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Angelina Paglia is one of the WPBA’s rising stars possessing characteristics
that imply a dazzling future is ahead. A beautiful and charming young lady who loves to
entertain crowds, Paglia has been known to draw billiard fans and keep them on the edge
of their seats.
With her trademark white attire and irresistible smile, Angelina’s appeal combined
with her desire, make her one of the most intriguing personalities in women’s
professional sports.
Paglia secured herself through qualifiers onto the professional scene in 2003 when
she dedicated herself to becoming a full-time billiards player. She defeated No. 1 ranked
Allison Fisher in the 2003 U.S. Open and was granted professional status on the WPBA tour
in 2004. She is now a regular on the WPBA tour and appears at every event.
Since becoming a professional, Paglia’s popularity has grown and she has
regularly been the focus of stories in publications such as Billiards Digest, Inside Pool,
AZBilliards.com and Pool & Billiard Magazine. Her international appeal is evident as
she was the focus of an article in the London Times as well as making an appearance on a
Canadian national television network. She has also become visible on ESPN and local television
networks in Arizona where she resides as she has performed live trick shots for audiences.
Angelina was introduced to the game of billiards by her father Rick, who himself is
an accomplished pool player. Her father took her to a pool hall at a young age and Paglia
seemed to naturally grasp the game. In 1990, she won her first tournament against men at the
tender age of 11. Competing in events and turning heads at how talented she was at her age,
she was named “Female Player of the Year” in 1991 by the World Expo American
Billiard Association.
Angelina would go on to place 3rd in three Junior National Titles in 1993, 1994 and 1997.
In 1999 she played in her first professional event in Las Vegas and placed 17th against
seasoned professionals. She claimed back-to-back Arizona State Championships in 1999, 2000
and 2001 and added more amateur tournament titles to her resume before turning pro in 2004.
Originally a synchronize swimmer and a violinist, she enjoys modeling and acting. Her
ultimate goal is to be ranked No. 1 in the world and give back to the community. Angelina
recently founded a children’s billiards training course called “Lil Hustler’s”.
She is involved in charitable causes for cancer, kids and Hurricane Katrina Relief. Born in
Michigan and now residing in Arizona, Angelina is the daughter of Rick and Gail Paglia. Her
nickname is “Angel”.
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