09/18/2026
After several years of trying to bring Tennis in the Parks to Gloucester, MA, the program finally arrived this summer. And it came with a pretty remarkable local connection!
The program takes place on the Avis Murray Tennis Courts, named for USTA New England Hall of Famer Avis Murray, who has been part of the Gloucester tennis community for nearly her entire life. Two players she coached as kids are now helping lead the next generation on those same courts.
Carly Muniz coached Gloucester’s first season this summer. She grew up taking lessons from Avis at Bass Rocks Golf Club, where Avis has taught every summer since 1971. Today, Carly works at Bass Rocks, managing the golf pro shop, and has also had the chance to help Avis teach there. This summer gave Carly her first opportunity to lead a program of her own.
Brian Rice is set to coach the fall session. He also learned from Avis as a kid, playing summer tennis at Rockport Recreation when he was in middle school. Now, both Carly and Brian have the unique experience of teaching on courts named for one of their own childhood coaches, who regularly stops by to see the players in action.
“I remember how excited I was about tennis, and that was thanks to Avis. I’m hoping to replicate that here with these kids,” Brian said. “I’ve traveled all over for tournaments, and tennis opened so many doors. I now have a lifelong relationship with the sport.”
Tennis in the Parks currently serves kids using red, orange and green balls, with hopes of expanding the program to reach more players and add adult programming in the future.
