The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB) would like to wish all of our players, parents, and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! May this holiday be filled with friends and family, good eats, and bountiful blessings!

All of us at MCB are very thankful for the 700 players from over 60 countries who will be playing in our 17th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (December 1-6) - a new record!

2023 "Little Mo" Slam

Win the Tallest Trophy in Junior Tennis (6 Feet Tall)!

Have you ever dreamed of winning the tallest trophy in junior tennis? In 2013, MCB created the ultimate challenge for any player (ages 8-12) to win the "Little Mo" Slam. The Slam was created in honor of Maureen Connolly's Grand Slam win in 1953 - winning all four major championships (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same calendar year. If a "Little Mo" player can win their yellow ball division at all three Internationals (Colorado, New Jersey, Florida) in the same year, they will receive the tallest trophy in junior tennis (6 feet tall) and the title of "Little Mo" Slam Champion! The Slam continued this year with the 1st leg at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado (June 30 - July 5). The 2nd leg was held at the West Orange Tennis Club in West Orange, New Jersey (August 20-24). The 3rd and final leg will take place at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (December 1-6). This year, we will also be celebrating a very special milestone - the 70th Anniversary of Maureen Connolly's Grand Slam win in 1953. There have been nine players who have accomplished this magnificent feat in the past ten years.

Who will win the "Little Mo" Slam title in this special anniversary year?

Two Sisters will be competing for the 2023 "Little Mo" Slam!

Mausia Toli (Girls 8) and her sister Inie Toli (Girls 10) from Wellington, Florida are still in the running for the 2023 "Little Mo" Slam after winning their age divisions at the "Little Mo" Internationals in Colorado and New Jersey earlier this year! These talented sisters will be competing in the "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida next week for a chance to take home the tallest trophy in junior tennis. We wish them both the best of luck in their matches!

Get to know Mausia and Inie!

Mausia is in the third grade and Inie is in the fifth grade, and they both go to Florida Virtual School. Mausia's favorite subject is math and science, and her sister Inie's favorite subject is also math! They both train at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy in Florida. They enjoy spending time with their family and swimming. Inie also enjoys music and dancing while her little sister Mausia enjoys art and coloring.

"Meeting new friends from all over the world," is Inie's favorite thing about the "Little Mo" tournaments. Mausia said, "I like to collect 'Mo' Coins to buy toys. I also like meeting new friends." When asked what winning the "Little Mo" Slam would mean to you, Inie replied, "It will be very special. I've always loved the 'Little Mo' tournaments." Mausia said, "It will mean so much. My older sister (Inie)

wants to win it so I want to do the same." Mausia and Inie are both very excited to try and win the "Little Mo" Slam!

Former Two-Time "Little Mo" Slam Champion, Akasha Urhobo, speaks about her "Little Mo" experience!

Akasha Urhobo talks about balancing her tennis and school life with her passion for playing in the US Open one day. Akasha won the "Little Mo" Slam in back-to-back years, winning all three "Little Mo" Internationals (California, New York, Florida) in 2016 and 2017.

"The milestone of my younger career was the 'Little Mo' Slam twice over... that was a big part of my career and what makes me feel like I can have the confidence to go and play actual Slams," Akasha stated. "You would go three weeks out of the year, each in different months to different states, and to play this tournament and try to get a winning streak to get this super tall trophy... I still get recognized for it." Click here for video credits on Akasha's Instagram page.

We hope you and your family will join us again next year for one or more of our "Little Mo" tournaments! We are aiming to post our 2024 tournament schedule by February/March of next year. When it is available, it will be posted on our MCB website (www.mcbtennis.org) under the "Tournaments" tab. We will most likely be following a very similar schedule compared to this year, which is still included on our website. In the meantime, we would recommend signing up for our monthly newsletter to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information throughout the year. If you are not already subscribed, you can sign up on our website (www.mcbtennis.org) at the bottom of the page.

Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly featured on the Tennis Channel's segment: Breaking Barriers!

Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly was recently featured on the Tennis Channel's segment: Breaking Barriers about her accomplishments and contributions to the sport of tennis. Billie Jean King spoke about how incredible it was for Maureen to be the first woman to win all four major Slams in a single calendar year as a teenager - this year being the 70th Anniversary of her incredible achievement in 1953. She also talked about how Maureen's legacy lives on in many ways such as the "Little Mo" tournaments which impact thousands of young, talented players each year.

"She was a teenager and she won every single major without losing a set," Billie Jean King said, "and when you get a champion like that from an area, it is so inspirational and Maureen Connolly has been an inspiration ever since. She has her 'Little Mo' tournaments (named after her), and she has the Maureen Connolly Brinker 'Most Outstanding Player' Award that we give to the Girls 18 and under winner...". Click on the video above to watch the full segment.

1953 Trivia and Fun Facts

What was happening around the world when Maureen Connolly won the Grand Slam 70 years ago?

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB) would like to take a moment to thank all of our sponsors! We are so very thankful for their support in making our mission possible to further junior tennis development worldwide!

Jersey Mike's Subs

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation is proud to have Jersey Mike's Subs as the "Title Sponsor" of all 2023 "Little Mo" Tournaments (Regionals, Nationals, Internationals)!

"MCB celebrates Jersey Mike's Subs as our Title Sponsor again this year for our regional, national, and international 'Little Mo' tournaments," said Cindy Brinker Simmons, MCB President and daughter of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. "Peter Cancro, Jersey Mikes founder and CEO, has created a company with such an amazing culture of giving back to the communities and to the hundreds of non-profit organizations it serves. Jersey Mike's truly exemplifies excellence in making the best subs in the stratosphere and was recently ranked third in Entrepreneur's annual 'Franchise 500' ranking in the Food category. MCB is profoundly grateful to have the honor of this significant partnership with Jersey Mike's!" 

About Jersey Mike's Subs:

It started back in 1956, in this actual storefront location and was originally called Mike's Subs. Mike opened the small shop in the sea-side town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. You have to remember that in 1956, there were very few franchise restaurants or hamburger chains. No chain pizza, chicken or taco restaurants, either. In 1956, proprietors of mom-and-pop businesses would open their stores in basic storefront locations like you see here. To survive and thrive, they had to offer exceptional quality products, coupled with unparalleled service. In 1956, Mike was unique in that the product he was offering was a relatively new item in American society – the submarine sandwich.

Mike also benefited from the geographic location of his store. Point Pleasant, New Jersey is centrally located in the state on the legendary Jersey Shore. It is approximately 1 hour south of New York City, 1 hour east of Philadelphia, and about 3 hours north of Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. For over a century, the people that lived and worked in these metropolitan areas would flock to Point Pleasant to experience the sun, surf, sand, boardwalk, salt water taffy, and all the treasures that made up the legendary Jersey Shore experience. Mike capitalized on the influx of vacationers, visitors and local residents by offering them his unique new product – submarine sandwiches. But what really differentiated his restaurant was the experience he gave his customers. Recognizing them by name, and knowing the sandwich they were going to order, because of their frequent visits. People would line up throughout the summer to buy the sub sandwiches that Mike was selling, and to enjoy the experience of coming into his shop. For over half a decade, he built the business into a thriving landmark, and was a pioneer of the authentic subs sandwich.

In 1971, Peter Cancro was a high school student in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He began working at Mike's Subs at the age of 14. Peter loved working at Mike's. He loved authentic submarine sandwiches. But even more, Peter loved working behind the counter, interacting and talking with the customers. He liked learning about where they were from and their summer vacation experiences. He took pride in knowing which authentic sub sandwich his loyal customer would order as they entered the store. When Peter was a senior in high school, he overheard the owner of Mike's Subs discussing selling the business. He thought to himself, "I love the food, I love working in the store, maybe I'll buy the shop." Pretty ambitious for a 17 year old kid. Peter approached his football coach and said "Hey coach, Mike's Sub shop is for sale, and I'm interested in buying it. Can you help me out?" It didn't hurt that his football coach was also a banker. The football coach came through for Peter, and backed his loan. So, at the tender age of 17 - before he was legally able to slice a sub - Peter Cancro became the owner and proprietor of Mike's Subs.

