Blazing the Trail for Future Generations of Tennis Greats

Rooted in Mid-Atlantic tennis, Clervie began her tennis journey at the Metropolitan Tennis & Education Group in Silver Spring, Maryland. Building on her established foundation, she was a member of USTA’s Excellence Program, which trains NJTL youth based on their elite level of tennis ability, educational success, and commitment to the pathway to become student-athletes at the collegiate and professional levels. 

When asked how she would describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic, Ngounoué said, “Motivating. Prodigious. Incomparable.”

Tennis continues to motivate Clervie to new heights every day. “Tennis has become an impact aspect in my life,” she said. “[It] teaches me things about myself that I probably would have learned later in life. It has a way of forcing you to figure things out, but in a fun way.”

Today, Clervie trains at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and draws inspiration from notable players like the Williams sisters.

“Growing up, I always looked up to Serena and Venus,” said Ngounoué. “I never doubted having them as role models/inspiration to me. Their fighting spirits and attitudes on and off the court is what really drove my mindset of becoming the best athlete I could possibly be. And even today I still constantly think about them and all their achievements.”

Just as she looks up to role models in her life, Clervie has become an inspiration for junior girls across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Her passion and commitment to tennis, and drive to make a difference in the community is how she has become a role model for girls across the Section. 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Clervie to learn why the growth of women and girls playing tennis is important to her. 

“I would push a lot of girls to play tennis, even if it is just to try because you’re constantly learning,” she said. “It’s a never ending cycle of learning physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve gotten to know myself so much, especially in the last couple years just from playing tennis.”

Tennis creates character and well-being, and as soon as you pick up your tennis racquet and step out onto the court you feel the endless benefits of the sport. As Clervie noted, tennis challenges you in many ways, but the number one thing to remember is to have FUN. 

“Be patient with yourself,” said Ngounoué, “I know, I know, “hit a ball in the middle of racquet strings over the net, how hard could it be?” Let’s just say it’s not easy so don’t be so hard on yourself. Just make sure you HAVE FUN. That’s what matters.”

Celebrating Women’s History Month is an important period of reflection and gratitude for those that paved the way before us, Clervie noted. “It really means a lot to devote this month to all the fantastic women I know, and others around the world. You truly make a difference,” she said. 

As Clervie celebrates the trailblazers that made it possible for her to live out her dreams, we are looking forward to the impact that she is leaving on the Mid-Atlantic today and for many years to come. 

“It means so much to be a person that other people look up to. Whether it’s in tennis, another sport, or just life in general. Being an inspiration to other people will always be my inspiration,” said Ngounoué.

Join our Women’s History Month celebration following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and by subscribing to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s YouTube Channel. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.