A Milestone Year for TeamFAME
Celebrating a Historic Spring for TeamFAME
This spring has been a defining season for TeamFAME, marked by growth, opportunity, and milestones that prove tennis is just the beginning of what our students achieve. From financial literacy lessons and community services projects to competitive tennis and leadership development, our student-athletes have spent the season building skills that will serve them far beyond the court.
Acing Life Skills & Giving Back
Tennis teaches you how to bounce back from a missed shot, but TeamFAME’s true mission is ensuring our student-athletes have the resilience and tools to navigate whatever challenges and opportunities life may bring. We believe that empowering kids with practical life skills is the ultimate way to set them up for independent, successful futures. These skills are developed in part through regular programming with community partners.
Financial Literacy Month
In April, students participated in interactive lessons on budgeting, job applications, and understanding real-world financial documents thanks to support from our partners at Citizens Bank. They even played a high-stakes game of "Financial Jenga" to learn the delicate balance of personal savings! This classroom learning came alive with exciting field trips to a local Citizens Bank branch and their corporate headquarters in Johnston, R.I.
Match Season & Mental Toughness
The middle school match season returned, giving students opportunities to put their skills into action while learning valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship. Building on experiences with The Person First and Gnome Surf Therapy programs, players reflected through post-match journaling, helping them to grow not just as athletes, but as empathetic leaders and supportive teammates.
Serving the Community
We teach our athletes that champions don't just compete - they contribute. This spring, TeamFAME partnered with Brightstar volunteers to revitalize the Great Friends Garden. The inaugural “Grow Together” event brought students, families, and community members together to plant produce that will support Newport’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Food Pantry throughout the summer.
Growing the Game
A core pillar of TeamFAME is access and opportunity by removing barriers to ensure youth in Newport have the chance to experience the joy and many health benefits of tennis. TeamFAME is expanding the pipeline to spark an interest and love for the game with youth in the Newport public schools. For the first time, the program brought introductory tennis clinics directly into Thompson Middle School gym classes. Plus, thanks to a generous Powered by Prince grant, the Hall of Fame Tennis Club hosted its second annual Red Ball Clinic for elementary-aged kids, fueling excitement for the sport early on creating pathways for future participation in TeamFAME programs.
The Ultimate Full-Circle Moment: Graduation!
Eight years ago, TeamFAME welcomed its very first cohort of fifth graders with a vision: to provide a consistent, safe space of academic support, character development, and growth all the way through high school graduation. This spring, that vision became reality. TeamFAME’s inaugural class is graduating from high school and heading to college. This year's Sunset Slam will honor the seniors who stayed dedicated to TeamFAME through middle and high school, including one who will continue her journey as an NCAA Division II tennis player. Right behind them, a fifth class of 8th graders is transitioning into high school, keeping the cycle of excellence alive.
Mark Your Calendars: July Summer Celebrations to benefit TeamFAME
This July, the community is coming together for two engaging events to support TeamFAME:
July 8 – Sunset Slam & Player Party
A beautiful evening uniting TeamFAME families, supporters, and ATP/WTA players during the Cerity Partners Hall of Fame Open for dinner, drinks, dancing and celebrating TeamFAME’s accomplishments this past year.
July 20 – A Celebration of Newport Tennis with Hall of Famers Bob and Mike Bryan
The Bryan Brothers are headlining a high-energy day of tennis and music, culminating in an evening party featuring the Bryan Brothers Band.
As we celebrate a historic spring and look ahead to an exciting summer, we remain grateful for the families, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters who make TeamFAME possible. Together, we are helping young people discover that their potential extends far beyond the tennis court.