Shortly after buying Mike's, he married his former wife Linda and they opened a couple more local outlets of Mike's Subs. He expanded upon the phenomenon of Mike's Subs. Teaching the crew to interact and talk with the customer, to share a passion for getting to know the customer. He spent the next decade building on the cult-like following that Mike's Subs already enjoyed. They would have customers lined up out the door in the summertime waiting to get the authentic sub sandwiches that Mike's was famous for.

In the mid-eighties, Peter heard more and more people say, "Peter, we're going to miss you and your subs this winter. We sure wish you would put a Mike's where we live!" People would come in at the end of the summer and get several giant subs wrapped for travel, to carry back to their homes across the country. This got Peter thinking, and he started researching the possibilities of franchising the Mike's concept. In 1987, Peter began franchising. He changed the name from Mike's Subs to Jersey Mike's Subs to capture the authenticity of where the authentic sub sandwich was born.

Today, Peter Cancro is CEO of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems Inc., overseeing more than 2,000 locations open and under development. Despite the title, Peter still jumps behind the counter to test his skills and demonstrate his passion for the product and the customer. He tries to instill that passion in every store he enters and with every franchisee he meets.

Today, the authentic taste – served Mike's Way® with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices – is available nationwide. Our secret? Everything about Jersey Mike's is high quality. Our meats and cheeses are all top-quality premium brands. Our bread is fresh-baked each day on the premises. And of course, everything's prepared right in front of you. It's what makes Jersey Mike's the most authentic tasting submarine sandwich available, and it's a tradition of quality we'll never outgrow. For more information, please visit: www.jerseymikes.com.

RBC Wealth Management

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation is proud to have RBC Wealth Management as the "Presenting Sponsor" of the 26th Annual "Little Mo" Nationals (Austin, Texas)!

"RBC Wealth Management continues to support and invest in our communities where our employees and clients live and work," remarked Andy Teller, Senior Managing Director - Private Wealth Group at RBC Wealth Management. "We are excited and proud to support tennis throughout Texas through our partnerships with the ATP 250 and the 'Little Mo' Nationals. Additionally, we support tennis globally through our sponsorship of 2016 NCAA Singles and Doubles champion, ATP professional, Mackie McDonald, who is a former 'Little Mo' Champion as well as Jenson Brooksby, a former 'Little Mo' Champion who is ranked #191 in the world. Character is a core tenet of the 'Little Mo' because character counts in tennis and it is the same in wealth management. RBC Wealth Management's approach is based on integrity, and careful management of wealth entrusted to us. It also reflects our promise to help clients Strengthen their Financial Future. We are very proud to continue to sponsor the 'Little Mo' Nationals. I hope everyone will come out and cheer on these remarkable players from around the country in their quest to follow in the footsteps of the greatest names in tennis to come through the legendary 'Little Mo'!"

"MCB is thrilled, absolutely thrilled, with RBC's partnership," said Cindy Brinker Simmons, MCB President and daughter of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. "Aligning ourselves with a business known for its standard of excellence, integrity and stewardship, we enter our 'Little Mo' Nationals with great enthusiasm and vigor. Like MCB, RBC is very relationship-centric and provides the very best services for its clients. MCB does the same by developing our players into champions both on and off the court. Character matters. We look forward to hosting a successful tournament and working with RBC in the years ahead sharing our like-minded core values as we further the very best in junior tennis."

