An Inspired Chat with Samm Diep-Vidal of Central Park

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samm Diep-Vidal. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Samm, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Well, not quite the first 90 minutes of my day—but by 9:30 most mornings, I’ve already fed the humans in my house, let the pets out, packed bento lunches for my girls, squeezed in a workout, and hit my recommended water intake for the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Samm Diep—a Master Certified Professional Billiard Instructor, four-time national champion, and proud national coach for the U.S. junior team. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping players of all ages and skill levels sharpen their game, build confidence, and deepen their connection to the sport.

Through my brand and platform, I blend expert instruction with a strong sense of community, offering everything from private lessons to group classes for youth and seniors. I’m deeply passionate about legacy-building and creating meaningful connections.

Lately, I’ve have the honor of traveling the globe, meeting incredible students, and sharing my love for the game in new and exciting ways. I also enjoy creating fun, educational content that helps my students and subscribers stay engaged, inspired, and connected—on and off the table.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I wouldn’t call this my earliest memory of feeling powerful, but it’s certainly one of the most defining. When my husband and I were planning our family, we made the intentional decision to have natural births for both of our daughters. I delivered both of them without medication, through waterbirths—and it was, without question, the most empowering experience I’ve ever had.

There’s something incredibly primal and profound about trusting your body completely, leaning into the intensity, and emerging on the other side with this tiny, perfect human in your arms. It wasn’t just about physical strength—it was about clarity, conviction, and surrender. I felt deeply connected to myself, to my daughters, and to generations of women who’ve done the same. It reminded me that power doesn’t always roar; sometimes it flows, breathes, and rises quietly from within

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be:
You don’t have to earn your worth—it’s already yours.

I’d remind her that being strong doesn’t mean doing everything alone, and that asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. I’d tell her that her voice matters and to believe in herself. I’d also tell her she does not need to feel she has to prove herself to anyone.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely.

One thing I’ve always been proud of is how often I hear from students that I’m the same person in real life as I am in my videos. Choosing to share instructional content publicly means opening myself up to judgment and criticism—but it also creates a window for potential students to “get to know me” before we ever meet.

It’s always been important to me that my students and peers feel I’m approachable, genuine, and consistent. What you see is what you get—whether I’m in front of the camera, at the table, or teaching in person. I believe that authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of meaningful learning and connection.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes. I’m living my dream—and truly, my best life.

What I do wasn’t handed to me or mapped out by someone else. It’s something I chose, built, and continue to shape with intention and heart every single day. I wake up each morning excited to teach, connect, create, and build community around a sport I love deeply. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling.

And at the center of it all, I’m a mother. That role grounds me, fuels me, and reminds me daily of the kind of legacy I want to leave behind. My daughters see me living with purpose and thriving in a male-dominated world—and that, to me, is the most powerful example I can set.

I’m not following someone else’s script—I’m writing my own. And the best part? It keeps evolving. Every student I meet, every event I help shape, every piece of content I create adds to a legacy that feels uniquely mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sammdiep.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalbilliardinstructor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammspocket/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammdiep
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sammspocket
• Other: Google:
  https://share.google/SZuVs1a0RVbdPCPb8

Image Credits
Erwin Dionisio
Alison Chang