Over five decades of marriage, Stan Smith and his wife, Marjory Gengler, have built a lasting legacy of mutual support and shared success that extends far beyond tennis.
Stan Smith, born December 14, 1946, is a former world No. 1 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam singles champion, winning the 1971 US Open and 1972 Wimbledon titles.
Renowned for his success in doubles with partner Bob Lutz, Smith claimed 54 titles, including five Grand Slam victories.
He also won the inaugural year-end championship 1970 and the Dallas WCT Finals in 1973.
Smith’s career boasts 64 singles titles, peaking as year-end world No. 1 in 1972.
A member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame since 1987, he also served as its president.
Smith is also widely recognized as the namesake of Adidas‘ iconic line of tennis shoes.
Behind Stan Smith’s success, his wife, Marjory Gengler, has been a constant source of support, with her remarkable achievements in tennis and beyond.
Stan Smith’s Wife, Marjory Gengler, Was Captain of the Princeton University Women’s Tennis Team!!
Marjory Logan Gengler Smith, the wife of tennis legend Stan Smith, is an accomplished former tennis player and a trailblazer in her own right.
Born on May 3, 1951, Marjory grew up in Locust Valley, New York, with her father, Herbert B. Gengler, a New York Stock Exchange member and partner at Gengler Brothers brokerage.
She attended Princeton University. As a member of Princeton’s first coeducational class, she became a standout athlete, leading the women’s tennis team to an undefeated season in 1972 as its captain.
Marjory ranked as the top female tennis player in the Eastern United States during her college years.
She also made history as the first woman featured as “Princeton’s Best Athlete” on the cover of Princeton Alumni Weekly.
Marjory competed at the US Open in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles from 1968 to 1974 and participated in mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 1972.
Inspired by Billie Jean King’s Battle of the Sexes, she famously took on a top-ranked male player, showcasing her competitive spirit despite the loss.
Marjory and Stan Smith married on November 23, 1974, at St. John’s of Lattingtown Episcopal Church, New York.
Shortly after their wedding, she decided to step away from competitive tennis to focus on family life.
Together, the couple raised four children and supported each other’s endeavors.
They mentored South African tennis player Mark Mathabane and advocated for political change during apartheid.
Marjory has since dedicated herself to philanthropy and education.
She serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and has also worked as a sports promotion director.
She and Stan continue to live on Hilton Head Island, where they contribute to their community.
Over five decades of marriage, Marjory and Stan have built a legacy of mutual respect, love, and commitment.
Marjory exemplifies balancing personal ambition with supporting her partner, leaving a lasting impact on and off the court.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Smith grew up in Pasadena, California, and was coached by Pancho Segura.
- As a child, Smith was rejected for a ballboy job at the Davis Cup for being deemed “too clumsy.”
- Marjory Gengler has six siblings: Louise, Nancy, Jeanne, Marion, John, and Herbert.