About RBC Wealth Management:

RBC Wealth Management is the largest full-service wealth management firm in Canada. They deliver personalized wealth management solutions through four diverse, complementary businesses: RBC Dominion Securities Inc.; RBC Phillips, Hager & North Investment Counsel Inc.; RBC Private Banking; and RBC Ryal Trust. Generations of Canadians have relied on RBC's in-depth knowledge and experience to help achieve their goals. At RBC, they know that wealth means much more than finances. It includes a sense of well-being, belonging and prosperity in the communities where they live and work. Their customized approach includes top-tier investment insights, proactive solutions, and dedicated support from Canada's largest wealth management services team. Your values, needs and goals are unique. RBC takes the time to understand them so they can create a strategic wealth plan that reflects what's important to you. When you choose RBC as your wealth management partner, you benefit from the financial stability and strength of Canada's largest financial institution. For more information, please visit: www.rbcwealthmanagement.com.

Tennis Competitors of Dallas

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation is proud to have Tennis Competitors of Dallas as the "Travel Grant" Sponsor of all 2023 "Little Mo" Tournaments (Regionals, Nationals, Internationals)!

About Tennis Competitors of Dallas

Founded by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation in 1977, Tennis Competitors of Dallas began with 18 teams and quickly grew to 28 teams by the fall season. Today, TCD currently has over 8,000 members (342 Ladies Doubles teams, 110 Mixed Doubles teams, 115 Love-50 Doubles teams, 48 Love-60 Doubles teams, 78 Ladies Pickleball teams, and 50 Mixed Doubles Pickleball teams). TCD is a proud sponsor of the "Little Mo" tournaments and they have presented travel grants to deserving "Little Mo" players for many years. Thank you TCD for your loyal support of our organization and players!

Wilson Sporting Goods Company

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation is proud to have Wilson Sporting Goods Company as the "Official Ball and Racquet" Sponsor of all 2023 "Little Mo" Tournaments (Regionals, Nationals, Internationals)!

"We are beyond excited to announce our continued partnership in 2023 with the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation," said Marco Ruiz, Head of Global Tennis Sports Marketing for Wilson Sporting Goods, adding, "investing in the next generation of tennis players by providing high quality equipment and best-in-class service from initial grassroots interest is critical to us and part of our long-term vision to help grow Wilson as a brand and, ultimately, the sports of tennis as a whole. As one of the great champions of tennis and one of our finest Wilson Advisory Staff members, 'Little Mo' left a lasting legacy as one of the great champions of tennis, both on and off the court. Our relationship will allow us to support the next generation of tennis champions through the 'Little Mo' national and international tournaments by bringing together the youngest and brightest stars in junior tennis."

"Mom would be thrilled to have Wilson as the 'Official Ball' and 'Official Racquet' of her namesake foundation's elite national and international junior tournaments," said Cindy Brinker Simmons, MCB President and daughter of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. "She was so honored to compete with Wilson racquets during her remarkable career and then later to serve on Wilson's Advisory Board. Wilson and Mom both represent a standard of preeminence in the world of tennis."

About Wilson Sporting Goods Company:

Chicago, USA-based Wilson Sporting Goods Company, a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, is the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation, history, and heritage across many sports including Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Golf. Leveraging player insights to create products that push equipment and apparel innovation into new territories, Wilson empowers athletes at every level to perform at their best. For more information, please visit: www.wilson.com.

Lucky in Love Kids

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation is proud to have Lucky in Love Kids as the "Official Apparel" Sponsor of the 2023 "Little Mo" South Regionals (Arlington, Texas), the 26th Annual "Little Mo" Nationals (Austin, Texas), and the 17th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida!

"The 'Little Mo' tournaments are the perfect place not only to showcase our collections and unique styles, but also to support the community of young aspiring tennis players around the world," said Andrea Tabor, Marketing and Sales manager for Lucky In Love Kids.

