TeamFAME Summer Recap 2023

The International Tennis Hall of Fame's NJTL program, TeamFAME, had a terrific summer full of tennis, learning, and new experiences. Throughout eight weeks of summer camp, the program provided tennis, learning along with incredible experiences and opportunities to our students.

Summer began by welcoming four new “Ace” Coaches. These coaches were part of the inaugural graduating class of TeamFAME and were welcomed as the newest members of the Hall of Fame staff. The Ace Coaches were employed in several facets of the Hall of Fame including becoming summer camp counselors and working in the retail shops. Similarly, second graduating class of students were able to participate in the Coach in Training program throughout the summer. Both the Ace Coaches and Coaches in Training learned valuable skills and lessons while giving back to TeamFAME and playing the sport they love.

In mid-July, our TeamFAME summer campers attended the annual Infosys Hall of Fame Open. This week is always a highlight of the summer as students are able to witness professional tennis up close and participate in on court activities, clinics with the pros, and cheer on their four teammates who were ball kids. Additionally, students from the Green Team compost crew were able to share their composting and sustainability journey with ATP pros Maxime Cressy and Rinky Hijikata.

In the weeks following the tournament, TeamFAME welcomed the new class of 5th grade students for morning tennis camp at St. George’s High School followed by afternoon camp for our older students. The new 5th graders proved to be fast learners and have already developed a love for tennis! For the afternoon campers, new tennis pathway programs that gave students a choice of training for competitive tennis opportunities or engaging in more recreational and skill development play. Students training for competitive tennis opportunities had the chance to compete in several matches throughout the summer against a fellow NJTL Chapter, New York Junior Tennis & Learning.

Off the court, students kept their brains active by engaging in a fun and exciting summer academic “bingo” challenge. By completing tasks on their bingo board, students earned extra tennis time or other incentives to keep them motivated. In addition to the summer academic bingo challenge, students participated in the summer reading program at the Newport Public Library. The TeamFAME campers made weekly visits to the library learning all about the many offerings at the library and enjoying new books.

To prepare for the inaugural Building Bridges through Tennis event with the Israeli Tennis and Education Centers in August, students were involved in many multicultural learning experiences. Through guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips, students learned about the history, culture, language, and customs of Israel. At the end of the summer, TeamFAME spent three fun filled exciting days with new friends from Israel making memories that will last a lifetime.

The 2023-24 school year marks our 6th year of the after-school program, and TeamFAME is looking forward to continuing to instill greatness in students so they can succeed on and off the court!