Longtime readers may recall my previous post, which extolled the virtues of laundry bags as an essential piece of tennis equipment. Having one on hand makes it easy to stash sweaty clothes without messing up the rest of your tennis gear. A good laundry bag is a small convenience that makes a big difference when you’re living out of your luggage on a weekend (or longer) tennis event. At the time I originally wrote that post, I indicated that I was brainstorming and workshopping ideas for a Fiend at Court laundry bag design.
The time has finally arrived to share what I finally settled on.
The phrase “Smells Like Victory” strikes just the perfect tone for a tennis laundry bag. After a long day on court, nothing in your bag smells like roses. But there’s something inherently satisfying about the particular blend of sweat, sunscreen, and ball fuzz that signals you’ve left it all out there. It’s the scent of effort. Of hustle. Of having played your heart out—win or lose. That’s what makes the phrase feel so right.
Even better, it was easy to embed the Fiend at Court logo directly into the wordmark. The “O” in “Victory” ties the message back to the site without being heavy-handed. It’s an example of how my design sensibility is evolving—still tennis-obsessed, still branded, but now with a bit more subtlety. For tournament players, this laundry bag is a practical item. At the same time, it sends a knowing wink to everyone who has battled their heart out on a tennis court.
On a more personal note, last week was a whirlwind of medical logistics, with four separate appointments as we work through the next steps of treatment following the Trophy Husband’s recent brain cancer diagnosis. At each stop, we encountered a steady stream of motivational slogans designed to inspire strength and optimism for those navigating this challenging path. While “Smells Like Victory” might have started as a clever line for a tennis laundry bag, it now feels appropriate for the moment. The grit, the struggle, and the realities of the fight—whether it’s on the court or in a medical setting—resonate with me. It suddenly feels deeply personal.
Ten prototype bags with the new “Smells Like Victory” logo design are currently en route and are expected to be in my hands later this week. For this initial batch, I would like them to go to anyone willing to support the research essential for winning this fight. 👉 Make a donation of any amount to the American Brain Tumor Association. No need to send me a receipt or proof. All I need is a quick comment on the main site or the Fiend at Court Facebook page, which is enough for me to get in touch for shipment coordination. The first ten people to do so will get a bag sent their way.
This small gesture is a way to channel some of the creative energy that helps keep me centered—and to give back in a way that feels personal and purposeful. Thank you for being part of this journey. And seriously… go claim your “Smells Like Victory” laundry bag. You’ll wonder how you ever survived tournament weekends without one.
Done and done!