"We are thrilled to announce Lucky In Love Kids will be the 'Official Apparel Sponsor' of the 'Little Mo' South Regionals, Nationals, and Internationals in Florida this year. Our 'Little Mo' players and other players worldwide love their beautiful clothing and all the new, fun fashions they bring to junior tennis. Lucky In Love Kids is the gold standard and we are so proud to partner with their fine company again this year," said Carol Weyman, MCB Executive Vice President

About Lucky in Love Kids:

Founded in 2010, the family-owned Lucky In Love has five generations of sports and fashion apparel know-how. The goals have remained the same: to create bold performance-wear that strives to be unique, and dares to be different. Above all else, the brand aspires to inspire and help women of all ages feel amazing so they can venture out into the world as the best versions of themselves, no matter where they sport our clothing. The brand's global headquarters are located in Miami, Florida where they design apparel for the tennis and golf categories. For more information, please follow Lucky In Love on Instagram: @shopluckyinlove and @luckyinlovekids or visit: www.shopluckyinlove.com.

A Special Thank You to Dave "The Koz" Kozlowski!

We are very thankful to have Dave "The Koz" Kozlowski at the "Little Mo" Nationals and "Little Mo" Internationals each year. Koz has been with the "Little Mo" team for 10 years and he creates such an amazing junior tennis tournament experience for our players and their families. His personality and interviews add so much to the "Little Mo" and makes for an unforgettable experience. We are so happy to have this "tennis legend" with us at our events! Click on the videos below to watch Koz's segments on our Colorado and New Jersey international tournaments, and our national tournament in Austin, Texas.

Dave Kozlowski is the executive producer and host of "Inside Tennis with 'The Koz'", which aired for six years on Tennis Channel as one of its "Original Series" and has been featured on SNN (TV) in Florida, IndieTennis.com, and InsideTennisWithTheKoz.com. As one of the first seventeen Master USPTA professionals in the world, Koz has been lecturing at national and international conventions for the past three decades. 

In 2021, Koz was honored by the USPTA for his 50 years of service and contribution to the tennis industry and game. World Tennis Magazine recognized him as "A consummate professional with credentials and an ideal temperament" and cited his tennis programs as "one of the finest family tennis programs in any American tennis destination." In 2019, Koz was inducted into the USPTA Middle States Hall of Fame. In 2001, he was named the USPTA "National Pro of the Year" and was the winner of the Jim Martz USTA Florida "Media Excellence Award". Koz was also named the 1999 USTA "Broadcaster of the Year" and he has been a published author of tennis tips since 1975 and columnist for TennisChannel.com, Tennis Magazine, Florida Tennis, ADDvantage, 10sballs.com, TennisNow.com, Totally Tennis, Tennis Life, NYsportsday.com, and Play Sarasota. Koz was the first American broadcaster to interview Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick. He was named 1978 Alabama "Pro of the Year" and 1997 Florida "Pro of the Year". 

Koz was also the inaugural Director of Tennis at Laurel Oak Country Club with Touring professional former world number ranked one Monica Seles, nine-Slam singles winner. He is the original coach of former WTA players Carling Bassett (former #5 WTA) and Shawn Stafford (former top 50 WTA), and he has trained over 135 D-I level college players. Koz is currently the Director of Racquet Sport at the ICON-managed, The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch and he has guided his three children (Davidson, Kimberly, and Carolyn Virginia) who have achieved tournament success nationally and internationally at the junior, college, and professional level. Click here for the full article on the Press Release Distribution website.

Former "Little Mo" Champion Leylah Fernandez with Team Canada is crowned 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Champion!

Congratulations to former "Little Mo" champion Leylah Fernandez (second from left in photo - #35 WTA) and Team Canada on their first-ever championship title at the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup in Seville, Spain! Fernandez delivered the clinching win in the finals against Jasmine Paolini (6-2, 6-3) to finish the week at 5-0. The left-hander was also responsible for both Canadian wins against the Czech Republic in the semifinals after she defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in three sets to send the tie to a deciding doubles match, where she and Gabriela Dabrowski upset Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova: 7-5, 7-6(3).

"I can finally say this: We're world champions, and we rightfully deserve it," Fernandez said. "We worked really hard the past years, and I think every year, as I said before, we just keep improving. It's showing on the tennis court. It's showing in competition, individual competitions. Now it has shown in the biggest stage in the world. Coming here, it has given me a chance to represent my country at a highest level and to share the courts with these amazing women who can inspire me, who has inspired me, and who has motivated me to do better, to reach for higher levels in my own game." Click here for photo credits and to read the full article on Tennis.com.

