In Part 1 of our four-part conversation, we welcome the unstoppable “G-Force”—Austrian legend Gerda Hofstätter-Gregerson—for a deep dive into the roots of a world-class competitor. Before she became a trailblazer in women’s professional pool and a WPBA & BCA Hall of Famer, Gerda was a fierce, fast-rising athlete from a small Austrian town, growing up in a bustling household with three sisters, two grandmothers, and a father who was dramatically outnumbered—but quietly influential.

Gerda takes us back to an outdoorsy childhood shaped by sport, work, and family. From helping in her parents’ butcher shop to chasing soccer balls with her best friends (three boys), she built the athletic foundation that would later define her game—strong hands, sharp coordination, and an unshakable competitive edge. Then comes fencing: the lunges, the precision, the travel across Europe, and the championship mindset. Gerda explains the discipline of foil fencing, what it takes to win at the highest levels, and how close she came to an Olympic path—until pool entered the picture and changed everything.

Her introduction to billiards is pure movie material: a smoky bar setting, respectful silence, finger-snapping applause, and a teenage Gerda sneaking away to practice because her father didn’t want her in a bar. That secret year turns into a rapid rise through leagues and championships, fueled by instinct, fearless confidence, and a growing support system—including the Ouschan family’s circle in Klagenfurt.

Along the way, Gerda shares the early milestones: European championships, national titles (yes—17 Austrian championships), and the moment she realized: I’ll win next year. This is the origin story—where talent meets purpose, and a champion begins to take shape.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”