'Coming together through tragedy': Wilmington tennis community honors woman killed

Donning purple T-shirts with tennis racquets in hand, hundreds of community members gathered at Holly Tree Racquet Club Friday to honor a woman who was killed there just three months ago.

Kicking off the "Raise a Racquet Against Domestic Violence" tennis tournament, the afternoon was festive — complete with a band, beer and food for sale. For Rachel Knowles, Friday marked the first time she'd been back at the club since the night she watched in horror as her stepfather gunned down her mother before turning the gun on himself.

"It just means so much to be back here and start to move past that night in a productive way," Knowles said. "People I don't even know are showing me such compassion, and that just speaks to how loving this community is and how loved my mom was. It's incredible."

On Dec. 7, 2021, the Wilmington tennis community was shocked when the murder-suicide occurred just steps from a children's tennis practice at Holly Tree Racquet Club. Knowles was sitting beside her mother, MaryAnn Breault, and watched as she died.

Earlier coverage: Wilmington police: Two dead following Holly Tree Road shooting

More: Daughter of Wilmington domestic violence shooting victim works to turn pain into advocacy

Knowles said she hopes sharing her story and memorializing her mother will help raise awareness about domestic violence and funds for resources in the community.

The "Raise a Racquet Against Domestic Violence" tennis tournament, she said, was created to honor her mother's life, foster healing in the community and raise awareness about domestic violence. On Friday, Knowles unveiled a memorial bench at Holly Tree Racquet Club for her mother.

A plaque on the white bench reads: "In memory of MaryAnn Breault, loving mother, bright light, warrior woman."

"...This bench will symbolize, in some small way, the life of someone who was so loved and who shared so much love as a member of this community, as a friend and a family member, and as my mother," Knowles said.

Candy Pegram, community coordinator for the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, said nearly 200 players registered for last weekend's tournament. In registrations alone, Pegram said, more than $9,000 was raised for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. in Wilmington.

"Through the years, the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association has been driven by a mission that goes beyond promoting and developing the growth of tennis in our region," Pegram said. "At GWTA, we are committed to fostering a sense of community among our members, and the "Raise a Racquet Against Domestic Violence" tennis tournament is a tangible representation of that spirit and the good that can be accomplished when we all come together as a community."

More: As pandemic brings 'alarming increase' in domestic violence, New Hanover agencies scramble to help

Including registrations, donations and sponsorships, Pegram said the tournament raised approximately $17,000 for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

"As an agency, it means so much that our community sees this issue, recognizes the importance and is willing to take steps to support survivors," said Mandy Houvouras, director of direct services and outreach with Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

Anna Martin, U.S. Tennis Association league coordinator for the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, said most of the players were local.

Mayor Bill Saffo said seeing the community come out after a "tragedy" and show their support for Breault's family "is what Wilmington's about."

Saffo encouraged the community to be "vigilant" about checking in with friends and neighbors, and learn more about what domestic violence can look like.

"We know that the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have been tough on all of us, but they have been even harder for some behind closed doors," Saffo said. "It's no secret that the pandemic has made it more difficult for us to recognize the signs of domestic abuse as it has made it even easier for abusers to hide their crimes."

Lauren Daley, executive director of Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc., said while conversations about domestic violence are difficult, they're necessary.

"I wish I could tell you that our services weren't needed in our community, but unfortunately domestic violence is a prevalent issue with real consequences for victims, survivors and their families," Daley said.

Many in attendance wore purple in support of domestic violence awareness.

"It's just a testament to the power of community coming together through tragedy," Saffo said. "If we can get every one of us wearing purple to be that advocate for someone, then I am confident we'd be that much closer to changing the outcomes for victims in these situations."

Knowles said the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association plans to make the tennis tournament an annual event.

"I hope this will continue as a way to educate people and remind them that domestic violence is real and it is affecting this community," Knowles said. "Awareness has to be followed by action."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington tennis community honors family of domestic violence victim