As a junior player, Fernandez (right in the photo) competed in the 2013 "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida and she finished as the Girls 11 Singles Winner, the Girls 11 Doubles finalist, and the Mixed 11 Doubles semifinalist. She also participated in the 2012 "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida where she and her father were interviewed about their "Little Mo" experience. Please click on the video above to watch Fernandez's interview during the tournament.

Former "Little Mo" Champion Alanis Hamilton with Team USA is crowned 2023 Junior Billie Jean King Cup Champion!

Congratulations to former "Little Mo" champion Alanis Hamilton (far left in photo - #50 ITF World Tennis Tour Junior) and Team USA on their championship title at the 2023 Junior Billie Jean King Cup in Cordoba, Spain! They successfully defended their title by clinching a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the finals. The USA team has now won five titles in the last six years, but its run in Spain was particularly impressive for its dominance. In six ties, the #2 seeded Americans did not even lose a set while defeating Serbia, Algeria and Sweden in round-robin play, and also Brazil and Spain in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. 

"I couldn't ask for much more out of the girls," U.S. captain Tom Gutteridge said after the finals. "Every day they've been so professional, so diligent. They didn't underestimate any opponents. They took everyone for their best. They came with a job to do and I was proud of them for the way they competed. The future is in good hands with these girls. We're trying to create a culture, an environment where they're all pushing each other. They're doing a great job raising the bar and constantly motivating each other. They're all great friends, so I think it's in good hands." Click here for photo credits and to read the full article on the USTA website.

Stay tuned for fun and exciting activities from the "Little Mo" Club! For more information on future giveaways and contests, please check out and follow the Instagram page: @littlemoclub! Also, be sure to fill out your player's profile so you can participate in all of the fun activities (for active members with a full profile only). Don't forget to add your picture so your friends can recognize you!

If you have any questions about the "Little Mo" Club or how to activate your account, please send an email to: info@littlemoclub.com. Thanks so much!

Would you like to be a Sponsor of the "Little Mo" Tournaments?

We are actively looking for sponsors for the 2023 and 2024 "Little Mo" tournaments. If you are interested or you know someone who works for a company that would be interested in being a sponsor of our "Road to the Little Mo Nationals" circuit and/or the three "Little Mo" Internationals (Colorado, New Jersey, Florida), please send an email to: carol@mcbtennis.org. We will be happy to send a customized PowerPoint sponsorship proposal, which would include branding opportunities such as placing banners at various sites across the country, advertising in the player program and booklet, having your logo on the tournament t-shirts, and promoting your product(s) to our players, parents, and their families.

Do you have any Creative Ideas for the "Little Mo" Tournaments?

We are always trying to improve the "Little Mo" tournaments and create a fun and memorable experience for our players and their families. If you have a creative idea or suggestion for the "Little Mo" tournaments, please send an email to: carol@mcbtennis.org.

Would you like to help the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation?

Thank you so much for your support of the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation and the "Little Mo" tournaments! It is the mission of the Foundation to organize memorable tennis events for young players while also providing opportunities to develop their game, enjoy tennis, and learn good values such as character, sportsmanship, and kindness. The Foundation has promoted the development of junior tennis for over 55 years and continues to benefit countless numbers of boys and girls throughout the United States and worldwide. We greatly appreciate any donations so that we can continue to offer the "Little Mo" tournaments in honor of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker.

If you are interested in making a donation, please click on the "Make A Donation" button above. All donations are tax-deductible as the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are also always looking for volunteers at the "Little Mo" tournaments so if you would like to earn community service hours or volunteer your time, please send an email to: carol@mcbtennis.org. We thank you for your kind consideration and wish you all the very best for a wonderful and memorable year!

If you were a "Little Mo" player and you have recently signed with a college tennis team or are currently playing college tennis, please email: carol@mcbtennis.org to be featured in our next newsletter.

