Born: September 1967 (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Kim Adler is an American Ten-pin bowling professional who was a member of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA). The right-hander is considered one of the top female bowling players of all time, competing professionally from 1991–2003 and collecting 15 national PWBA titles (tied for 17th most all-time), including major tournament wins at the 1996 Hammer LPBT Players Championship, 1997 Sam’s Town Invitational, and the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open.
Born in September 1967 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Adler grew up in the neighboring town of East Longmeadow. In 1992, she made the decision to move to Florida. Adler made her PWBA debut at the age of 23 in 1991. Initially, she had a slow start to her career, only making two cash cuts that season and an additional two cuts in 1992. However, in 1993, her career took off. She made fifteen Top 10 finishes that season, won her first PWBA title at the Alexandria Open in Alexandria, Louisiana, and finished runner-up for PWBA Player of the Year.
Adler continued to excel in the following years, winning her second title in 1994 at the AMF Ninja Challenge in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1995, she had her first season with multiple titles, winning the Storm Doubles-Sam’s Town with partner Nancy Fehr and a singles title at the Hammer Eastern Open. From 1996 to 2000, Adler won two titles each season, including major championships at the Hammer Players Championship in 1996, Sam’s Town Invitational in 1997, and Women’s U.S. Open in 1999. After a down year in 2001, she bounced back and secured her 15th and final title in 2002, cementing her status as one of the most successful female bowlers in history.
In addition to her PWBA accomplishments, Adler also achieved success outside of the professional circuit. In 2004, she placed first in Classic All-Events at the USBC Women’s Open Championships. Her impressive skills and dedication to the sport earned her recognition and induction into the USBC Hall of Fame in 2016 and the PWBA Hall of Fame in 2022.
After retiring from the PWBA in 2003, Adler made the decision to pursue higher education. In 2004, she returned to college and became an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. She then furthered her education, becoming a Registered Nurse, and ultimately a certified Nurse Practitioner. In 2011, Adler obtained her Master’s degree in Nursing as a hospitalist nurse practitioner from the University of South Florida.
Currently residing in Viera, Florida, Adler works full time as a nurse practitioner and enjoys spending time with her family. Her impact on the world of bowling, along with her successful transition into the healthcare field, has made her a true inspiration to many.
Awards:
– 2022 PWBA Hall of Fame Inductee
– 2016 USBC Hall of Fame Inductee