Growth and Giving the Focus for TeamFAME to Close 2024
Now in its 7th year, the TeamFAME after-school program continues to thrive, with enrollment rising and nearly 77% of new participants being introduced to tennis through outreach clinics. These clinics reach over 700 kids annually through partnerships with youth organizations, summer camps, after-school programs, and ITHF field trips.
Middle schoolers in TeamFAME improve their tennis skill daily through structured lessons, games, and personalized support. New members learn technique and rallying, while returning students refine skills, practice point play, and develop strategies. Off the court, students build healthy study habits, boost math skills through games, participate in reading challenges, and get homework help from volunteers and local teachers.
To keep the students excited about reading, TeamFAME’s library has continued to offer a diverse selection of books of all levels, interests, and genres. Using the suggestion box, students can make recommendations of books they would like to be added to the collection.
A recent trip to Brown University organized by Rally for Tennis’ Alek Karagozyan was a highlight, where students shared the court with Brown's tennis teams, competed, and raised over $6,000 for TeamFAME. TeamFAME students and alumni shared the court alongside the Brown University Club and Varsity Tennis teams, engaging in high energy and competitive- spirited games. In addition to the on-court fun, students won generous raffle prizes including gear, racquets and bags.
Students also connected with their Barbadian pen pals through Coach Lisa Wilcott’s annual Tennis Without Borders, exchanging letters about tennis and culture.
In a show of community spirit, TeamFAME students used donations from Hall of Fame staff to purchase over 300 pounds of food for a Thanksgiving drive, benefiting local families in need.
