Student-Athlete Testimonials
Besides having the opportunity to compete in and win a National Championship the BEF has helped mostly with giving me that motivation during the summer (pool’s off season) to practice and put in the time to get ready for something!! Also the scholarship money I’ve received over the years since 2005 has greatly helped with paying college bills. It also has benefited me in travel…especially overseas. Without the BEF I probably wouldn’t have made those trips. I also appreciate the hospitality put on at the tournaments and just the effort alone that’s made to get young adults playing the game.
Landon Shuffett (Greensburg, Kentucky)
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 Junior National Champion
Has received over $4,000 in academic scholarships
Being part of the BEF has given me the opportunity to play all over the world. It has also allowed me to meet some really great friends over the past years. and given me the chance to earn scholarship money for college. I am glad to be a part of the BEF.
Briana Miller (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Junior National Champion
Has received over $5,000 in academic scholarships
The BEF has given me a great opportunity with pool. I have had the chance to compete in four national tournaments and two world championships. Going to Nicaragua in 2009 was definitely an experience I will never forget. Also taking 2nd the following year in Reno was a great experience. The BEF has definitely made me strive to become a better player. I’d like to thank the BEF for everything and I hope it will continue to do the great job it has done!
Jesse Engel (Columbia Heights, Minnesota)
2009 & 2010 Junior National Runner-up, 2010 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Silver Medalist
Has received $1,000 in academic scholarships
The BEF has given us an opportunity to show our talent not just nationwide but worldwide as well. Being able to compete with people our ages in other countries made me realize that I’m not the only one playing this game and also going to school. The BEF gives kids a chance to really enjoy the game of pool and also gives kids a chance to really fulfill their dreams. The one thing I miss about Junior Nationals is seeing my friends every year and getting a chance to sweat their games and cheer for each other. I will always cherish that and I wouldn’t have achieved so much in my life if it wasn’t for the BEF Junior Nationals.
Mary Rakin (Daly City, California)
2007 Junior National Champion, 2007 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Gold Medalist
Has received $1,000 in academic scholarships
Sponsor Testimonials
Supporting junior competition via our partnership with the BEF goes hand-in-hand with our mission to promote the game of billiards. We received an overwhelming number of positive comments from Expo attendees and exhibitors about the excitement and energy the BEF Junior Nationals brought to 2014 Expo and have since continued to build on the total event. 2021 promises to provide more opportunities for our Junior players to compete in multiple events - it's time to get playing in 2021!
Ivan Lee, Chairman of Billiard Congress of America
We’re proud to support such an amazing organization. The BEF is truly a class act in all shapes and forms. The involvement of professional level athletes with young students is usually only depicted in movies. It’s rare that you see an organization like this that is making dreams come true for aspiring talent. We chose to support the Billiard Education Foundation because of the exemplary service that they provide, their professionalism, and involvement in all aspects of the pool community. It cannot be understated to emphasize the importance of teaching our youth life skills that they can apply not only on the table, but in real life as well. It’s not just about pool cues and object balls; it’s much greater than that!
Jelani Burton, Director of Marketing at Game Tables Online.com
We’re absolutely thrilled to support to the Billiard Education Foundation and their good works. It’s our duty as an industry leader to lend a hand to these brilliant young people. These are the next champions and enthusiasts, they’re our industries’ future.
Karim Belhaj, President, Predator Group
The youth are the future of the game, growing the next generation of players and customers. We believe this is a great opportunity to partner with the BEF and support the organization’s mission. Attendees will enjoy watching the best junior players in the country compete for a chance to represent the US in the World Junior Championships.
Ivan Lee, President/CEO, Iwan Simonis Incorporated & North American Home of Simonis and Aramith Products
