How does one find time for nursing school, gymnastics and pool? Good time management skills, according to 27-year-old Jessica Schuddekopf of Clifton Park, N.Y. Jessica also has a Master’s Degree in Health Education.
“I play in the League on Mondays, a tournament on Wednesdays and practice by myself on Thursdays,” Schuddekopf said. “I try to play on the weekends too. When I play in tournaments I try to pick up on how the better players do things and I ask for advice.”
She originally started playing pool in college, when her dorm room was next to a lounge with a pool table. She’s always loved sports and has continued to improve her game. She qualified for Regionals as a skill level 4, played in Regionals as a skill level 5 and since moved up to a skill level 6. She’s competing in the 9-Ball Shootout Black Tier.
Although she just joined APA about two years ago, this is Jessica’s second time qualifying for an APA national event. She competed in the 2012 National Team Championships 9-Ball Division.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing how I do as a skill level 6 in the Black Tier (SLs 6-9) and hopefully making it to the money rounds,” Schuddekopf said. “Having competed in Vegas before gives me a better idea of what to expect this time around.”