About Jackie

Jackie Karol, widely known as the Angel of Billiards, is a world-class pocket billiards instructor, champion player, and dedicated community advocate. The nickname originated when she formed The Angels of Billiards, a dynamic trio of master female players who embodied the glamorous, confident spirit of Charlie's Angels. The group performed high-profile challenge matches and hosted exciting exhibitions while raising significant funds for important causes, including the Battered Women's Shelter SafeHouse Denver, voter registration initiatives, the YWCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and many others. This charitable and empowering initiative captured the public's imagination and cemented her angelic persona in the billiards world.

Jackie was born in Richland, Washington and grew up attending high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her passion for the game began at a very young age — her father, a nuclear engineer, taught her fundamentals and placed a cue stick in her hands at age three. She practically grew up on the felt, began competing young, and quickly made a name for herself. Her impressive resume includes National Billiards Congress of America (BCA) 8-Ball and Trick Shot Championships as well as competing on the Professional International Pool Tour (IPT) — where she was 1 of only 15 women in the world to compete alongside multi-world champions and Hall of Famers. During her time on the IPT, Jackie was married and competed under the name Jackie Broadhurst. After retiring from competitive play, she channeled her expertise into teaching, inspired by her lifelong enjoyment of sharing knowledge and helping others reach their full potential on the table.

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Jackie competing on the Professional International Pool Tour (IPT)

Jackie holds a Biology degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder — and like her mother, she is also a gifted artist who specializes in murals. That rare blend of art and science is no coincidence: pocket billiards demands both. The geometry, physics, and precision of the game speak to the scientist; the creativity, feel, and flow speak to the artist. It is exactly why the sport appeals to such a wide and passionate audience. Shortly after earning her degree, Jackie captured both the BCA (Billiards Congress of America) 8-Ball and Trick Shot National Championships — a remarkable back-to-back achievement that announced her arrival on the national stage.

As a double-certified professional instructor (PBIA and ACS), Jackie brings rigorous training, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence to every lesson. She enhances her instruction with cutting-edge technology, most notably her specialized Illuminated Cueing Arts system (ICA). This innovative tool projects ideal power, English, cue-ball path, target zones, and written instructions directly onto the table, making it easier for students in her Pool School, Advanced Course, and PhD (Pool Hall Degree) modules to visualize and master shots with precision and speed.

Jackie has worked with thousands of students of all ages and abilities. Her students praise her patience, clear instruction, mental-game coaching, fun drills, and ability to break down complex concepts. Many report dramatic improvements in consistency, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. For over 25 years, Jackie has also been heavily involved in the bar and restaurant business as owner, operator, and consultant. After owning 2 bars in Boulder, Colorado, she relocated to Chico, California, where she transformed 2 poolrooms and opened the Chico Billiards Academy & Pro Shop — running leagues and tournaments and developing curriculums for players of all levels. From Chico, Jackie moved to Oregon, where she served as General Manager of a 24,000-square-foot poolroom, poker club, and music venue in downtown Portland, continuing to teach pool and run leagues and tournaments. She then became the House Pro at Uptown Billiards Club — a beautiful, classy room where she went on to win the 9-Ball Championship in the Northwest Women's Pool Association (NWPA). Her last bar as sole owner was the 8,000-square-foot The Cut Supper Club (formerly known as Gemini Club) — an iconic venue in the heart of Lake Oswego, Oregon, featuring 7 pool tables, live music, and a cigar lounge. Jackie brought the community together there by educating people about pool and poker, celebrating live music, and enjoying the occasional cigar.

Beyond private lessons and local teaching, Jackie travels nationally to trade shows such as the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival and car shows. She visits Veterans Homes, Senior Living Homes, and speaks at various Rotary Clubs and Chamber of Commerces about how pocket billiards can transform lives through improved focus, strategy, mental resilience, and social connection. She continues her charitable work by hosting fundraisers that support worthy causes.

With championship titles, professional certifications, innovative teaching methods, and a heartfelt commitment to the community, Jackie Karol stands out as one of the most effective and inspiring instructors in the billiards industry. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Angel of Billiards can help you elevate your game and deepen your appreciation for pocket billiards.

Billiards is a game of angles, patience, and presence. I teach all three.

— Jackie Karol