Winner of over 30 national and international titles, Jeanette Lee is recognized as one of the sport’s most powerful people. Born on July, 9, 1971 in Brooklyn, NY, she has enjoyed an illustrious career in billiards. Her friends gave her the name The Black Widow because despite her sweet personality she’d “eat people alive” at the pool table. Both Billiards Digest and Pool & Billiards Magazine named her Player of the Year, and in 1998 she was announced the “WPBA Sportsperson of the Year”. In 2001 she won gold for the US at the World Games, and has also won silver two times at the World Championships throughout her professional career. Jeanette Lee was the winner of World Trick Shot Championships and BCA Open in 2004, and a year later she also won the China Invitational. In 2007 she won even more titles at the World Team Cup, Empress Cup, and the International Skins Billiard Championship.
At the age of 13 Jeanette was diagnosed with scoliosis – a disorder in which there is a curve of the spine or backbone. She underwent surgery to alleviate the progression of the disease and although it was a success, that wouldn’t be the end of her struggle with scoliosis. She was an excellent student and was expected to continue her education in college, but after two years she discovered the game of pool. In 1993 Jeanette made her professional debut at the age of 21 and turned pro as a full-time member of the WPBA. At 23, she was ranked #1 women’s professional pool player in the entire world. Her reputation grew and she became known as The Black Widow, wearing only black clothing during tournaments.
Her first victory was at the Baltimore Billiard Classic, the debut event of the WPBA season in 1994. Her success continued in 1995 when she won titles at the Brunswick New York Classic and the Olhausen Los Angeles Classic. She kept winning more titles throughout the years but she still suffered from chronic pain, caused by scoliosis. By 2005 Jeanette Lee had undergone nine surgeries to the back, neck, and shoulder. Despite her condition she continues to be one of the best pool players in the world. She’s also been the National Spokesperson for The Scoliosis Association, Inc for the past ten years and a trustee or the Women’s Sports Foundation. Jeanette currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband George Breedlove and her children.