A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors:

The "Little Mo" tournaments are hosted by MCB in memory of its tennis champion namesake, Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. Born in San Diego, Maureen became the first woman to achieve the Grand Slam of tennis in 1953 by winning all four major championships (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same year. She was well known for her powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, which earned her the famous nickname "Little Mo" - a comparison to the explosive firepower of the battleship USS Missouri, also known as "Big Mo". Only five players in the history of tennis have won the calendar Grand Slam, and Maureen is still the only American woman and the youngest at age 18 to have accomplished this magnificent feat. She won an amazing nine consecutive championship titles (three US, three Wimbledon, two French, one Australian) - undefeated in 50 matches.

Unfortunately, her spectacular career would be short-lived due to a horseback riding accident in 1954. While she could no longer compete at an elite level, Maureen's legacy as a legendary tennis star would continue through the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB). Founded in 1968 with her dear friend Nancy Jeffett, MCB's mission would be the promotion and support of junior tennis development worldwide. That same year, she was inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Sadly, Maureen lost her valiant battle with cancer the following year and passed away at the young age of 34. Although her tennis career only spanned three years, many premier sportswriters consider Maureen Connolly to be the finest of all female players for her achievements on and off the court. In 2019, she was honored by the United States Postal Service with her very own "Little Mo" Commemorative Forever Stamp.

Today, MCB continues to support the growth of junior tennis by organizing numerous "Little Mo" tournaments throughout the United States annually for talented boys and girls (ages 8-16). These events are designed to provide outstanding competition at the regional, national, and international level while also encouraging players to develop new friendships, learn good sportsmanship, and most of all, have fun. The "Little Mo" tournaments are also unique in that young players have the opportunity to gauge their ability against others born in the same year from around the world (i.e., 8's play 8's, 9's play 9's). MCB strives to empower young athletes by giving travel grants, "Mo" Coins for prizes, and also Sportsmanship and Kindness awards to deserving individuals in honor of Maureen's legacy. The Foundation also contributes financially to many notable programs including the National Junior Tennis League for inner-city youth and Invest In A Child for deaf and wheelchair tennis.

Over the years, many well-known collegiate players and famous tennis professionals have participated in the "Little Mo" tournaments including Andy Roddick, Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Korda, Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez, Dominic Thiem, Belinda Bencic, Jenson Brooksby, Madison Keys, Tommy Paul, Brandon Nakashima, Vasek Pospisil, Borna Coric, Coco Gauff, Mackie McDonald, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Sofia Kenin, Denis Kudla, CiCi Bellis, and Ana Konjuh among many others. Roddick won the "Little Mo" in 1992 (age 10) and he said, "the 'Little Mo' was my first big win!" Gauff won the "Little Mo" in 2012 (age 8) and she said, "the 'Little Mo' is where the belief began." This is all wonderful news for junior tennis and we are so proud that the "Little Mo" continues to be one of the most popular events for young players around the world.

MCB has promoted the development of junior tennis for over 55 years and continues to benefit countless numbers of young players worldwide. It is our mission to provide a special and meaningful experience at all of our events while also inspiring outstanding attributes at a young age such as fair play, good character, integrity, sportsmanship, kindness, giving back, and an "attitude of gratitude". Thousands of players compete in the "Little Mo" tournaments annually and we hope to see even more youngsters play this wonderful "sport for a lifetime". We would also very much appreciate your help in spreading the word about the "Little Mo" so we can continue to impact future generations of young players. The MCB Tennis Foundation is led by its directors: Cindy Brinker Simmons (President), Brenda Brinker Bottum (Vice President), and Elizabeth Jeffett (Vice President). Carol Weyman (Executive Vice President), Matthew Cody (Tournament Operations Manager), and Tiffany Hollebeck (Tournament Operations Coordinator) organize the "Little Mo" tournaments. Thank you so much for your support of the "Little Mo" tournaments and the legacy of Maureen Connolly Brinker. For more information about the "Little Mo", please visit our website at: www.mcbtennis.org and click on "Tournaments". Play "Mo" Tennis!