TeamFAME's Second Class of Graduates Celebrated at Sunset Slam
The International Tennis Hall of Fame championed the second graduating class of TeamFAME on Wednesday, August 23rd at the third annual Sunset Slam fundraising event.
“What an inspiration it has been to watch every kid grow and develop into student-athletes. Each student brings something special to the group and they are what makes TeamFAME thrive today. I am so proud of everyone’s achievements and would like to remind the TeamFAMErs to dream big and keep striving to be the best version of themselves,” said Marguerite Marano, Director of Tennis. “The growth and impact of the youth development program is the result of like-minded partnerships, dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, committed families, and generous funders."
Nine eighth graders completed the TeamFAME program this spring: Alyvia Arner, Angela Jolon Cabnal, Eleanor (Ellie) Joffre, Gracie Bickle, João Vianna, Liam Lopes, Omar Campbell, Sofia Diaz Portillo, and Xavier Pierce. Some graduates began TeamFAME as fifth graders, and others joined as late as this year, yet each student harnessed lifelong learning skills to employ towards academic and athletic ventures at their respective high schools.
Four of the graduates - Omar, Liam, Sofia and Angela - began their journey as coaches-in-training this summer, with the purpose of returning to mentor the younger TeamFAME students in the coming years.
TEAMFAME AWARD WINNERS
Character of A Champion Award: Presented to Angela Jolon Cabnal and Ellie Joffre
The honor is awarded annually to a student(s) who are consistently community-minded, serving as role models to their peers. The awards were presented in memory of late TeamFAME Advisory Board member, Robyn Holloway and Newport educator, Terrence C. Burns.
"TeamFAME gave me the opportunity to meet people that are still my friends today, and shaped me into who I am by getting so much better academically and having respect for coaches and friends."
- Angela Jolon Cabnal, 2023 TeamFAME Graduate
"I’m very thankful to everybody, my teammates, and coaches on and off the court. I’ve learned to take as many opportunities as possible and plan on playing high school tennis and then if I develop my skills enough, I’m going to go for a scholarship for college.”
- Ellie Joffre, 2023 TeamFAME Graduate
FILA R.E.A.C.H. Award: Presented to Omar Campbell
Realizing Extraordinary Accomplishments with Courage and Humility. The award is presented annually to a TeamFAME graduate who displays growth, sportsmanship, and is community-minded, and is sponsored by ITHF year-round partner FILA.
"TeamFAME has helped me with my confidence and leadership skills, and has helped become the leader I am today. TeamFAME has also helped me find a group where I feel that I belong."
- Omar Campbell, 2023 TeamFAME Graduate
