TeamFAME celebrates fruitful school year and inaugural class
TeamFAME, the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapter, completed its fourth year of programming at the end of May. Alongside their parents and program staff, the 52 students spanning 5th through 8th grades celebrated their accomplishments on the tennis court, in the classroom, and through enrichment activities.
This summer marks a special milestone for the program, as TeamFAME recognizes its first class of 8th graders to complete the four-year program. These 10 student-athletes will move on to various high schools in the Newport area, including Rogers High School, and are eagerly anticipating playing on their high school tennis teams.
Marguerite Marano, Director of TeamFAME since the program’s inception in 2018, reflected: “Over the last four years, it has been a complete joy and inspiring to watch every kid grow in their love for tennis, gain determination and drive to want to get better every day, and develop an understanding that hard work does pay off.”
TeamFAME is a primary outlet by which the International Tennis Hall of Fame builds community through tennis. Over the last four years, the community-based program has proven to change lives, benefitting over 120 students and their families. TeamFAME’s year-round programs provide holistic support around tennis and needed resources to Newport area middle schoolers. The program is carefully structured around time for physical activity through tennis, academic support like homework support or tutoring, and a variety of enrichment activities.
"Since joining TeamFAME, I am more confident in my academic abilities. I’ve made school and education a top priority, and have focused on my grades. In the past year, I’ve gotten straight A’s in school."
- Noemy, 8th grader TeamFAME Student
The accelerated growth of TeamFAME is a result of a variety of partnerships including the USTA Foundation, Newport Public Schools, FILA, USTA New England, Salve Regina University, the University of Rhode Island's SNAP-Ed Program, Citizens Bank, Babolat, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and so many more.
TeamFAME’s third- and fourth-year students have made the most of the opportunity to learn from the Hall of Fame Tennis Club staff, honing and advancing their match-play skills. While on court, the students have implemented the characteristics embodied by the sport, including sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty and focus. In May, they played their first inter-squad doubles match against players from Archie Cole Middle School in East Greenwich, R.I., experiencing lineups, calling lines and strategy for the first time, and anticipate another match on June 16 at 3:30pm against East Greenwich.
"The TeamFAME community is very much like a family. Being part of TeamFAME has taught me to stay committed to what I love, like tennis, and give my best at all times."
- Nicole, 8th grader Grade TeamFAME Student
TeamFAME future leaders will stay involved as peer-to-peer mentors to the incoming 5th grade class, participate as junior coaches-in-training, and several will be ball kids during July’s Infosys Hall of Fame Open. TeamFAME’s summer programming will consist of seven weeks of tennis clinics, educational field trips and life-skill development.
Marguerite Marano and the inaugural class of 8th grade TeamFAME students.
TeamFAME’s inaugural class and their accomplishments will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 24 at the ITHF’s annual Sunset Slam. Community members are welcome to attend the evening of tennis, followed by a dinner reception at the ITHF. Visit tennisfame.com/sunset for more information and to reserve your spot.
