| Media Alert!- Gerda will be teaching in Allison's Academy on July 25-27. Check out www.allisonfisher.com for more details. |
World Champion Gerda Hofstatter
Austrian-born Gerda Hofstatter learned about pocket billiards as a teen in her home town. Gerda had a natural affinity for the game and began to compete for a local team. Her thirst for competition goes back to her childhood where she would compete in multiple sports; Gerda won a junior European championship in fencing! "Whatever I tried seemed to be quite easy," said Gerda about her childhood success in sports.
Over the next few years, Gerda played for her team and also entered individual competitions. Still, the game was just a hobby for Gerda despite it increasing in importance to her. Gerda didn't really think she could make a living at it until 1987 when she won her first Austrian National Championship. Two years later she won the European Championship, which marked the first time Austria won a Gold Medal in the European Championship. For her accomplishment, her home town threw a party in her honor and gave her an Honorary Gold Medal. Gerda's childhood school got an hour off to celebrate with her.
Gerda moved to the United States in the early 1990s to pursue her professional career in billiards. Few players in the history of the sport have accomplished as much as Gerda. Her career wins include a World Championship, 10 European championships, 17 Austrian national championships, and a U.S. national championship. Additionally, she has won numerous other titles and is one of the sports most celebrated players. Gerda's education includes a Bachelor's of Science in Business from New York University. |
