American woman has been honored with the award.

"To be the only woman to ever win this award in back-to-back years is very special to me," said Asbaty, who serves as the United States Bowling Congress Youth spokesperson. "But what I will remember most about 2007 are all of the young lives I was able to touch. That's what stays with me and what it's all about."

The Chicago resident and 10-time Team USA member added several titles in 2007 to her already impressive resume.

She won the Masters gold medal at the Women's World Championships in Monterrey, Mexico, finished first at the World Ranking Masters in Lake Wales, Fla., earned a gold medal in doubles at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and took home the title at the Panama Invitational Tournament in Panama City, Panama.

Asbaty closed out the year by winning the final event of the PBA Women's Series in Wyoming, Mich. She also finished second at the United States Bowling Congress Queens and fourth at the USBC Team USA Trials.

The World Bowling Writers selected Jason Belmonte of Australia as the Bowler of the Year among men. Belmonte won the High Roller in Las Vegas in February and had numerous other wins and runner-up finishes around the globe.

Two European bowlers were selected to join the World Bowling Writers Hall of Fame. Former Denny's PBA Tour exempt player Tore Torgersen of Norway and multiple-time world champion Zara Glover of England were both honored.