Jennifer Barretta is an uber-talented billiards pro. She’s attracting a new generation of fans as she calls attention to the sport of billiards! Her games on ESPN are watched by millions! Not only is “9mm Baretta” a champion player, she’s a sexy babe who has been featured in FHM Magazine, Playboy, and a host of others. Citynet Magazine proudly presents Jennifer Barretta.
Citynet Magazine: Describe your youth / teen years.
Jennifer Barretta: As a youth/teen I was a competitive tennis player, but I was also really into reading, and of course, boys!
How did you get into billiards?
When I moved to New York City it was too expensive to continue to play tennis, so I began searching for a competitive outlet. My husband and I started playing pool on the weekends and I hated losing to him so much that I decided to take lessons. During my first lesson the instructor told me that I had the potential to go pro!
What advice would you give to women who want to break into billiards? (Punny, eh?!)
If you’re really serious, practice every day and get a coach.
How does it feel to be one of the sexiest athletes on the planet?
Wow. Am I? That’s pretty cool!
Do the male players take you seriously? Are they intimidated by your playing abilities?
The male players who’ve seen me play have a lot of respect for my game. The guys who haven’t seen me play just think I’m the Billiards Barbie!
Do other female billiards players get catty around?
Of course some women can get catty, but in general most of them know that I’m just drawing attention to the sport, which helps us all in the end.
Have you used your sexiness to distract guys while playing?
Not intentionally!
Ever hustled at a local billiards hall?
I’ve gambled with people who knew how I played, but I’ve never hidden my true speed and “hustled” someone.
Best experience so far?
Beating the #1 ranked player in an ESPN televised match.
Worst experience so far?
Gambling and winning against a chauvinistic guy who threatened to “punch me in the face” because he never lost money to a woman before.
Have people recognized you on the street based on your ‘celebrity status’?
One of the major changes in my life is the amount of time I now spend in airports. Every now and then someone will recognize me, but it’s not like I have to wear a baseball hat and sunglasses…yet!
Has anyone ever run up to you in the street and brought you flowers?
No! That would be so nice though!
What’s the most common question that people ask you?
Have you ever hustled someone? [Editor’s note: No comment.]
Pet Peeves?
People who disrespect the equipment by putting their drinks or cigarettes on the pool table.
What is a typical day in your life like?
Morning: Answer emails, make phone calls, go to the gym
Afternoon/Early evening: Practice, practice, practice
Evening: Dinner, bedtime
Weekends: Make money doing exhibitions or play in tournaments.
Name anyone, alive or dead, who you would love to meet/hang out with/get to know.
Stephen Hawking. I’d love to pick his brain about the mysteries of our universe.
What do you want the world to know about you?
I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like animals.
What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?
There are 2: Bunjee jumping before it was legalized. Posing in FHM Magazine with a pool cue and a bikini.
Favorite upcoming projects?
I was chosen to play the lead roll in an independent film called “9 ball”. For more info visit: www.mainstreetproductions.com. I also did an editorial piece for the November 2005 issue of Playboy magazine which has 2 very sexy (not nude, sorry!) photos.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in the top 5. If I can get there, then I’ll shoot for # 1.
Where are you from/live now?
I grew up in Norristown, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. I’ve lived in Manhattan for the last 13 years. I think that makes me an official New Yorker.
RSS