The jolene watanabe scholarship

The Jolene Watanabe Scholarship was established up in August 2019 by her husband Sylvain Elie, Sarah Stone and Ann Grossman Wunderlich along with generous donations made by Tammy Anderson and Marianne Werdel.

Jolene was an amazing lady who was not only a great tennis player but also a mentor to so many young players who were fortunate enough to call her coach. After a nearly two-year fight with cancer of the appendix, she passed away at the age of 50 in July 2019.

 “The many players she coached were so fortunate to have her in their lives. She will always be remembered for her coaching, her leadership, and her kindness.”  – Billie Jean King 

Jolene was a great friend to people all over the world.

“Jolene was a wonderful human being,” said Katrina Adams, a contemporary of Watanabe on the tour. “She was kind, competitive, caring and driven. She was a hard worker on and off the court, constantly trying to improve. She had an extended career playing competitively in leagues and adult tournaments, after retiring from the WTA because she just couldn’t get enough. She also instilled this inner drive and motivation to players that she worked with. Jolene was an ultimate warrior, battling life to the very end.” – WTA 

how you can help…

As an industry, tennis is in desperate need of more female coaches. Many start and finish their careers in the tiny tots or pro shop duties, never allowed the opportunity to impact young people’s lives the way that Jolene did.

By donating to the Jolene Watanabe Scholarship you are helping us give coaches the chance of a lifetime. Scholarships will go directly to travel grants of coaches who are not able to afford coach education.

Your dollars will go directly towards helping coaches change lives

  • 100% of all funds raised will go to coaches who reflect the passion and dedication to others that Jolene epitomized.
  • Coaches will be granted travel stipend scholarships enabling them to gain access to essential education that they otherwise could not afford.
  • $100 covers the travel expenses for two local coaches
  • Your gift + grants + volunteers = ENORMOUS IMPACT on young females lives

    The WTCA is a 501(c)(3) non profit and your donation may be tax deductible.

Get In Touch with Us

Headquarters

335 East Linton Blvd Ste 2234

Delray Beach, FL 33483 USA

Phone Number

+1 (561) 501-1557

Email

info@wtcatennis.org