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Ask the Viper: Jeanette “The Black Widow” Lee

on February 6 | in Sports | by | with No Comments

Number-one ranked Women’s Billiards champion Jeannette “The Black Widow” Lee is the epitome of success: powerful, motivated, and mentally focused for the curveballs of daily life. As modern gladiators, we are honored to have had the opportunity to sit down and discuss her main sources of inspiration and what makes her strive for success. This Brooklyn-born billiards champion has much to share about what drives her and how she’s able to balance a successful career along with family, fitness, and home life.

MG: What are your biggest accomplishments in the sport of billiards?

Jeanette: I’d have to say winning the gold medal in the 2001 World Games was the highlight.  To win on such an international level among so many athletes in all different sports was amazing, [along with] my biggest single payday of $68,500 to win the Ultimate 9ball Championship.

MG: What are your short-term goals?

Jeanette: I think trying to balance my life between my children, my business career, my love for pool, and my health.

MG: What do you do when you’re not competing?

Jeanette: I’m on the computer and phone working deals to market my sport and myself as well as raising my kids and working out.

MG: Who got you started in playing pool?

Jeanette: My boyfriend in high school played pool, so I went with him.  But my addiction and journey began when I saw this older gentleman playing pool—it was the most beautiful graceful thing I had ever seen.

MG: What do your parents think of your pool career?

Jeanette: They are very proud of me.  Of course, they were hesitant when I was younger, but after seeing the hard work and success, they are very supportive.

MG: In your opinion, what parts of the world produce the best players?

Jeanette: America, Europe, and Asia. I think it’s because of the WPBA, the Euro Tour, and the Asian Tour.

MG: Who is/was your favorite pro player growing up?

Jeanette: I started as a young adult but Efren [Reyes] quickly became my favorite.

MG: Do you currently have any sponsors?

Jeanette: The American Pool Players Association and Bass Pro Shops sponsor me. I endorse the BreakRak, The Greenroom, Protips4U, and CelebCalls.

MG: Did you ever play in a pool league?

Jeanette: I did play once a few years ago, as I was coming out of surgery. We played and won often, and then I was told I wasn’t allowed to play in state. I haven’t played in one since, but not for that reason. I just recovered from my back well enough to go on tour again. Leagues are a lot of fun! Such a sense of camaraderie.

MG: Are you good at any other sports?

Jeanette: I wouldn’t say well. I do love sports, however!

MG: Describe yourself in three words.

Jeanette: Dedicated, hardworking, and family-oriented.

MG: If you had to live your life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your pool career?

Jeanette: I would have started working earlier on projects that were more meaningful in pool.  I always think, I could’ve done more.  I was too busy playing pool and making money.  In reality, you can always do that, but not everyone gets the opportunities I’ve had to change the sport!  I still have that in my mind.  Not too late.

MG: How do you prepare for events?

Jeanette: I put in more practice hours. I really try to leave my house and business in a good place so I can focus and relax during events.

MG: What was the best advice you were ever given?

Jeanette: Play for the love of the game, not for the results.

MG: What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool?

Jeanette: The creativity involved, especially in Straight Pool and One-Pocket—making that cueball dance.

MG: If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player, what would it be?

Jeanette: Always set goals and love yourself along the way. Try to make time to be a well-rounded player. This means developing your mental game and also taking time to learn how you will get sponsors, etc…  You need to learn how to market yourself because as in many sports, prize money is not enough.  You can become great at something, but unless you know how to make yourself of value to the fans, you won’t make money at it. That means you need to get yourself a job doing something you may not love as much to support yourself, and pool can stay your hobby.  Either way, you have to work hard and work smart.

After our exclusive interview with Jeanette, we opened up the questions on our Modern Gladiator Facebook page.

A-Wizzy Nunyabix asks: How do you conquer the 9-Ball jitters or fears?

Jeanette: Nervousness just means you care and that you want it badly.  I think I’ll always feel that because I’m very competitive.  I think as you play in more events, that feeling will become more familiar where you can just trust your game through it.  Just welcome the feeling as an adrenaline rush rather than trying to conquer it!

Debra McWhirk asks: Do you have any advice on eating or drinking when you know you’ll have to play for hours? Any tips to keep up the energy and focus?

Jeanette: Depending on how your personal body digests food, I would eat three hours, give or take an hour, before your match.  You do not want to be hungry during your match, but not full either.  I would definitely rather be in the hungry side.  Feeling full makes you tired.  If you can’t control each mealtime, keep light healthy snacks handy to keep the edge off.

Chase Scharff asks: Who’s your biggest rival on tour?

Jeanette: I really don’t feel like I have one. I tend to see my biggest problem is myself by knowing that I needed to practice more. I guess it’s just the way you look at things.

Randy Guest asks: What is your highest Straight Pool run? Do you like playing One-Pocket?

Jeanette: My highest Straight Pool run is 154. I think if I played it more often, I could run more.  I love playing One-Pocket but I don’t play it very much.

Carlos Padilla asks: What is the best way to prepare for the mental part of the game?

Jeanette: There are a lot of great books out there. Practice what you learn during your matches.  Practice by staying in the moment, pre-shot routine, pre-match routine.

A special thank you to Jeanette for taking time out of her busy schedule to participate in my Ask the Viper. Till next month, you can find me on Facebook.
Find Jeanette Lee on Black Widow Billiards.

Become her fan! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Melissa “The Viper” Little has been a WPBA Touring Professional for over a decade, has represented the USA in six WPA World Championships, and has over twenty-five top ten WPBA career finishes. Melissa teaches monthly clinics, gives private lessons, and has developed a juniors program that promotes billiards education to the local youth. For more information about Melissa please visit www.melissalittle.com.

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