At just 17 years old, Braxton Burns already has a perfect game under his belt and he insists he is only scratching the surface of what he can become.

Bowling runs deep in Burns’ family. His grandfather bowled in the 1940s and 1950s, laying the foundation for what would become a family tradition.

“Bowling runs in my family. My mom’s dad bowled when he was a kid back in the ’40s and ’50s, and then my mom started when she was really young and still bowls to this day—she’s even had four or five 300 games. My dad bowled too, starting around the same time as my mom, and even after injuries, he plans to keep going. It’s just something that’s always been part of who we are.” Burns said.

Burns first picked up a bowling ball at just three years old. He stepped away from the sport at nine, but something kept pulling him back. By 11, he returned with renewed focus. At 17, that focus has turned into a daily commitment.

“I started bowling when I was around three. I stopped when I was around 9, started back up when I was 11, and I’m still doing it when I’m 17.” Burns said.

Working at a bowling alley (Park Center Lanes) only fuels his drive to improve. Surrounded by the sport daily, he constantly studies his game and looks for ways to gain an edge.

“The success motivates me,” Burns said. “I have a 300 on my name, and the goal is to be the best you can be. If you have something ahead of you and you have a goal to reach, then you will try and achieve that goal.”

Burns’ lone perfect game came last year, thrown with his Motiv Evoke, a ball that still holds sentimental value. His current favorite, however, is the Track Stealth Mode. The difference between balls can be drastic, and are used depending on the state of the lanes, whether oily or dry, to gain a competitive advantage. While equipment matters, Burns believes improvement starts with the person throwing the ball.

In recent years, he said his biggest focus has been mental preparation.

“My mindset is huge in what I’m doing,” Burns said. “Just nailing down one component of bowling at a time, whether it’s speed, mechanics or your mindset.”

That steady approach has defined his development. Rather than trying to master everything at once, Burns concentrates on small adjustments and steady growth. He understands that even elite players struggle at times.

“Kids still throw a gutter ball no matter what,” Burns said. “Sometimes you can be the best one in the world and still throw a gutter ball.”

Despite his accomplishments, he remains grounded. His advice to beginners reflects that humility.

“Take it one step at a time. Don’t rush,” he said. “Don’t think you’re going to be a pro bowler right away. You’re not going to be great as soon as possible.”

For Burns, bowling is more than a hobby or a high school sport. It is a lifelong pursuit, built frame by frame, goal by goal, and driven by a mindset that continues to push him forward.