While visiting League Operators Randy and Shannon Vogel in Manatee and Sarasota counties in Florida, APA met an inspirational couple.  Kory and Kaylie Scruggs both play in the APA now, but it’s been a hard road. Kory’s been playing in the APA since early 2008. During that time he’s wanted nothing more than to have his wife join his team. Kaylie had the perception, as most lower-skilled players do, that she’s not good enough to play in a league. Kory explained to his wife that the APA utilizes The Equalizer_® handicap system, which makes it possible for players of all abilities to complete equally.  However, Kaylie was still hung up on the old adage that you have to be good to play in a league. After some time, Kory finally convinced his wife to give the APA a try—she joined his team.  Unfortunately, her participation in the APA was put on hold. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /?>

In September of 2008, Kaylie was in a serious motorcycle accident which left her with a broken neck and massive concussion. Her hopes of playing pool with her husband were shattered. At this point, many would have given up, but not Kaylie.  It angered Kaylie that she had lost so much, and she was tired of being afraid to do anything for fear it would cause further harm.  After more than a year of doing nothing, she vowed to get it all back—everything she used to be able to do—including playing pool.  She began to do little things such as sit-ups, push-ups and other basic exercises to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.  As she became stronger, she also began to play pool again.  Kaylie went back to the basics, working with anyone who would take time to teach her.  Players around the APA League helped her with everything from basic mechanics to ball selection. Kaylie was a little rough at first, but to her great surprise, she found it helped with focus.  Having to concentrate so hard on sinking that ball was helping get her hand-eye coordination back.

Now, almost two years later, Kaylie has finally made it back onto an APA 8-Ball team, and they’re happy to have her.  League night is date night for the pair—the one night they leave their daughter with grandma and spend some time with family and friends. Being on the team has taught Kaylie that pool is now a mission— she used to play for fun and as a social event.  She measures her gains and goals for future accomplishments by her pool game.  If she can get that back, she knows she can do anything. 

APA wishes you the best of luck over the rest of your recovery and we hope to see you in Las Vegas next year, Kaylie!