Marguerite Marano has been part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for more than 26 years. She began in 1999 as a Tournament Manager and went on to serve in several leadership roles before finding her true calling as the first Executive Director of TeamFAME. TeamFAME—Future Aces Modeling Excellence—is an inspiring after-school program for middle school and some high school students in the Newport area. Launched in 2018, it currently serves a population in which 76% of students come from low-income households. The program is led by an all-female staff under Marano’s direction.
The ITHF TeamFAME program is part of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL), which is supported by the USTA Foundation, and was launched by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder in 1969. The NJTL model uses tennis as a tool to teach important life skills such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. It also provides academic support and encourages participants to excel in school.
“At TeamFAME, we generally serve fifth graders to eighth graders, with some high schoolers choosing to stay through high school,” Marano said. “About half the time, the kids are learning tennis skills, both on and off the courts. The rest of the time, they are developing skills that help them excel in life. We offer academic support, monitor their grades, and try to enrich their after-school experience.” She added that Citizens Bank also provides the students with financial literacy education.
The new Chris Evert Learning Center (formerly the Canfield House), located on Memorial Boulevard, became the official home of the year-round program last year when the restored building was unveiled. The space is welcoming, comfortable, and decorated with bright, youthful art. TeamFAME meets each week on Tuesdays through Fridays, with the different grade levels alternating days and activities. Open enrollment is offered three times each year.
Rubbing Elbows with Tennis Greats: Rennae Stubbs
Earlier this week, six-time major champion and respected tennis commentator Rennae Stubbs took the courts and microphone to personally inspire, empower and mentor many of TeamFAME’s middle school and high school age girls, as well as the Salve Regina Women’s Tennis Team. The event was called the “Rally for Her: From Teammate to Leader,” and was funded through a Gainbridge® Assists Powered by Parity grant, a program with Gainbridge®, Parity, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
It’s hard to imagine a more inspiring afternoon, no matter your age. Stubbs was as natural and engaging with the girls as she is on the court. She enthusiastically joined every skills-building activity, offering hands-on coaching, high-fives, and constant encouragement as the players sharpened their swings and strengthened their focus.
During a Q&A session, she discussed coaching Serena Williams at her last U.S. Open. Stubbs said “She was already a champion, but she was curious to be better. You’re all doing that right now in this room, just by being here.”
Women’s empowerment event at ITHF headlined by Rennae Stubbs made a huge impact
Her advice for women of all ages, “Advocate for other women,” and “Ask for help.”
Stubbs also highlighted the impact of trailblazing women who have diversified and elevated the sport for the next generation, including Venus and Serena Williams, Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff.
When asked what women’s tennis needs more of in this moment, Stubbs replied, “More availability and accessibility. Young girls like to be around their friends. They build confidence in all aspects of their lives when they work at getting better at something. Programs like this get them away from their phones and help them build socialization skills.”
To see a list of community partners and sponsors, or to donate during this giving season, visit www.tennisfame.com.
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses and non-profits and is the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.