Wendy Massarelli: Coaching Confidence, One Serve at a Time

When you meet Wendy Massarelli, you quickly realize she’s coaching both tennis and life. As one of the first Girls Rule the Court™ coaches in Loudoun County since the program’s launch in 2022, Wendy has been a driving force behind its success and a steady source of inspiration for every girl who picks up a racquet under her guidance.

Coaching Beyond the Court

Wendy’s coaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment. With her background as a certified life coach, she brings a unique approach that focuses as much on emotional growth as it does on athletic skill.

“Tennis is a vehicle,” Wendy says. “It’s not just about learning to hit a forehand. It’s learning to face challenges, manage emotions, and celebrate yourself along the way.”

Her sessions go beyond the technical. Each practice is infused with self-discovery, teamwork, and confidence-building. Wendy has even developed her own “tennis ball reflection” exercise, where girls write positive affirmations about themselves on tennis balls to take home. This gives the girls a tangible reminder of their growth and self-worth.

“When a player reads something kind about herself every day, it starts to shift her mindset,” Wendy explains. “That’s where real change happens.”

A Leader Who Lifts Others

From the start, Wendy has been the kind of coach who steps up without hesitation. Whether leading sessions across multiple Sterling, Va., locations or mentoring new instructors, she radiates energy, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Her fellow coaches call her the “anchor” of the program. Someone who can always be counted on to lend a hand, share ideas, and lift others up.

“I love seeing other coaches thrive,” Wendy says. “When we collaborate and support each other, everyone, especially the girls, benefits.”

Her leadership extends to the continual evolution of the Girls Rule the Court™ curriculum. Wendy infuses new activities that deepen the program’s social-emotional learning (SEL) components, ensuring every session connects to personal growth and resilience.

“We talk about self-awareness, self-regulation, and confidence,” she adds. “The girls learn to speak up, cheer for each other, and most importantly, believe in themselves.”

Building a Movement, Not Just a Program

What truly sets Wendy apart is that she views tennis as a tool for lifelong empowerment.

“When a girl realizes she’s strong physically and emotionally, that confidence carries into everything she does,” Wendy shares. “That’s why this program matters so much.”

Her impact has been profound. Parents often tell her how their daughters’ confidence has blossomed through Girls Rule the Court™. One parent even told Wendy that her daughter had begun leading her school’s morning announcements. She never would have done that before joining the program.

“That’s the win for me,” Wendy says with a smile. “When I see that growth off the court, that’s everything.”

Why Wendy Inspires Us

Wendy’s passion, empathy, and dedication make her the embodiment of what the Coach of the Year Award represents. She doesn’t just teach tennis, but also teaches courage, kindness, and self-belief. Her players know their power isn’t defined by wins or losses but by how they lift themselves and others up.

Because of coaches like Wendy, Girls Rule the Court™ isn’t just a program; it’s a movement. It has sparked national interest, expanding to new regions from Texas to New York City. And thanks to Wendy’s leadership and heart, that movement continues to grow — one inspired girl, one confident serve, at a time.

Join Wendy and the Tennis Creates Awards honorees at the Tennis Creates Gala on Dec. 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC. All proceeds from the Gala and Fantasy Clinic benefit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to champion tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic.  Through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.

For more information, Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com. 

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 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 region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.