Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanvee Vallem.
Hi Tanvee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My entry into a creative/artistic world started when I was in kindergarten (5 years old), just before the pandemic, I got an idea to kickstart my YouTube channel ‘Tod Talks by Tanvee’ which focused on me picking up a small topic and go over some interesting facts about it. The YouTube channel ‘Tod Talks by Tanvee’ initially got a good response from the near and dear.
But once pandemic hit, I got into Kuchipudi which is one of the eight major Indian classical dances. I also started practicing Tae-Kwon-Do, a Korean form of Martial arts, currently holding a green belt in this combat sport. Also, started learning Pencil Artwork which included shading and perspectives.
In the summer of 2022, my dad installed a pool table at our home so that he could play billiards as a pastime. That is the first time ever I got introduced to cue sports. I got the hang of the rules quickly and wanted to beat my dad. I played hundreds of games with him during summer and was unable to beat him. That is when I started asking my dad to teach me the shooting techniques. I first got an in-person lesson by one of the Master coaches Mark Powell and Mark introduced me to Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) which is taken care by another Master coach and lead instructor Roy Pastor from Harvard, Massachusetts. BEF encourages juniors to learn pool with zero cost. Most of the budding players who are also currently National Champions are Roy Pastor’s students. The rest of the coaches call him colloquially Roy, ‘The Pool Pastor’ for his immense contribution to the upliftment of this sport. We are just 4 months into the process of learning, I am currently working on my stance and alignment and continuing to learn the intricacies of playing this beautiful sport.
This October of 2022, I got a chance to participate in the SVB Junior Open an inaugural pool tournament named after the current world champion Shane Van Boening which took place alongside the prestigious US Open Pool Championship between October 13th – October 14th in Harrah’s Resort located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. The SVB Junior Open was made available to budding pool players aged 17 and under with the field limited to only 64 participants.
Personally, SVB junior open was my first ever competitive game outside of practicing with my dad at home or playing at his APA league location 7 Billiards Shady Grove Maryland. I played Kaden Webber Purdum, a seasoned junior from West Virginia, and lost the game. But I got loads of experience of competing at a professional stage and also had great conversations with the pro players of the game who were participating the US Open Pool championship during that period. From the logistics perspective, DFE Billiards who makes XLR8 carbon shafts based out of Pittsburgh sponsored me with a carbon cue shaft, S & T Billiards store based out of Maryland sponsored me with a Jump cue and accessories. John Burns from Classic Billiards, Maryland has gifted me with Aramith Premium Pool Ball set and is also working to fix my practice table to play like a tournament table. My Dad’s cousin, Sasikanth Vallem, CEO of Vallem Vaari Farms also showed his generous support. Junior Billiard Scholarship fund (JrBSF) headed by Eddie Altman which supports juniors for travel funds in the form of lotteries is doing a phenomenal job of supporting this sport at a root level.
Last but not the least, I want to thank Emily Frazer, managing director of Matchroom Pool along with Shane Van Boening and Cuetec to come up with this SVB Junior Open, a great initiative which helped me come out of the woods and showcase my skills.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Kinda Bumpy! My Dad always reminds me that ‘The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose’. Even though this is just the beginning, it had its own share of adversity. Initially, with the pool equipment which can be expensive in its own right and finding the right coach was not easy. Roy and his BEF initiative ‘Break and Run Instructional Program’ were blessing in disguise, couldn’t believe that something like that existed. Travel and accomodations costs sometimes add up to be able to participate in tournaments which take place across the breadth of the country. And lastly encouraging cue sports in school curriculum would do a lot of benefit in terms of attendance and better recognition.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I found my interest in playing cue sports, especially nine-ball for its strategy and the overall fun and challenge which comes along with it. I also came to know that, at 9 years of age I am the youngest player to compete in World Junior 9 Ball Championships being held in Puerto Rico this November 2022 . And, the only player to represent Team India in Junior girls category. I was invited by World Pool- Billiard Association (WPA) in conjunction with the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI). This sport gives me the joy to continue playing and right now, I don’t have to seriously make an effort to go through it as It’s like learn and play at the moment. Also, continuing to explore all avenues like Kuchipudi, Tae-Kwon-Do, and Pencil Art gives me the right mix of fun.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love going to school, always been a great fan of academics. I was also one of the very few who were selected for the National Program ‘No Place for Hate’ Committee from Westbrook Elementary School here in Montgomery County of Maryland. Also, a big fan of Taylor Swift, waiting for her concert to hit the area.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanvee_vallem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanveeVallemLilacTiger/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_M0w5yZ5J7BxpC51NPszoQ/featured
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/
TanveeVallem
Image Credits
takaimages
Matchroompool
