On March 25, an autistic bowler who recently entered the Professional Bowlers Association achieved something he’s been dreaming about for years—his first-ever 300 game.
For most casual bowlers, a sanctioned perfect game is rare. For Matt Sipes, it represented so much more than just 12 strikes. It was the result of years of dedication, focus, and determination, and although there have been challenges along the way, he never gave up on his goal.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about my entire life,” the former collegiate bowler told GNN.
“To finally achieve it feels almost surreal. I’m so grateful, and I hope I can inspire other athletes on the spectrum.”
Since playing his first game at age six, he’s loved the sound of the pins crashing into each other—but it was the sense of calmness and the sense of belonging he felt that changed his life.
Bowling was something that clicked right away. The energetic child with ADHD growing up in Wood Dale, Illinois, had “so much fun” that he kept asking his mom to take him back to the lanes.
He bowled competitively in the Junior League and later in high school.
“When I graduated from high school, college was not really on my mind. I thought I would just get a job and keep bowling in leagues,” he wrote in an essay for Bowlers Journal.
But his coach suggested Matt try out for a college team—and he got a scholarship to Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, not far from his home.
“That’s when everything changed.”
He has competed in leagues and tournaments for 15 years, both locally and across the country in Las Vegas, Reno, and Baton Rouge. One of the highlights was playing in the Pro Bowlers Association LBC National Championships and Open Championships.
“Competing at that level makes me feel like my hard work is paying off. And it is so cool to sometimes be bowling alongside the pros.”
For his mother, Christine Sipes, watching him throw that final strike in his perfect game at Wood Dale Bowl was overwhelming.
“It wasn’t just about the score—it was about seeing his hard work, resilience, and love for the sport come together in one unforgettable moment,” she said.
(Watch the video of that final strike in a video below…)
“Bowling has helped me become the person I am today,” said the 23-year-old.
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“I’m excited to keep growing, support others on their journey, and see what’s possible for me as I prepare for the PBA.”
@mattthebowler i was unstoppable with that 300 game 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
♬ Unstoppable (I put my armor on, show you how strong I am) - Sia
CHEER THE PERFECT MOMENT By Sharing With Autistic Communities on Social Media…