(November 30, 2024) At just 11 years old, Tanvee Vallem—born in Hyderabad and raised in Bethesda, Maryland—is a rising pool player who has already competed in several prestigious cue sports competitions across the United States. Most recently, she stood fourth in the 14U Girls Championship Season 4 of the Junior American Series, where she faced off against eight of the nation’s top young players. For a girl who started playing pool only a couple of years ago, her achievements are nothing short of remarkable.
Cue sports, often referred to as billiards, involve precision and strategy. Among the various formats, nine-ball pool stands out for its complexity and fast-paced gameplay, requiring both skill and tactical thinking. For Tanvee, this sport represents a perfect blend of challenge and joy, pushing her to excel at every level. “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,” remarked the youngster in an interview.
Tanvee Vallem
Tryst with billiards
Tanvee’s journey started in the summer of 2022 when her father, Veeresh Vallem, installed a pool table at home as a pastime. What began as casual games between father and daughter soon turned into an obsession for Tanvee. “I played hundreds of games with my dad but couldn’t beat him. That’s when I asked him to teach me proper techniques,” she recalls.
Her competitive debut came later that year at the SVB Junior Open in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although she didn’t win, Tanvee gained invaluable experience. “Losing wasn’t discouraging; it was a chance to learn and grow,” she reflected. That experience set the stage for her to compete against some of the best junior players in the world.
Tanvee Vallem
Competing against the best
For someone so young, Tanvee’s list of achievements is impressive. In 2024, she represented India in the WPA Junior World Pool Championship in Hamilton, New Zealand, competing against skilled players such as Savannah Easton from the USA and Ming-Ling Wang from Chinese Taipei. Despite not securing the top spot, Tanvee viewed the experience positively: “I had very few chances but couldn’t capitalize. Time to hit the practice table and come back stronger!”
She has also competed in other high-profile events, including the Predator World Junior 9-ball Championship in Puerto Rico in 2022, where she made history as the youngest participant. That same year, she competed in the WPA World 10-ball Junior Championship in Austria. In the U.S., Tanvee has consistently excelled in state-level championships, earning runner-up and third-place titles across multiple junior categories.
Tanvee with one of her competitors
The joy of the game
What sets Tanvee apart is her genuine love for cue sports. She trains under coach Roy Pastor from the Billiards Education Foundation (BEF), which has been instrumental in her development. “Coach Roy’s guidance was a blessing; he made the complex seem achievable,” she said.
Tanvee admires the strategic nature of pool, likening it to chess. Her ability to focus on skill development rather than age or competition shows her mature outlook. “This sport gives me joy, and I don’t have to push myself—it’s about learning and playing,” she shared.
Tanvee Vallem
A multifaceted talent
Tanvee’s interests aren’t confined to cue sports. She is a red belt in Taekwondo and continues to learn Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance form. Her passion for pencil art, which includes shading and perspective techniques, further highlights her creative abilities.
An academic achiever as well, Tanvee is a student at Westbrook Elementary School in Maryland, where she was selected for the National “No Place for Hate” program which engages students and staff in dialogue and active learning on the topics of bias, bullying, inclusion and allyship. A Taylor Swift fan, Tanvee eagerly awaits the singer’s concerts, blending her disciplined pursuits with the joys of childhood.
Tanvee with her Taekwondo instructor
Overcoming challenges
Tanvee’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Cue sports come with significant financial commitments, including equipment and travel costs. “The struggles along the way are meant to shape you for your purpose,” her father often reminds her.
Sponsorships have played a crucial role in easing these challenges. Companies like DFE Billiards and S&T Billiards provided essential equipment, while the Junior Billiard Scholarship Fund helped cover travel expenses. Support from her family and community has also been a cornerstone of her success.
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Future aspirations
As she continues to train and compete, Tanvee’s focus remains on improving her game and inspiring others to take up cue sports. Her story reflects a harmonious blend of ambition and humility, driven by a desire to represent her heritage and make her family proud.
From standing out at the Junior American Series to making the Indian diaspora proud on international stages, Tanvee Vallem’s journey is a true example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. At just 11 years old, she has already accomplished what many only dream of—and this is just the beginning.
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