The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB) would like to wish all of our players, parents, and friends a Happy St. Patrick's Day! May your holiday be filled with good luck, Irish dancing, and plenty of shamrock cookies!

Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker was of Irish heritage and she was inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame in 2017. The mission of the Irish American Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of Irish Americans to society in the areas of Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Service, Sports, Religion, Education, and Science. The Irish American Hall of Fame also pays tribute to exemplary Americans of Irish heritage who have truly shaped the Irish American identity in the United States. To learn more about the Irish American Hall of Fame, please click here.

We would like to invite our players to email a St. Patrick's Day drawing or photo by Friday, March 20 at 2:00pm (Central Time). (Please submit only original drawings or photos - not AI or computer generated.) To be included in the contest, email your player's name and submission to: tiffany@mcbtennis.org. All contest entries will be posted on the MCB X page (@mcbtennis) on Friday afternoon. The player with the most "likes" for their drawing or photo by Monday, March 23 at 2:00pm (Central Time) will receive a complimentary entry into a 2026 "Little Mo" Internationals of their choice. We will announce the contest winner on the MCB X page. Remember to click on the "heart" icon to "like" the drawing or photo of your choice on the MCB X page for your vote to count in the contest!

Everyone who participates in this contest will receive a prize ($20 value) at the "Little Mo" Internationals. Please visit the "Little Mo" Booth during any of our two remaining internationals this year to receive your prize. Good luck to all players!

Come celebrate 250 years of America's

Declaration of Independence at the

"Little Mo" Internationals in Colorado Springs

U.S. Air Force Academy

July 3-7, 2026!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

We are so excited to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for our 15th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Colorado Springs, Colorado (July 3-7, 2026). Open to any player worldwide (ages 8-14)! Click on the ad below to register.

We are planning to open registration for our third and final 2026 "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in July - open to any player worldwide (ages 8-14)!

"Road to the Little Mo Nationals"

The "Little Mo" began in 1976 as a local tournament for Dallas youngsters and later grew to include players from all over Texas. In 1998, it expanded nationwide and became known as the "Road to the Little Mo Nationals", one of the premier series of junior tournaments for girls and boys ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The Road is now in its 29th year as a yearlong circuit of regional and national tournaments for players who reside in the USA. It is the only circuit of its kind for talented, high-performance girls and boys in the United States who compete against others born in the same year.

The Road will begin in the spring and summer with the four "Little Mo" Regionals (North, South, East, West) held in different cities across the United States. Yellow (regular) ball divisions will be offered for girls and boys ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in addition to a green dot option for ages 8, 9, and 10. The top four yellow ball players (semifinalists) in each age division from each regional tournament will advance to the prestigious "Little Mo" Nationals in Austin, Texas from September 25-28, 2026. These players will form a 16-size draw in each age division at the Nationals. The top 160 players who reach the Nationals are the youngest and brightest future stars in American tennis!

"Little Mo" East Regionals

Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

April 25-27, 2026

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 10 at 1:00pm (Central Time)

"Little Mo" South Regionals

Arlington Tennis Center

Arlington, Texas

May 23-25, 2026

Registration Deadline: Friday, May 8 at 1:00pm (Central Time)

"Little Mo" West Regionals

Berkeley Tennis Club

Berkeley, California

July 18-20, 2026

Registration Deadline: Friday, July 3 at 1:00pm (Central Time)

"Little Mo" North Regionals

West Orange Tennis Club

West Orange, New Jersey

September 5-7, 2026

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 21 at 1:00pm (Central Time)

29th Annual "Little Mo" Nationals

Austin Tennis Academy

Austin, Texas

September 25-28, 2026

2026 "Little Mo" Internationals

In 2006, MCB created the "Little Mo" Internationals for USA players to experience different styles of play and meet others from various countries and cultures from around the world. This flagship event was first held in Texas and it has evolved over the years into three different tournaments. Today, the Internationals attract thousands of talented girls and boys (ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) who travel from across the United States and worldwide to compete against others born in the same year.  These unique events are held at some of the most prominent and historic tennis clubs in the United States, which helps to create an unforgettable experience and enjoyable vacation for the entire family.

All players will have an opportunity to participate in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles in addition to many exciting and memorable activities such as the Opening Ceremony, Player Parade, Player Clinic, Group Photo, Player Gift Exchange, Player Party, "Mo" Coins, "Little Mo" Booth, Sportsmanship/Kindness Awards and much more. Last year, the "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida featured approximately 750 players from over 68 different countries worldwide!

13th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in California

Barnes Tennis Center

San Diego, California

February 6-10, 2026

15th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Colorado

U.S. Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, Colorado

July 3-7, 2026

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 12 at 1:00pm (Central Time)

20th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida

Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

December 4-9, 2026

Travel Grants will be awarded to players who win their age division (yellow ball only) at all "Little Mo" Internationals!

We hope you will join us for one or more of our international tournaments this year! Any "Little Mo" player who wins their yellow ball division (Singles only) at the "Little Mo" Internationals will receive a special travel grant during the tournament - more details to be announced at the tournament!

These travel grants are sponsored by the Tennis Competitors of Dallas (TCD) in Dallas, Texas and we are so thankful for their continued support of junior tennis!

