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Portrait of Billie Billing

Billie Billing

Billiard
Freehold, New Jersey

Billie Billing was the main activator and First President of the Women's Professional Billiard Association. She was also the first woman columnist for "Billiard Digest" Magazine. She developed an industry-wide reputation as a player, leader, instructor and innovator. In 1982, Billie was asked by the Smithsonian Museum to donate a piece of her billiard equipment to the exhibition hall. She was also asked to provide the exhibit with some of her photographs of contributing players. Billie Billing paved the way for women billiards players.

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Specialty Billiard
Industry Amusement and Recreation Services
Organization BillieBilliards Promotions
Location Freehold, New Jersey

About Billie Billing

As the first president of the WPBA, I had my work cut out for me. There was no funding for the organization. The Billiard Congress of America, the Professional Pool Players Association and most of the major manufacturers, like Brunswick, did not recognize women players as a viable part of the billiard community. We had to prove ourselves. My talent as an organizer, writer, photographer, negotiator and fundraiser were key aspects of the success of the WPBA, now in its 44th year.

Goals: To increase the number of women professionals; elevate their level of play. Have the sport of pocket billiards be recognized as a legitimate sport by the sports community and general public; respect and remembrance for the women players that came before us, which aids towards our recognition as a sport. Document our history through photography and writings. Increase sponsorship of the sport through brand name products.

Career Accomplishments

  • Charter Member of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association since 1976 First appearance, 1976 BCA US Open, 4th place. The overall number two ranked player in the world from 1978-1981.

Education & Training

2010

Certification

Education Level: Certification

Institution: Macintosh Certification in OS 10.7

United States of America

1993

Other

Education Level: Other

Institution: Novell 3.x and 4.x Certified NetWare Engineer\Administrator

United States of America

1978

Other

Education Level: Other

Institution: “Distinguished Alumni Award’ from LIU for her contributions to the billiard world and the University.

United States of America

English

Education Level: B.A.

Institution: Long Island University’s Honors Program (LIU), Brooklyn, NY

United States of America

Published Works

  • Producer, author, still and video photographer for www.BillieBilliards.com.
  • Author, “Pool Pointers” instructional pocket billiards book, published by Avon Books in 1992 and sold over 100,000 copies.
  • “Visually Speaking” column for the Billiard Digest Magazine (1980 – 1991) featuring instructional pool articles, along with a pictorial clarification of the written material. Included profess
  • Columnist for the America Billiard Review featuring progress reports about women pool players and the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (1977-1980).
  • Wrote and published over 700 articles concerning women pool players, in all media outlets (1977-2021).

Professional Affiliations

  • Women's Professional Billiard Association
    Past President and founder

Honors & Awards

  • Published sports photographs of women athletes of all sports in books, newspapers and magazines (notably, the Women’s Sports Magazine and Sports Illustrated.)
  • Attracted the attention of all billiard publications and media outlets local to the east coast, as well as, national radio, TV, magazines and newspapers throughout the US towards women’s po
  • Forged lasting relationships with various room owners, manufacturers and organizations to ensure the future of the WPBA, particularly with Barry Behrman who she convinced to add a women’s d
  • Increased the number of WPBA professional players from 5 to 80 during her tenure, in a time period where women were just finding their place in the sports arena
  • Created and published two WPBA calendars, featuring a different player each month; produced written biographies and photographs for the players included in those calendars, along with misce
  • Created the WPBA Board of Trustees
  • Donated over $20,000 annually for four years, out of pocket, to start up the WPBA
  • Produced copious fundraising trick shot shows which helped to fund the WPBA day to day expenses.
  • Turned out numerous WPBA tournament booklets for both Professional and Amateur events.
  • Founder of the WPBA National Amateur Championship — 1979
  • Produced 12-16 qualifying tournaments each year for 4.5 years. Every year culminated in the WPBA National championship which she founded in 1977. — 1977
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, WPBA — 2016
    Charter Member
  • Player of the Year on the Tri-State Tour — 1993
  • BCA US Open 4th place — 1976

Contact Billie Billing

BillieBilliards Promotions

Freehold, New Jersey

Use the form to contact Billie Billing through the Global Directory of Who's Who.

PROFILE SUMMARY

Professional Summary

Billie Billing was the main activator and First President of the Women's Professional Billiard Association. She was also the first woman columnist for "Billiard Digest" Magazine. She developed an industry-wide reputation as a player, leader, instructor and innovator. In 1982, Billie was asked by the Smithsonian Museum to donate a piece of her billiard equipment to the exhibition hall. She was also asked to provide the exhibit with some of her photographs of contributing players. Billie Billing paved the way for women billiards players.