Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Vallverdu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey in tennis where I first picked up a racquet in Venezuela, where the game became the foundation of everything that followed. From there, I moved to Spain, where I developed my game and pursued a professional career, gaining international experience and competing at a high level. That path eventually brought me to the United States, where I played Division I college tennis at the University of Miami, continuing to grow both as an athlete and as a person within a highly competitive environment.
From there, my journey evolved beyond playing. I transitioned into coaching at the University of Miami, then into community leadership, and today into the business side of the sport through my work with MARI, where I help shape partnerships around events like the Masters 1000 Miami Open Tennis Tournament – one of the premier tournaments in the world under the Grand Slams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I left home at 15 to pursue tennis, and from that point on, much of my journey required navigating the world independently. Living far from my family at a young age meant learning quickly how to adapt culturally, emotionally, and professionally. There were moments of uncertainty, isolation, and pressure that come with chasing something at a high level without the comfort of a familiar support system. I had to grow up fast, make decisions on my own, and take responsibility not just for my performance, but for my future.
At the same time, those challenges became some of my greatest advantages. Being on my own forced me to develop a strong sense of self-awareness, resilience, and clarity around what truly drives me and helps me succeed. That balance has shaped how I approach both challenges and people.
It has also helped me approach my leadership with a calm, detail-driven style grounded in a realistic, no-drama approach. I’ve learned how to think long-term, advocate for myself, and stay grounded through constant change. What could have been obstacles ultimately became defining experiences that continue to form how I lead, build, and create meaningful impact.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in the world of tennis, live events, and partnerships, but at the core of it, what I really do is bring people, brands, and communities together through the sport. Through my role at MARI, I’m part of building and shaping experiences around events like the Miami Open amongst others, finding ways to make them feel bigger than just tennis matches, and more like moments that connect people to something meaningful and global.
What I specialize in comes from having lived every side of the game. I understand the player mindset, the team dynamic, the community layer, and now the business behind it. What I’m most proud of in that journey and the perspective it’s given me, is that it allows me to approach things with a higher expertise and wider perspective within the industry. I think what sets me apart is that balance: I can zoom out and see the bigger picture, but I also care deeply about the details and the feeling behind what we’re creating.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by how I show up in the process. Staying grounded, consistent, and intentional, even in high-pressure environments. It’s about making decisions with clarity, empathy, and a calm outlook, while maintaining high standards for detail and execution.
To me, success is also about impact and alignment. If I’m contributing meaningfully, elevating the spaces I’m part of, and doing it in a way that stays true to my values, then I consider that success regardless of titles or outcomes.
