Women’s Pro Billiards Assoc Journey
Hello, I'm Ashley Rice. Thanks for clicking here however you’ve found me!
After only 1 year and 4 pro tournaments I made it to 45th place in the world in the WPBA!!
While this is a great honor, it is extremely challenging mentally and physically. Furthermore, it is very expensive to attend each professional WPBA event. By finishing ranked 45th in the world at the pro level on an invitational basis, and, for second year in a row, 1st place in the Tiger regional tour for 2018, I have earned the right to receive invites for all the pro tournaments in 2019. If I continue to play as well as I have or continue to improve, I should be able to play my way into the top 32 or beyond.
There will be an expected 8-9 events this year. That is double the number we had last year! This is great in one way and shows the league is coming back strong. However, it increases the financial burden tremendously to have proper financing food, gas, lodging, etc. for the year for all of the events so I can get points and compete for my world ranking.
Tournament entry fees have been raised to $500 per event and of course all those other costs I mentioned are multiplied times the number of events I'm able to attend. I can't pick and choose events or I will lose the yearly points game (or at least be handicapped). I have to push to make it to all the events and get a chance to see what I can do!
I’ve been taught well and shot pretty well so far, and I continue to learn and improve. I've already shown the ability to climb the elite ladder of the top female pool players in the world.
If somehow I raised enough for all these events, there are still other events like the BCA Nationals, US Amateur, US Open, The Derby, and many others that would also cost $1,000 or $1000's of dollars to attend each. Depending on the event location, there are various different rules and costs regarding tournament lodging, entry fees, etc. In other words, its never enough but I am seeking larger pool sponsors through my play. I was noticed in 2018, so I am focused on continuing to show what I can do and achieve larger pool sponsorship and go beyond needing this help to get there. Right now though, this year in 2019, I need all the help I can get to go past being noticed and show the consistency necessary to get the bigger fish behind you.
First and foremost, this is about the WPBA and my world ranking. I want to go to as many pro tournaments as I can starting with the WPBA pro events. This is where I have the best chance to continue making a name for myself. Frankly, there are events all around the world. I’ve mentioned only the US events so far. If I make the top 32 this year, the world game could come into focus for next year or the year after.
Basically, l’ll need as much financial help as I can get moving forward into this year. The more I have, the more I can compete. I work as a take-out manager and server at Doc Chey's Noodle House in Morningside in Atlanta, GA. All of my time and money go towards pool. I work 5 days a week, play on 3 league teams per week, and practice when I can. They've generally earned it, but I'm still competing with women who do nothing but play in the WPBA and who often have the same tables we compete on for pro events in their homes.
I'm driven and it shows in my results. I'm working on both moving up the ranks and presenting a person deserving of sponsorship on whatever levels I can find it. I will be working to learn how to market myself better for this purpose. Hopefully I can break through and earn my way to full 100% corporate sponsorship!
PLEASE HELP ME TO BREAK THROUGH AND SEE WHAT'S POSSIBLE!
CORPORATE/SPECIAL MENTIONS:
-Doc Chey's Noodle House (Restaurant, Atlanta, GA - Morningside)
-The Independent (Pool hall, Atlanta, GA - Midtown Promenade)
-Michael "Skippy" Hoath (First supporter and continues to show up for me! Atlanta, GA)
-Jacoby Custom Cues (My first international pool sponsor who I hope I can make proud)
LINKS:
Here is a link to the current WPBA rankings page:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5acf990e8ab7220efae54260/t/5bd0e4e50852295306114a17/1540416741175/2018+WPBA+Ranking+Post+Bristol+TN+-+EOY+2018.pdf
Here is a link to the main WPBA page:
https://wpba.com/
Here is a link to my first internet story:
http://www.azbilliards.com/news/stories/13384-rice-crowned-at-the-palace/
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for instructional and other videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXvs1eUBiEsggUp0FloyjEg
Pls follow me on Twitter:
@ARicePoolStar
Here is me on Instagram:
(under initial development)
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND/OR DONATION!
