TeamFAME’s Summer 2026: growth, service, and unforgettable moments
TeamFAME’s Summer 2026 was packed with growth, service, and unforgettable moments as students brought our mission to life on and off the court. From serving their local community to engaging with global icons, our youth spent the season discovering and learning.
Leadership & Community
Giving back remained at the heart of the TeamFAME summer experience. Key highlights included:
Environmental Stewardship: Students participated in the annual Rose Island Beach Cleanup, which inspired a rising 9th grader to organize a student-led cleanup at First Beach alongside her teammates.
Community Support: Youth tended to the TeamFAME gardens and donated their harvest directly to the MLK Community Center’s food pantry.
Upgraded Learning Spaces: The ITHF unveiled renovations to the Chris Evert Learning Center, TeamFAME’s home base, including a new fitness room, rec room, and expanded library. The renovations were funded by generous support of the Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation.
In addition, the learning center classroom was named the Althea Gibson Classroom, thanks to the leadership and generous support of Deborah Larkin.
Inspiration & Continuous Learning
Keeping minds sharp and spirits inspired was a daily priority throughout summer camp.
Be Legendary Lessons: During weekly "Be Legendary" lessons, students drew inspiration from 2026 Hall of Fame inductees Mary Carillo and Roger Federer to explore core values like communication, determination, and gratitude.
Academic Fun: Through TeamFAME Summer Bingo, students kept their skills polished using math ball games, spelling challenges, reading sessions, and interactive visits to the local library.
- Ocean Horizons: Partnering with 11th Hour Racing, students toured a sailing vessel captained by professional sailor Francesca Clapcich before turning the tables and teaching her tennis during The Tennis Wave.
Major Moments & Global Connections
Our students represented TeamFAME and the ITHF with pride on tennis's biggest stages.
Cerity Partners Hall of Fame Open presented by The MARGARET Fund: Youth served as ball kids, sustainability ambassadors, and welcoming hosts for visiting youth tennis groups from around New England.
- US Open Experience: Rising 9th graders traveled to New York to cheer on NJTL alum Robin Montgomery and watch icons Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Roger Federer practice.
- Induction Celebration 2026: Students worked as ball kids for Roger Federer and other tennis greats at the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic presented by Fidelity Investments.
A Legendary Weekend: Four peer-nominated students joined youth players from London, Australia, California, Miami, and New York City to build lasting friendships during the Be Legendary program’s Legendary Trip to Newport.
From the tennis courts to community gardens, TeamFAME youth proved that true champions shine through service, curiosity, and character. As these young leaders carry their summer lessons into the school year, they continue to show us what it means to learn, lead, and Be Legendary.
A special thanks to ITHF Board Member Sandra Simpson and the Davenport Family Foundation for keeping TeamFAME riding safely and in style! TeamFAME received a grant from the Davenport Family Foundation to purchase a new van this summer, which will be used for students’ transportation around Newport and beyond.
