Biloxi Boy
Man With A Golden Arm
Mary Kenniston ?
The Ladies of pool, where are they now?
- Thread starter middleofnowhere
- Start date
Yes, good name from the past. Competed as Mary Kenniston and then as Mary Guarino. She has one of the best collections of pool photos in the world. She is also an accomplished match commentator. She was a proprietor of the no longer existent Cuetopia poolroom in Las Vegas. Nice lady, too, whom I've caught up with at Derby City a few times and also at the International. I always enjoy Mary's company.
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As was noted in the thread below, Palmer Byrd, a founding member of the WPBA in the 1970s, passed just a year ago.
RIP Palmer Byrd
I heard this sad news from a friend yesterday. Palmer was yet another important person in pool I was never fortunate enough to meet. A strong woman, player, and pioneer for women in pool.
forums.azbilliards.com
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Another highly ranked player of the 1980s and 1990s was Fran Crimi of Queens, NY, who went on to become a BCA Master Instructor and is one of the giants of her profession. She has also served on the boards of multiple pool organizations. She posts here on AZB, often adding clarity to subjects with which many of us struggle.
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Can't forget Billie Billings. I believe she resides in the NYC/NJ area. She has a website with some great pool photos and is still active in the teaching area.
If there was a competition for which city has produced more pro women pool talent as defined by the WPBA.
Then New York City is the place for a woman to be if she wants to climb those ranks.
Behind every great pro woman player is a room with challenging regulars.
I could disclose names based on my avatar pic, but I will not.
Let's just say if you see a top ranked woman player, its like she is part of a larger group of equally talented women players.
I think Melissa Herndon almost sharked me once in Amsterdam, I had never really seen pro position play up close. But I learned a lesson fast that night, if they have the talent recognize it immediately. At that point in the interaction I conceded and was given leave.
What is the secret to New York City and which city can rival it in terms of pool participation and regular weekly events?
After that meeting I would become a regular at the club until developing an appropriate mastery. Women can be inspiring in many ways.
Melissa showing me the upper limits, its an experience most guys should be humbled with at least once.
Then New York City is the place for a woman to be if she wants to climb those ranks.
Behind every great pro woman player is a room with challenging regulars.
I could disclose names based on my avatar pic, but I will not.
Let's just say if you see a top ranked woman player, its like she is part of a larger group of equally talented women players.
I think Melissa Herndon almost sharked me once in Amsterdam, I had never really seen pro position play up close. But I learned a lesson fast that night, if they have the talent recognize it immediately. At that point in the interaction I conceded and was given leave.
What is the secret to New York City and which city can rival it in terms of pool participation and regular weekly events?
After that meeting I would become a regular at the club until developing an appropriate mastery. Women can be inspiring in many ways.
Melissa showing me the upper limits, its an experience most guys should be humbled with at least once.
Still plays a little, too. If memory serves, she played in the 2021 American 14.1 in Virginia.
PS I think her name is Billie Billing.
Yup, as you suggest, there are some good stories out of the NY Metropolitan area on the women's side:
Two hall of famers, Jean Balukas and Loree Jon Jones (who hails from New Jersey just a few miles from New York City) grew up in their parent's poolrooms and were often around good players. Hall of Famer Jeanette Lee hails from Le Cue poolroom in Queens, NY, where Gene Nagy played, and she later played out of both Amsterdam and Chelsea Billiards. Nesli O'Hare hailed from Staten Island, NY, although I can't remember what her poolroom was. Amsterdam Billiards also gave us Jennifer Barretta, who presently carries the highest Fargo rating of any American woman, and Caroline Pao and Emily Duddy, who have played well in WPBA circles.
Melissa Herndon is a good name from the past, although she's from the Los Angeles, California area. Fine player for sure.
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George the Greek
Well-known member
Long time ago and haven't seen her in many many years. John Morra"s mother was a decent player as well. His dad and I go back well over 50 years and I donated my lunch money to him lol.
middleofnowhere
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snookered_again
Active member
It's 2023, we have more sexes now than previously when it was just men or women.
Grace competed chiefly in the 1990s. Have not heard anything about her in years.
Yes, Nikki Benish was a top 10 ranked player in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Later known as Nikki Hollandsworth, I believe she hails from South Carolina.I used to like Nikki Benish. I know she was never a top player, but when I was a teenager I had a crush on her.
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Yes, John's mother, Anita Kuczma, competed on the WPBA. I'd guess her most active years in WPBA play were from 1995-2000.
middleofnowhere
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Would it be rude if I told you to GFY?