Player Profile: Brittany Bryant

Although still a teenager, Brittany Bryant has already accomplished more than most players do in a lifetime. In only three years of competitive play, she has racked up wins at events across North America, culminating in a World Junior Girls 9-Ball Championship title at the November, 2008 event in Reno, Nevada. Currently ranked at 26th (as of June 1st, 2009) in the Women's Professional Billiard Association, Brittany is a fast-rising star with world-calibre skills and a friendly, made-in-Canada temperment. Brittany recently took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions, share some tips, and undoubtedly win over a few more fans with her warmth, graciousness and humility.

I’ve been playing for 5 years now, but I’ve only been playing in tournaments for 3.

My dad has been playing for most of his life but finally decided to join a league. Shortly after, I began going to watch him play, and then joined the junior Canadian T.A.P league in Guelph. It was a great thing for me and my dad to do on a Sunday together. After a session in the juniors we decided I should play in an adult league as well. With my dad and fellow league players helping me I became addicted to the game. Wanting to do more, I started playing in the Canadian Women’s 9-ball tournaments. Since then I haven’t been able to go a day without playing, pushing myself to get better and play in more competitive tournaments.

I would have to say about 16 hours.

I play about 3 weekly’s a week when I’m in town. I try to play in a tournament every weekend which would make it about 48 tournaments a year. The tournaments I travel for right now are mostly in the United States, and on average I’m there 10 days out of each month.

There are so many different games I enjoy, but nine ball is my favourite right now. I believe nine ball is a very skilled game and with being a fast player, I feel that nine ball suits me perfectly.

Being a young player in this game is tough. I sacrificed time with my family, friends and school. School was a big issue when I started to take this game to the next level. Fortunately my family is in huge support of me playing pool and I was able to take school on the road.

Part of it is just being humble, even when everyone around you is making a fuss over your accomplishments. One thing I know for sure is if you get lazy in working on your game and being in as many competitions as you can handle, you will have limited success. This game takes a passion and dedication, and doesn’t pay back equally money wise. You have to love this game and be in it for more than just money to be great. People who watch me and talk to me say I always keep a positive attitude and I treat everyone I meet or play in a way that they remember me.

Sometimes this outgoing, friendly-to-everyone attitude is hard to shut down once competition starts, and I catch myself thinking too much about who I’m playing and not on the task at hand. To overcome this I try to focus on the table when it’s my turn and work hard to find the right shot, in essence taking my opponent right out of my mind. 'Play the table, not the person' is great advice, but it's not always easy to stay in that state of mind.

I like to set small goals every week, simple ones. I think it’s too hard to set big goals in this game, you never know what's going to happen. School is definitely a big goal of mine outside of pool.

I do have my favourites, but I admire all players of this game.

Remember that pool must be played with a passion for the game. Much like an Olympic athlete, the drive must come from wanting to be the best and not from wanting to make a living. Passion like I have for the game does not come without challenges and sacrifices. As much as I love it, I also miss time with my family, and I can't dedicate myself fully to school. My advice would be to practice and compete in tournaments as much as you are able to.

I'd just like to thank my sponsors -- Hotshots and Olhausen -- who've been great, my family of course, and everyone else who's helped me get where I am today.

For more information on Brittany and her accomplishments, visit her offical site at www.brittanybryant.com.

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