Introducing Rachel Byrket, a 21 year old Iowa college student and Amateur Billiards Master. Rachel lives on a farm in rural Muscatine - but her heart is anywhere there is a pool tournament.
Rachel graduated in December 2010 from Scott Community College in Iowa. She has passed the NCLEX board in February and she is now an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
During her mid-teens Rachel discovered she had a natural talent for playing billiards. She has received training from Mark Wilson who is a professional billiards instructor in St. Louis, Missouri. Mark has helped Rachel to refine her natural talents as a billiards player and is a great inspiration to her. Rachel plans to continue her lessons with Mark after graduation helping her to hone her game skills.
Listed below are the results of some past tournaments Rachel has competed in:
2006 - Won the VNEA (Valley National 8-Ball Association) Junior International Tournament.
2006 - Won the Iowa State Championship Scotch Doubles Tournament.
2007 - Took 2nd place in the Iowa State Women’s Open, out of approximately 200 women, which gave her a “master” status.
2007 – Won 1st place in the Iowa State Women’s Master’s Team play.
2007 - At the ACS (American CueSports Alliance) Nationals held at the Riviera, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rachel won 4th place in the Women’s 8-ball, and 7th/8th place in the Women’s 9-ball. Her Women’s Master Team won 1st place that same year.
2008 - Took 2nd place in Women’s Masters Iowa State Pool Tournament.
2009 - Took 5th/6th place in the Women’s Master’s event. Her Women’s Master Team won 1st place in the Team play again.
2010- Rachel's Women’s Master Team won 1st place in the Team play again at the Iowa State Championships.
2010 - Took 2nd place at the VNEA Junior International Tournament in June in Rochester, MN.
2010- Took 3rd in women’s 9-ball tournament in Olathe, KS.
2011- Took 2nd place in the Women's Master 8-Ball in March.
2011- Took 1st place on the Women's Master Team in March.
2011- Took 2nd place Women's Master 9-Ball in April.
Some Upcoming plans: Rachel plans on playing in the Arizona Women's Billiard Tour (www.awbt.net/), the West Coast Women's Tour (www.twcwt.com/), and the Southern California Ladies 9-Ball Tour (www.scl9t.com/).
Rachel enjoys the game and the professional atmosphere of the billiard events. She gives God the glory for blessing her with her natural ability to shoot pool.
Rachel credits her dad, Blake Byrket, for much of her success through his patience, encouragement, and support throughout the years of billiard practice and events. Rachel extends her Heartfelt thanks to Dad for his financial assistance, and for escorting her to the many events, and for being her number one cheerleader over the years. You're the best dad!!
Rachel also gives out a big thank you to the former Willy’s Pool Hall in Muscatine, Iowa, for allowing her to practice in their establishment and for their friendship. Thank you Willy's!!
Thank you Bill Rackle for being my photographer at the State events. The pictures have been awesome!
Another big thank you goes out to Pat Diveney Cues out of West Liberty, Iowa, for sponsoring Rachel, along with SharpShooters, which is managed by Scott Boyd.
And thanks to Jerry Ryen for producing Rachel's webpage and encouraging her in her game.
