Belinda Calhoun

Belinda Calhoun, born on March 5, 1953, in Austin, Texas, is a trailblazing figure in the world of professional pool. Her journey began at the age of 18 at the Hillside Inn in Austin, while she simultaneously pursued her studies at The University of Texas at Austin. This early immersion set the stage for a career that would significantly shape the sport.

Belinda's contributions to billiards are both extensive and influential. She has held prominent roles, including serving as Vice President of the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) Board of Directors and was instrumental in her election to the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame. Her competitive achievements are a testament to her prowess on the table. Notably, she captured victories at the Texas River City Open, the 1985 Women’s World 14.1 Championship, the 1985 WPBA National Championships, and the 1985 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. In addition to these accolades, Belinda has claimed two BCA National 8-Ball Championships, been named Player of the Year by Billiards Digest in 1985, and earned a spot on Pool and Billiards Magazine’s “All Stars” that same year. Her dominance in Texas is further highlighted by her six-time victory at the Texas Open 9-Ball Championship and her memorable seven-rack run during the 1993 World 9-Ball Championships.

Beyond her competitive successes, Belinda has devoted nearly her entire career to advancing the billiard community. Her leadership is evident in her six-year tenure on the World Pool Association (WPA) Board and 20 years on the WPBA Board of Directors, where she continues to serve as Vice President. Additionally, she chairs the WPBA Regional Tour Committee and Hall of Fame Committee and oversees Tiger SMART, a WPBA-sanctioned Regional Tour.

Belinda’s impact has been recognized with her induction into both the WPBA Hall of Fame in 2006 and the BCA Hall of Fame. Her remarkable 37-year career is a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication, and influence in the sport of billiards. In 2024, she was honored to be part of the inaugural class of the Texas Billiards Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the most esteemed figures in the history of the game.