Jul 19, 20153 min
“From the minute she picked up a cue, she could hit balls in. She wanted to make them. She understood.”
One of her greatest attributes, according to dad, is that “She walks into pool halls and people know her. Adult men don’t mind losing to her.” Mom, Angie, and her husband both describe April as “easy going, but also a good student in school.” Though April enjoys math and science, she has not yet chosen a field of study for college.
April practices on a table over top of the garage at home. It is a Diamond nine foot, pro cut. She shoots with a Pechauer 19 ounce Custom Cue, and breaks with a Pechauer as well — she prefers this one heavier, at 21 ounces. Pechauer Cues is, in fact, her sponsor, helping with apparel and repairing or changing tips as needed.
April has had a few professional lessons, which include a three hour by David Pearson at her home, working on fundamentals and learning drills. June Maiers (a top 16 from the WPBA,) and Lee Huawagen have also helped her a bit.
Locally “there’s a lot of really good competition,” of which April is part. She has played in local tournaments, both large and small. The local Midwest Pool Players Association (MPA) organization runs 8-Ball tournaments, which April has won.
The highlight of this local venue, however, was when her team took first place in the large championship tournament. It was a “really big highlight” in her life. April is no stranger to playing in the local “Toys for Tots” benefit tournament.
Summer league play consists of 8 and 9-Ball in the BCA League. In fact, since her 1st place doubles with Josh Prestegard and 3rd place singles wins last year, she is limited with whom she can have as a partner. In her younger days as a player, opponents thought it a joke that a person so young was going to challenge them. Then they had the experience of watching her with ease and grace sink ball after ball, including the eight. It earned her respect. She was on her way to great play!
Sure to be the biggest highlight in her pool life will take place this summer, July first through fourth, 2015, when April (along with a second female junior player as well as four young male junior players, and two more alternate girls and boys,) will participate in the highly prestigious, highly anticipated, 9-Ball tournament: The Atlantic Challenge Cup.
These six invitees will travel to Rankwell, Austria to face Team Europe in what is loosely referred to as “The Mosconi Cup” of junior players. These seasoned young players were chosen from across the United States. They are the crème de la crème. They will proudly and deftly represent us, the United States!
With her winning, outgoing personality, sweet disposition, and excellent play, April is sure to leave this venue with many new friends, plenty of good memories, and — if she listens to what a wise woman (yours truly) once suggested — plenty of pictures capturing her many grand moments of this travel/pool experience.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, team USA had a close lose to team Europe with a final score of 11-9.