Mary Simonett’s passion for tennis began in Kingston, Ontario, where she grew up across the road from the Kingston Tennis Club. A dominant competitor from an early age, she captured the Kingston Tennis Club Women’s Singles Championship five consecutive years from 1949 to 1953 and also earned three Women’s Doubles titles during that same period. Her athletic success continued at Queen’s University, where she played both varsity tennis and basketball while completing her degree in Physical and Health Education in 1956.
After moving to Huntsville in 1976, Mary quickly became a cornerstone of the local tennis community. She first played on the clay courts of Whispering Pines before transitioning to the hard courts at Deerhurst. Over the years, she amassed dozens of titles in both the Huntsville Open Tennis Tournament and the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Closed Tournament, excelling in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competition.
Among her many accomplishments, Mary’s most remarkable achievement was winning a record 14 consecutive Ladies’ Singles “A” Huntsville Closed Championships, a streak that stood until the tournament’s conclusion in the 1990s. She also enjoyed tremendous success alongside several notable partners, including Jan Roberts in ladies’ doubles, and Bud Giaschi and Jordie Bionda in mixed doubles.
In recognition of her lasting influence on the sport, the award for the Most Outstanding Female Tennis Player at Huntsville High School was named in her honour. Mary’s dedication, competitive spirit, and enduring impact have left a remarkable legacy within the Muskoka tennis community.