2025 Commencement Speaker
Jeanette Lee Professional and Decorated Billiards Player
In 2021, she faced her toughest opponent—stage IV ovarian cancer. True to form, she approached treatment with the same fierce resilience that defined her playing career and continues to beat expectations. A mother of six in a beautifully blended family, Lee’s life story has been chronicled in ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30: Jeanette Lee Vs. , and her memoir, The Black Widow , debuted in 2024. She also leads the Tampa chapter of the American Poolplayers Association, sharing her passion for the game. A cultural icon, Lee has been celebrated for her strength, style, and spirit—proving that champions are not just defined by titles, but by the battles they overcome.
Widely known as “The Black Widow,” Jeanette Lee is a legendary figure in professional billiards and an inspiring force far beyond the table. Formerly ranked #1 in the world, Lee has captured more than 30 national and international titles, including the 2001 World Games Gold Medal and multiple Empress Cup and Tournament of Champions victories. Her accolades include induction into the Billiards Congress of America, WPBA and Asian Halls of Fame, as well as high-profile honors such as the 2024 Tampa Bay Sports Council Award and the APA’s 2023 Achievement Over Adversity Award. Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 13 and undergoing ten spinal surgeries, Lee built a remarkable career, earning global recognition not only for her competitive dominance but also her advocacy as a national spokesperson for The Scoliosis Association, Inc.
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