January 2017
PLAYER PROFILE
MICHELLE CUNNINGHAM
GREATER NORTHEAST
8-Ball | 9-Ball
TEAM(S):
The Few, The Proud (8-Ball)
Sunday Funday (9-Ball)
Michelle receives her 1,000 Match
jacket from League Operator Jeff Duda.
SKILL LEVEL: 5
APA HIGHLIGHTS:
2014 - National Team Championships (Vegas)
2013 - National Singles 8 Ball Classic
SL4 Bracket, Finished 17th
2013 - 8-Ball Top Gun Tournament Winner (SL4)
2006 - National Team Championships (Vegas)
Michelle Cunningham, 35, is a licensed Insurance Broker here in Philadelphia. She currently plays on 2 teams in
the city, as well as a team in Bucks County. Michelle is married, and her husband is also a fellow APA member.
Aside from pool, some of Michelle’s favorite hobbies include playing video games and reading. We had a chance
to ask Michelle a few questions, here’s what she had to say:
When did you first start playing pocket billiards? What game was it?
I played here and there since high school. In high school, my friends and I hung out at "Pockets" behind
Roosevelt Mall. It was a dank pool hall in the basement of the mall with cartoon characters airbrushed on the
walls. I enjoyed playing the game but never would have anticipated that I would be playing as frequently or as
competitively as I do now. I mostly played 8 ball because I really didn't know anything else at the time.
What attracted you to the APA?
My husband and his friend began shooting on a team in 2003. They both enjoyed it so much they decided to
start their own team in 2004 and they asked me to be on it. I was lukewarm on the idea of playing in a league
because I was not a good player but I wasn't doing anything Wednesday nights anyway so I figured I'd give it a
try. Here I am 12 years later, still shooting in the APA.
What is your favorite APA format? Why?
My favorite game/format changes all of the time. I think right now I like 9 ball the best. While it can be
frustrating having only one option for your next shot, I feel like it has made me a better player over the years.
Where do you enjoy shooting pool most?
I do have a table at home but The Morrell Tavern is my favorite place to shoot pool. It is my home bar and the
owner takes excellent care of her table and the teams that play there. On a non-league night there are always
people shooting there and there is always good competition on the table.
Do you admire any professional pool players?
I don’t have any professional pool player in particular that I
admire. They have all worked so hard and are proof that hard
work pays off. No matter what format, I always like to watch
the televised tournaments when I can.
Are there any fellow APA members that you admire?
There are two people in particular that I admire in the APA,
and that have helped me become the shooter I am today –
Joe Giorla and Cheryl Murray.
Since I started playing on a team with Joe, he has become one
of my best friends and sort of a mentor to me. Without his
kindness and willingness to teach, I would probably still be a SL3.
He happily takes the time to show you how to do make a shot and
also explains why you are doing it. Unlike some other higher
rated players, he doesn’t get frustrated with you and never talks
down to you or expects you to do something that is outside of
your skill set. I have such a greater understanding of the game
because of him.
One of the first teams I remember playing against was Cheryl
Murray’s team out of Tacony Billiards. I was new and had never
seen a female player with such a strong game that wasn’t on
TV. Seeing another female shooter play so well and be respected
by the male players was inspirational. I immediately wanted to
strive to be like her and become a better player. All of these
years later, she has become a good friend and when I have the
occasion to play against her I’m reminded of how far I’ve grown
as a player and I’m complimented to be considered on the same
level as her.
What’s in the case?
Michelle has a preference for
shooting with a Predator cue, and
has an Action jump/break stick.
Additionally, some of the other
“goodies” we’ll find in her bag:
- Silver Cup chalk
- Hand talc
- Cue holder
- Tip Tool
- Various pocket markers
What advice would you offer an aspiring player?
I would tell new players not to get frustrated and to be
patient. Your game will improve with time and practice. When I first started I was a terrible player. I was a
SL1. While I enjoyed coming out on league nights to hang out with my friends, I always hated that I wasn't a
better player and that I didn't win more for my team. It's corny but true, practice makes perfect. I'm far from
perfect but I've been practicing and now I'm a SL5.