Player Referral Program

20 "Mo" Coins for each player referred!

We hope you will tell all of your friends about the "Little Mo" tournaments! As a special incentive for helping us spread the word, we would like to offer you an opportunity to receive 20 "Mo" Coins ($20 value per referral) from MCB if you are able to encourage a friend(s) to sign up. A custom question has been added to the tournament registration process whereby the referred player can type in your name on their entry form as having referred them. 

For every player you refer, you will receive 20 "Mo" Coins at the tournament. Only the names entered during the online registration process will count towards earning this prize. Also, any player who withdraws from the tournament will not count towards this prize. Coaches and family members will not count towards this prize.

In order to claim your referral prize, please stop by the "Little Mo" Booth during any "Little Mo" tournament this year. Referral prizes will only be awarded at the tournament and they may only be redeemed in the year they are earned. The more players you refer, the more you can earn!

Former "Little Mo" Champions shine at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California!

Congratulations to all of the former "Little Mo" players who competed in the Indian Wells pro tournament:

WTA

Belinda Bencic

Madison Brengle

Kayla Day

Leyla Fernandez

Coco Gauff

Sofia Kenin

Madison Keys

Ashlyn Krueger

Sloane Stephens

Taylor Townsend

Akasha Urhobo

ATP

Jenson Brooksby

Taylor Fritz

Sebastian Korda

Aleksander Kovacevic

Mitchell Krueger

Jagger Leach

Mackenzie McDonald

Brandon Nakashima

Tommy Paul

Ethan Quinn

Four Former "Little Mo" Champions on United States Davis Cup Team!

Congratulations to former "Little Mo" champions Tommy Paul, Christian Harrison, Austin Krajicek, and Ethan Quinn on being selected to play for the U.S. Davis Cup team.

The U.S. defeated Hungary 4-0 on February 7-8 in Tatabánya, Hungary, with victories from Ethan Quinn, Tommy Paul, Christian Harrison, and Austin Krajicek. The team advanced to the Second Round of Qualifiers, with ties scheduled for September 18-20, 2026. Keep up the great work!

Cindy Brinker Simmons, MCB President, visits San Diego - hometown of her mom, Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker!

Cindy had a wonderful trip down "memory lane" of her mother's home, as well as the courts where she played, and the various tributes to her legacy around the city. “Little Mo” was the adoring nickname of tennis champion Maureen Connolly, ranked #1 in the world from 1952–54, and she was the first woman to win the calendar Grand Slam in 1953. She is still the only American woman to have accomplished this magnificent feat and the youngest at only 18 years of age. Her legacy lives on through the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation based in Dallas, Texas which organizes eight “Little Mo” tournaments annually. The "Little Mo" Internationals was recently held in San Diego, California at the Barnes Tennis Center and Balboa Tennis Club from February 6-10, 2026. To this day, Maureen is still one of the most celebrated athletes born and raised in San Diego. Please join Cindy on her tour of special places that her mom treasured in her beloved San Diego. Please click on the video above.

Now Available!

The Documentary

Unforgettable: The Little Mo Connolly Story

This wonderful documentary tells the story of Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker's life and includes interviews with her friends, her husband Norman Brinker, her daughters Cindy Brinker Simmons and Brenda Brinker Bottum, and many more. Jennifer Spell was the director and produced the documentary in 2003. Click the image above to view.

_______________________

Also, we hope you will enjoy the 1978 "Little Mo" movie (made for TV) about Maureen Connolly. The movie is about 2.5 hours long and features some major movie stars like Mark Harmon, Leslie Nielsen, and Glynnis O'Connor. It is an inspirational movie for the entire family and for anyone who loves the game of tennis. Click the popcorn image below to view.

Olivia Arage won the 2025 "Little Mo" Slam - winning all three "Little Mo" Internationals (yellow ball division), and she took home the tallest trophy in junior tennis - 6 feet tall. Olivia's parents, Lynn and Michael, were interviewed by Lisa Stone, founder of ParentingAces. Lisa's podcast highlights Olivia's exciting year and her journey towards winning the "Little Mo" Slam. Lynn and Michael provided valuable information for parents of junior players. To view many more podcasts regarding mental toughness, training technique, nutrition, etc., please visit www.parentingaces.com Click on the image above to watch the podcast.

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 (only for active members with a full profile). Don't forget to add your picture too 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 2026 "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, 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, having a logo on the tournament t-shirts, and promoting product(s) to our players, parents, and their families.

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 girls and boys 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!

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 girls and boys (ages 8-14). 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, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, Dominic Thiem, Emma Raducanu, Sebastian Korda, Christopher Eubanks, Jenson Brooksby, Brandon Nakashima, Vasek Pospisil, Borna Coric, Mackie McDonald, Denis Kudla, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Sofia Kenin, 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". Thank you so much for your support of the "Little Mo" tournaments and the legacy of Maureen Connolly Brinker. 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" this year. 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), and Tiffany Hollebeck (Tournament Operations Manager) organize the "Little Mo" tournaments. For more information about the "Little Mo", please visit our MCB website at: www.mcbtennis.org and click on "Tournaments". Play "Mo" Tennis!