Gigi Callejas

Gigi Callejas, an Athletics Equipment Specialist at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), is not only a valued member of the campus community but also a formidable competitor in the world of professional billiards. With nine seasons on the West Coast Women’s Tournament tour under her belt, Gigi recently claimed the 2024 tournament title, adding another milestone to her distinguished career, which includes winning the prestigious Tour Champion title in 2018.

Born in Guatemala, Gigi moved to the U.S. at the age of eight, settling in Los Angeles County, where she has lived for the past 26 years. It was during college that Gigi’s passion for athletics took root. "In college, I got involved in athletics, and from there, I knew I wanted to work in this field," she recalls. Her drive to make athletics her career ultimately led her to SBVC, where she now plays a vital role in supporting the athletic department.

Gigi's love for billiards began when she encountered the challenges of playing on a 9-foot table. "I couldn’t make an easy ball because the table was bigger and tougher," she explains. This difficulty didn’t discourage her—it fueled her desire to improve. Determined to master the game, Gigi spent five years playing in competitive tournaments across Arizona, Northern California, Texas, and Las Vegas. Her hard work paid off, earning her sponsorships from Tiger Products USA and Hustlin’ USA.

While Gigi’s career in billiards was taking off, she pursued academic success as well. She earned an AA/AS degree in Criminal Justice from Rio Hondo College, where she also worked as the Women’s Equipment Attendant Assistant for three years. During this time, she balanced caring for her grandmother with honing her billiards skills whenever she could. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gigi decided to return to her athletic roots and secured a position as an Athletics Equipment Specialist at Cal State San Bernardino before landing her current role at SBVC. “I love the facilities and everyone I’ve met and worked with here,” she says.

For athletes pursuing a professional career, Gigi emphasizes the importance of hard work and consistency. “Staying consistent with training and practice is crucial,” she advises. “And it’s not just about physical health; mental resilience is just as important.” Drawing from her experiences in billiards, Gigi stresses the need for athletes to be adaptable and resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks, failures, and injuries. Her final piece of advice? “Stay positive, no matter what comes your way.”

As for her future in billiards, Gigi has her sights set on competing regularly in the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) tour. "Playing against top players would help me grow and gain more experience," she says. Her recent victory on the Northern California Women’s Tour, where she currently holds the top ranking, is a testament to her relentless drive for improvement.

Looking ahead, Gigi remains focused on her goals, always striving to be the best version of herself both on and off the billiards table. Whether she’s supporting the athletic programs at SBVC or competing in tournaments, Gigi Callejas is an inspiring example of passion, resilience, and dedication.