Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, the “Rocket” Rodney Morris began playing pool in 1987 at the age of seventeen. After a year of playing locally, Morris decided he wanted to see just how far his talent would take him. With an obvious gift and tremendous talent, Morris left Hawaii in 1988 to hone his skills in an effort to become a World Champion Pool Player. Under the advice of former great “Hawaii Brian” Hashimoto, and from the help of good friend Tony Catucci from Toms River, New Jersey, the “Rocket” went around the country playing anyone he could and gaining the seasoning he needed to get to the highest level.

Deciding to finally commit to playing full time on the pro circuit, Morris burst onto the scene by winning the U.S. Open in 1996 and beating his idol Efren “the Magician” Reyes in the finals. By doing so, the “Rocket” cemented his place on the Pro Tour. But in 1997, Morris disappeared from pool and didn’t return until 2001. After a four year hiatus, Morris came back and won his first tournament at the Sands Regency Hotel’s Reno Open. Proving that he hasn’t missed a beat, Morris has maintained a top five ranking on the UPA Tour and has done exceptionally well on an international level as well. Making the Mosconi Cup for the first time in his career in 2003, he went undefeated in singles play, and the following year Morris went a perfect 5 and 0 and was named MVP for the Mosconi Cup 2004. Perhaps the smoothest player on tour, Morris glides around the pool table with an effortless conviction. Always with a smile on his face, the “Rocket” will surely bring a lot of excitement and joy to pool fans around the world. With renewed determination and never-ending love for the game, we will certainly be seeing the “Rocket” for a long time to come. In Rodney’s two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Shayla, the WPBA might have some future stars as well.