The Little Mo Internationals: A Model for What Youth Tennis Should Be
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Over the past week at Barnes Tennis Center, I had the privilege of watching something truly special unfold.
We hosted the Little Mo Internationals, welcoming young players and families from across the country—and the world—to San Diego. What we experienced on our courts went far beyond wins and losses. It was a living expression of why Youth Tennis San Diego exists and a powerful reminder of what youth tennis can and should be.
Fun, Love, Competition, and Sportsmanship—All at Once
At YTSD, our mission has always been clear: to use tennis as a vehicle to build character, confidence, community, and opportunity. The Little Mo Internationals exemplified that mission in its purest form.
Yes, the level of play was exceptional. These young athletes competed fiercely, challenged themselves, and showed remarkable grit. But what stood out even more was how they competed.
We saw:
Players cheering for one another—even after tough losses
Parents supporting not just their own children, but the entire event
Coaches teaching life lessons alongside forehands and backhands
Matches played with intensity, respect, joy, and grace
This was competition rooted in love for the game, not fear of failure. It was fun without being careless, serious without being toxic. That balance doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by intention.
Bringing Little Mo Home
What made this year’s Little Mo Internationals especially meaningful was where it was held.
San Diego is where Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly lived, trained, and built the foundation of a legacy that still inspires generations. To bring this event back to the city she called home felt deeply right—and deeply powerful.
Little Mo was more than a champion. She was a symbol of excellence, humility, courage, and sportsmanship. Hosting this event at Barnes Tennis Center, surrounded by young players embodying those same values, felt like honoring her spirit in the most authentic way possible.
A Moment the Kids Will Never Forget
One of the most moving moments of the entire week was having Cindy Brinker, Little Mo’s daughter, join us to give a blessing and speak directly to the players.
Her words carried history, love, and purpose. You could feel the impact on the kids—not just hearing about greatness, but being connected to it. That moment reminded us all that tennis is not just a sport passed down through technique, but through values, stories, and humanity.
Those are the moments young athletes remember for the rest of their lives.
A Reminder of What Youth Tennis Can Be
Youth tennis in this country is at a crossroads. Too often, we see environments that prioritize rankings over relationships, pressure over passion, and outcomes over development.
The Little Mo Internationals reminded us that there is another way.
A better way.
One where:
Kids are encouraged to express themselves on court
Sportsmanship is celebrated, not treated as optional
Winning matters—but never more than integrity, effort, and respect
Families feel welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger
This is how we keep kids in the game longer. This is how we grow not just better players, but better people.
A Blueprint for American Youth Tennis Tournaments
For anyone who wants to truly understand the heart and history behind this event, I strongly encourage you to watch Little Mo, the film originally released in 1978 that beautifully captures the life, values, and spirit of Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly.
It’s a powerful reminder of what tennis has always been about — joy, resilience, humility, and love for the game — and why those values still matter today.
👉 Watch Little Mo on YouTube here:
I truly believe the Little Mo Internationals should serve as a blueprint for how youth tennis tournaments are operated in the United States.
From organization and communication to player experience and values, this event showed what’s possible when tournaments are designed with children at the center.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I want to thank the Little Mo team, Carol Weyman and the MCB Foundation and her staff, our staff, volunteers, officials, families, and—most importantly—the players. You brought something special to Barnes, and you left us inspired.
Youth Tennis San Diego was founded on the belief that tennis can change lives. This past week reaffirmed that belief.
When we lead with fun, love, competition, and sportsmanship, we don’t just grow the game—we protect its soul.
We are proud to host events like the Little Mo Internationals at Barnes Tennis Center, and we look forward to continuing to shine a light on what youth tennis should be.
— Ryan Redondo
CEO, Youth Tennis San Diego