My goal each day is to learn as much as I can, work on myself, to treat others with respect, to take challenging situations head on & to always focus on the things that I can control. I recently returned from the Philippines where I represented the USA in the Women’s World 10 Ball Championships, this was an amazing opportunity to improve my pool game, as well as to strengthen my character.
I started my days with an hour of yoga & concentration training at DeRose Tribeca. This helped me with my hand-eye coordination, my balance & controlling my nerves under stress. Note: I believe that exercise can benefit everyone & finding the kind what works for you will make you more successful. Although yoga is my preference you could try kickboxing, running, weight lifting, etc.
For 3-4 hours in the afternoon I would hit the tables at Amsterdam Billiard Club in NYC, completing stroke drills & practice sets. During this time I made sure to complete my pre-shot routine on every shot to make sure it was second nature.
Before this event I was lucky enough to receive a few new sponsors that gave me the support I needed to put more time & energy into my training. My title sponsor has become Gary Borge Dental. Other brands I represent are Black Heart Tips, QPod and Focused Apparel. I want to thank these companies for supporting myself & the world of pool.
Year round on the weekends I am either travelling for events, playing in local tournaments in the Tri-State area or working with my coach to keep my competitive experience constantly building.
Whatever goals you are trying to attain most importantly write them down. Then define daily actions that can help you get there. Finally create a routine that can add rhythm to your life while incorporating moving you closer to your goal. Keep your eye on the prize & know your hard work will pay off.
I was more successful when I reminded myself how hard I had prepared, when I trusted my abilities & when focused on myself as opposed to external factors. Example- many players complained how “bouncy” the tables were playing, but in my opinion the better player takes the responsibility to make an adjustment. I factored that tendency into my shot selection.
I performed better when I enjoyed the moment & reminded myself about the opportunity I had earned.
When I honestly disconnected from winning or losing I was able to shoot more efficiently under the decreased pressure.
During my first couple of matches I believed & acted like I was the underdog, but as I got comfortable & focused on the positive I remembered I was there for a reason. Once I replaced my defeatist attitude with respectful self-confidence, I knew I could hold my own with any other competitor.
This trip I learned how to remind myself where & why I started on my journey to become a professional pool player. Simply because I love to play pool! When I stop focusing my energy on playing perfect, when I accept that I am going to make mistakes, when I don’t overthink & trust my intuition, and when I am completely connected with the act of just shooting pool…I play better & I enjoy it more.
There might be a lot of options, but make a decision, don’t over think it, commit to it, attempt to execute & observe the results. Never stop loving the game & understand there is always more to learn. Now go hit some balls & have fun doing it!
I recently returned from the Philippines where I represented the USA in the Women’s World 10 Ball Championships, this was an amazing opportunity to improve my pool game, as well as to strengthen my character.