Meet Slice Girls, the Tennis Club Serving Up Success in Miami

Behind most success stories are often big dreams and a spark of spontaneity. Case in point: the origin of Slice Girls Tennis Club. Founded in August 2022, by a trio of friends: Alexandra Philius, Shaina Louis-Jean and Carole Hollant.

All three women shared a love for sports growing up, though each pursued different passions. Philius was particularly versatile, excelling in tennis, golf, cross country, martial arts and track and field. She and Louis-Jean (her cousin) took flamenco, ballet and tap dance classes. Hollant, on the other hand, was "more of a drama kid," she explains. "I did do a few tennis summer camps, but for the most part I was into the performing arts."

So where did Slice Girls come from? It was a simple suggestion, made during a girls' night out. Little did they know it would what it would turn into. What started as a fun idea and "simple after-work athletic activity," as Louis-Jean puts it, quickly grew into a movement. Their energy spilled over into social media, their meets grew, and women across Miami took note. More and more people were asking about how to join the club. That was when they knew they had something special. They noticed the demand for an affordable and welcoming space for women to learn tennis, so all three stepped up to organize group sessions of all skill levels, opening the doors for anyone interested in hitting the court. "We've grown into a vibrant collective where fitness and community intersect," explain the founders. "Our dream is to be remembered as a welcoming space where women from all backgrounds can come together, stay active and build meaningful connections."

Today, SGTC is just that. It has blossomed into a vibrant community that's more than just a tennis club -- it's a place where women connect, learn and build lasting friendships. With a mission centered on making tennis accessible, the club continues to create a dynamic network of women who share a passion for the sport and uplifting each other.

Read on for our full interview with all the founders.

On What Makes Slice Girls Tennis Club So Inspiring

Alexandra Philius: It's the representation of culture. Living in Miami, it's no surprise that you'll meet amazing people from all over the world. Our tennis club includes women of all shapes, sizes, cultural backgrounds and career paths. From dog lovers, stay-at-home moms to traveling nomads and more. We feel there isn't much representation in Tennis due to factors such as affordability and the exclusionary nature of the spaces being exclusive to actual players. We are loud on the courts and want to inspire others to show that it's perfectly fine to cheer and each other on in the most colorful way possible.

On Teaming up With the Williams Sisters

Carole Hollant: Obviously, we admire the Williams sisters so much. Serena and Venus have given us unwavering support. They've generously sponsored our girls with athletic wear from EleVen by Venus and hosted a collaborative event with Serena's Wyn Beauty, showcasing their commitment to our community. Beyond their contributions, Serena and Venus serve as daily inspirations for us all. As an all-female team, we cherish our sisterhood. It's a nurturing space where we come together to play tennis, share stories and support one another. Witnessing Venus and Serena's bond reinforces our belief in the power of solidarity and mutual encouragement.

On Role Models and the Future of Sport

Shaina Louis-Jean: Women's sports have long been viewed as unequal to men, but the playing field is leveling out. We just want to be part of the movement towards this milestone. We're enthusiastic supporters of rising stars like Coco Gauff, hailing from South Florida, and Naomi Osaka, proudly representing her Haitian heritage. Their achievements resonate deeply with us and inspire us. A heartfelt shout-out goes to our exceptional coach, Ana, whose dedication has empowered our girls to excel on the court. Her guidance and mentorship are invaluable to our club's success. Our gratitude goes out to the remarkable women who complete our club. Their passion for tennis and commitment to our community are truly commendable. We deeply appreciate the support we've received since day one.

On Their Game Day Must-Haves

AP: Sunscreen, my chafing stick for my thick thighs, my Yeti, a visor, especially in this Miami heat, and most importantly, my lip balm. I absolutely cannot operate without my lip balm!

SLJ: My Yeti and a good playlist.

CH: My Yeti, an ice-cold Nocco energy drink and sunscreen. But most importantly, I need my girls.

On the Legacy of Slice Girls Tennis Club

AP: I'd love to see an even more formidable SGTC community, uniting women globally through tennis. Our aim is to expand opportunities for women to connect and for young girls to find a supportive community. Our primary objective is inclusivity and we are dedicated to advancing this agenda within the tennis world through our club.

SLJ: Unity, empowerment and community transformation through the joy of tennis. Since our start in 2022 as a simple after-work athletic activity, we've grown into a vibrant collective where fitness and community intersect. Our dream is to be remembered as a welcoming space where women from all backgrounds can come together, stay active and build meaningful connections. In a nutshell, we want to be celebrated for uniting the community through fitness, leaving a lasting and positive impact that goes far beyond the court.

CH: The legacy of SGTC should be about women unapologetically putting themselves first, embracing the joy and empowerment that tennis brings and always supporting each other in this journey. Its about the importance of prioritizing their needs, encompassing health, beauty and social connections. There's no guilt in the fact that, nine out of ten times, tennis trumps everything else in my life. It's a dedicated time for myself, where no other obligations -- career nor schoolwork, can come in between. I believe I owe it to myself. Tennis is incredibly empowering; you leave the court feeling like you can accomplish anything.

In more tennis news, read about the latest Yoon Ahn x Nike womenswear collab.

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