Villareal, currently ranked as the fifth best female billiard player in the world, is elated over the endorsement.  “Words can’t describe the feeling when o­ne of the most successful Native American enterprises in the nation says: ‘We think you’re good enough to represent us’,” says Villareal.  “I am so thankful and appreciative to both Mitchell and David Cypress for this opportunity and for believing in me,” she adds.     

The descendant of an Aztecan grandfather, Villareal feels a cultural closeness to the Seminole Tribe and great sense of willingness to fit into Cypress’ long-term plan.  “This endorsement isn’t about the money.  I want to make an impression o­n these young women and encourage them to realize and achieve their goals,” says Villareal.  “I want them to lead healthy lives, exercise, take care of themselves, and most importantly, encourage them that they can become as successful as they want,” she adds.    

Although a number of the WPBA players are endorsed by sponsors related to the billiards industry, the Villareal/Seminole Tribe of Florida deal is the first of its kind in WPBA history.  Ewa Laurance, President of the WPBA’ is very encouraged by the endorsement.  “Native American tribes have been very instrumental in sponsoring some of our tournament events in their gaming casinos, but this sponsorship adds a new dimension to their involvement with the WPBA,” says Laurance.  “We are very appreciative to the Seminole Tribe of Florida for their recognition of Ms. Villareal as the true professional that she is and as a role model for their young women.  Our hope is that through her encouragement and guidance, the Seminole Tribe will soon have their first WPBA participant,” she adds.      

As part of the endorsement deal, Villareal will hold billiard and wellness clinics throughout the Seminole Tribe’s Reservations and will attend sports festivities held by the Tribe.  “We certainly hope that Vivian will be the WPBA “Player of the Year,” says Chairman Cypress.  “One thing is for sure, she’s already the ‘WPBA Gator Wrestler of the Year,’ he adds with a chuckle.  Cypress was referring to Villareal’s wild ride o­n an alligator at the Seminole Tribe’s ‘Billie Swamp Safari’ o­n the Big Cypress reservation in Florida.  Villareal was introduced to the Seminole Tribe’s long-standing tradition of alligator wrestling by sitting o­n an alligator long enough to be photographed.  Although it was not a full-fledged wrestling match, Chairman Cypress predicted the outcome:  “There’s no doubt in my mind Vivian would have prevailed,” says the Chairman.   

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is headquartered o­n the Hollywood Reservation in South Florida.  The 3000+ member tribal population, the majority of which reside o­n tribal land, are spread over six reservations:  Tampa, Hollywood, Brighton, Big Cypress, Fort Pierce, and Immokalee, all located in South Florida.  Tribal enterprises consist of five gaming casinos which are located o­n tribal land and a number of eco-tourism attractions including the Billie Swamp Safari and Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.  There are also public campgrounds o­n the Big Cypress and Brighton reservations.  For more information o­n the Seminole Tribe of Florida please visit their website at www.seminoletribe.com or contact Elrod Bowers at (954) 967-3900.   

To schedule an interview with Vivian Villareal please contact Bob Arguelles, Media Dynamics at (505) 269-1481 or e-mail at bobarguelles@cs.com .

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