17/07/2026
My first US trip of this year is in the books, and what a special experience it was!
I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome, the inspiring conversations, and the opportunity to spend time with so many people who care deeply about the future of American pool.
A very special thank you goes to Joe and Stephen from Hilltop Promotions. Together with Scott Frost "The Freezer", they truly pulled out all the stops to create an outstanding event: the King of the Hill. The amount of work, energy, passion, and personal commitment that went into making the event a success, was a joy to witness.
Their support also made it possible for us to make this trip, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and contribution they have given us. Joe, Nick, and Scott, thank you for everything you did, both behind the scenes and throughout the event.
My wife, Christel, joined me on this trip, and she too was made to feel incredibly welcome. The warmth, kindness, and hospitality shown to both of us made the experience even more special.
I would also like to thank Shane J Shane Tyree and everyone at USA CUE Sports for their hospitality and support, and Mike Panozzo for his valuable help with the organization and logistics.
It was a true honor to deliver the keynote presentation at the instructors seminar. Being able to share my knowledge and ideas with so many committed instructors and coaches was very meaningful to me. Coaches play an essential role in the future development of the sport, and I strongly believe that sharing knowledge and strengthening coach education will be an important part of moving American pool forward.
Another real highlight was meeting and watching some of the young talents in Dubuque. Their enthusiasm, ambition, and love for the game were wonderful to see. There is so much potential, and these young players are an important part of the future of American pool.
And of course this trip was an important first step on the Road to the Mosconi Cup 2026. It gave me the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and meet a number of very interesting people who are willing to contribute to a strong and well-prepared Team USA.
The event, the seminar, the meetings, and the many informal conversations confirmed something I strongly believe: there is an enormous amount of talent, knowledge, passion, and potential in American pool.
The next step is to keep building, connecting, and preparing. My focus now moves toward the summer program, the Florida Open, the US Open, and the preparation for Team USA later this year.
Thank you to everyone who made both of us feel so welcome. We are excited about what comes next.
