In our interview, we sit down with Sarah Stefan (Instagram, Twitter), a remarkable individual who balances her roles as a part-time poker player and a dedicated Chicago Public Schools teacher. With 18 years of experience in education, Sarah brings her passion for teaching to the poker world. Not only that, but she also works with Poker Power, an organization committed to empowering women through the game of poker. Join us as we delve into Sarah’s unique journey and discover the valuable skills that poker has to offer.
How did you first get interested in playing live poker?
I learned the game of poker from my grandmother when I was a child. We played as a family on holidays and other family events. Since I knew the hand rankings and basic strategy, I then would play with my high school friends, and after that, I met a great group of people that I played with in a bar league after college. I fell in love with the game and began traveling to Vegas to play at the WSOP every year.
How long do you play poker, and how successful have you been?
I have played poker my whole life, but more seriously, the last 6 years or so. I have notched up some wins in some smaller NLH hold’em events in my hometown Chicago, as well as Vegas and most recently in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in a Run Good Series ladies’ event. I have some five-figure scores, but the six-figure score has eluded me. I hope to reach that goal sometime next year or two. However, I have amassed over 160k in live earnings playing part-time, which I am proud of.
How often do you go to live poker events?
Since I have a full-time job, it’s hard for me to play a full schedule of events and put in the volume that pros do. However, I am able to travel and play tournaments 3-4 times per month. During
summer, I have time off because I am a teacher. That allows me to spend a good amount of time in Vegas for the WSOP, as well as get to travel around for some MSPT tourneys or other great series.
What’s the most challenging part of playing live poker for you?
I think the most challenging part of live poker is adjusting. Every tourney, every table, every player, is different. It takes a lot to be able to zone in and adjust so you can play your best game in any situation. I feel like I have improved a lot in this area, but there is always work to do.
Do you have any favorite poker books or resources that you recommend to other players?
Recently I have taken online coaching from Faraz Jaka. He is an amazing coach and offers great group lessons that are reasonably priced. You can check them out on jakacoaching.com. His strategies are extremely clear and replicable, and he focuses on the elements of the game that come up a lot. It really helps not only build a strong foundation but takes your game to the next level.
What is the most memorable hand you’ve ever played?
The most memorable hand I had was in day 2 of the WSOP 10k main event. I had moved to a new, very tough table and was getting beat up pretty badly.
I woke up with AcKd, and ended up having to be all in as a bluff for my tournament life against a very good pro who had been putting pressure on me on the flop and turn. I repped a flush on the river and got him to fold. It was the biggest bluff I’ve gotten through. Scary, but exhilarating.
Do you have a favorite hand?
I don’t really have a favorite hand. Besides aces 🙂
Have you played with any of the live poker celebrities?
I have gotten the pleasure of playing with some poker celebrities for sure. In the WPT main this year, I got to play with Chris Moneymaker. I sat with Phil Hellmuth for a bit in the WSOP 10k main once as well. Some of my favorites to sit with have been my female idols, such as Jamie Kerstetter and Maria Ho.
Have you found new friends at the poker tables?
Most of my best friends I have found through poker. This is my favorite part of the game. I have become close with people I would probably never have met in my “other” life. We travel together, laugh together, and always have each other’s back. The poker characters you meet along the way are what make the game so valuable for me.
What are your future goals in poker?
My future goals are to continue to improve my game so that I can have my first six-figure score. I also hope to win a WSOP ring and bracelet one day, as well as get to travel to different countries to experience the game there.
In conclusion, our interview with Sarah Stefan has shed light on her extraordinary dedication and passion for both teaching and poker. As a part-time poker player and an experienced Chicago Public Schools teacher, Sarah exemplifies the power of pursuing diverse passions and using them to make a positive impact. Through her unique journey, Sarah has shown us that the skills learned from poker extend far beyond the game itself, fostering critical thinking, resilience, and strategic decision-making. We are inspired by Sarah’s unwavering drive and look forward to seeing her continue to make a difference both in the classroom and at the poker table.