Athletes

Vivian Villarreal has won 17 career titles, and is nicknamed the "Texas tornado." Villarreal has repeatedly been voted "most exciting player to watch, male or female," by fans of the sport of billiards. At the age of 11, Villarreal defeated Minnesota Fats at an exhibition game, and it has been an exciting career ever since. In 2003, Villarreal was ranked No. 5 in the world and was endorsed by the Seminole tribe of Florida. After experiencing her first year without a win in 1997 and going through a period of well-publicized personal turmoil, Villarreal returned to winning form in 1998, capturing the Brunswick Billiards New York Classic. In 1996, Villarreal won the ESPN World Championships. She was ranked No. 1 in the world between 1993-1996 and was named Player of the Year by Pool & Billiard Magazine in 1993. Villarreal picked up her first cue at the tender age of 5. She was greatly encouraged by her family and met her current manager/coach, Robert "Duffy" Doores, when she was 21. (10/06)