At 18, I was managing a Wendy’s. Years later, I earned a record $496,900 in a single bowling season.

• Kyle Troup, 34, has been a professional bowler since he was 16.
• In 2021, he set a bowling earnings record, making $496,900.
• Troupe stars on the new HBO documentary "Born to Bowl" and is glad the sport is getting attention.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kyle Troup. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Growing up, my parents used to pay me if I could beat them at bowling. I got $5 if I beat my mom, and $20 if I beat my dad, Guppy. He was a professional bowler with the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), and my brother and I often went to PBA events with him.

Around the time I was 13 or so, I started beating my dad so often that he dropped my pay down to $10 per victory, then $0. I figured I must be getting pretty good.

I wanted to be just like my father — and not because he was a professional bowler. People loved him, whether he was bowling or not. He was a cool, popular guy who often hung out at the bowling alley bar after his games. He loved his life and career, and it was clear he was having a lot of fun.

I started working at Wendy's early in my bowling career

At 16, I started bowling with the PBA. In the first few years, I didn't win much money at all. Still, the experience of bowling for money and spending my own income to bowl taught me a lot.

Around the same time, I started working at Wendy's. By 18, I was a manager there, and still making next to nothing bowling. I've always been good with money, so I was getting by, but one time when money was tight I remember thinking "What could I be doing if I wasn't chasing the dream of being a professional bowler?"

After a minute, I realized I didn't need that answer. I was going to be a professional bowler, and that was that.

A record-setting year helped establish my financial future

By my early 20s, I started winning more tournaments and, therefore, earning more. By 2016, I made about $44,000 — enough to leave my job at Wendy's.

Then, in 2021, I had a great year. I won the PBA Player's Championship and earned a record-setting $496,900 that season. That's not much compared to many other professional sports, but for me, it was a blessing.

I worked with a financial advisor and invested a lot of that money to build the foundation for my future. Bowling is a physical activity, and I know I won't be able to do it forever. Since 2021, I've felt financially set. That allows me to go out and be the best version of myself each week I'm on tour.

Becoming a dad has given me purpose beyond bowling

About five years ago, I met Breanna, and we got married last year. She had two kids who were about 6 and 11 when we met. Becoming a dad to them has given me perspective about what's important in life. My life isn't about bowling anymore; it's about my kids.

The PBA tour schedule can be hard on the family. I'm gone for about three to four months, traveling around the country for competitions. I've always had that schedule, but being away from my kids took some emotional adjustment.

I used to stay in hotels while I was on the road, but that was draining: I was always in a hotel, a restaurant, or a bowling alley. Now, I stay at Airbnbs with my best friend, who's also a professional bowler. Being in a house means we can cook healthy meals and generally feel more at home, even when we're on the road.

I'm happy with what I've achieved

I would love to win a title again, since it's been a few years. At the same time, I can see that I've already achieved a lot, from winning Player of the Year to providing for my family to raising money to help more kids explore the sport.

Now, I want to give back to this sport. I'm happy it's getting more attention, including the new HBO series. I get to play a game for a living, and I really enjoy what I do. That's a blessing in my life.