Members of Excellence

in her childhood. “Not only did it teach me about health and well-being, but it was a way for our family to connect and spend time together…I feel it connected all of us through shared lessons and values, but also brought out the best in our competitive nature!” She also shared some fond memories of basketball and ice skating with her family here at the Club. “The Youth Room was always the “cool” place to be when I was younger, and my brother, my cousins, and I would run up there to hang out together.”

Having grown up in a very active and athletic household, Marino was used to playing many sports. She was introduced to tennis around the age of 9, and often played the sport with her mom, dad, and brother. She found herself drawn to tennis as an enjoyable family activity and competitive outlet, and made the decision at the age of 13 to focus on tennis athletically. Her career has since been filled with some incredible moments of which she shares her top 3:

“This was the best result I had at a Grand Slam for a long time and it was on my least favourite surface." Marino was especially proud of this. She had proved to herself that she could still do well no matter what surface, and no matter what other people said. "To top this off, my aunt, uncle, and cousins were visiting Paris at the same time, so we were able to share this together. After my 3rd round loss to Kuznetsova, we all climbed the Eiffel Tower together. It was such a memorable tournament and trip.”

It had been 11 years since Marino's last 3rd round result at a Grand Slam. "I had just cracked back into the Top 100 in the WTA rankings, so to have this result really solidified in my mind that I belonged with the best and the long journey back was completely worth it." Marino describes it as a full-circle moment to have achieved that result again in what she calls her “career 2.0."

Marino clinched the win for Canada and secured a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in 2022. “This was special to me because I was able to compete in front of my friends and family, while representing Canada and Vancouver on an international stage. There was a lot of emotion behind winning my match and I'm so happy I could share it with the people who matter the most to me.”

Marino has learnt many things over the course of her career and encourages fellow athletes to be patient with the process rather than get caught up in the outcome. "It’s so important to look at the long term/big picture, instead of what’s immediately in front of you. Enjoy the ride and shoot for the stars!”

In April, the Pacific Coliseum will be a host venue for the premier international team competition in women's tennis, the Billie Jean King Cup. Although participating players will be announced at a later date, a “strong contingent of Canada’s top women’s tennis stars” are expected to play, according to Tennis Canada. When asked Marino hinted at there being a high chance of that happening:

“To play in this venue, with not just a Canadian crowd but my hometown crowd, is an incredible opportunity. Last April I had chills knowing I had my family and closest friends courtside with me and it was very special. I'm proud to be a Vancouverite, so being able to compete for Team Canada at home is something I’m really looking forward to!”

The Arbutus Club is immensely proud of Marino’s achievements and is very excited at the opportunity to see Marino play at home. ♦