In a major transfer to bolster tennis at Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities in Florida, USTA Florida has awarded a $100,000 grant to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College. This grant marks the second USTA Florida HBCU Program Help Grant initiative. This system goals to advertise development, variety, and inclusion throughout the sport of tennis throughout the state.
The announcement was made throughout an occasion the place representatives from FAMU’s Girls’s Tennis Program engaged with leaders from USTA Florida. The funding will improve numerous features of the tennis program at FAMU, together with enhancements to services, the acquisition of latest gear, scholarships for college kids, {and professional} growth alternatives for the teaching employees. Moreover, the grant goals to foster group outreach initiatives that can encourage native youth to take part in tennis.
Acing Range
Chuck Gill, president of USTA Florida, emphasised the significance of understanding the distinctive challenges HBCUs face in attracting student-athletes to tennis. “This grant was created based mostly on direct enter from employees delivering tennis applications at HBCUs in Florida,” stated Gill. “we’re dedicated to working alongside your crew to assist them in rising the tennis program at FAMU.”
Throughout a subsequent Q&A session led by Play Tennis Gainesville director of tennis George Henry, FAMU officers, together with head coach Rochelle “Coach Nikki” Houston and Athletic Director Angela Suggs, expressed their pleasure about the way forward for tennis on the college. Earl Wade, the assistant tennis coach, highlighted the importance of the grant: “This grant is the biggest grant ever. Thanks, to your ahead considering, for believing and giving us an opportunity.”
USTA Florida launched the HBCU Program Help Grant earlier this yr to construct sturdy relationships with HBCUs and supply important sources to boost campus tennis choices. The initiative seeks to create sustainable alternatives for college kids from various backgrounds to take part within the sport.
FAMU is the second grant recipient, following Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, which benefitted from the same award in October. The influence of those funds on recruiting efforts has already been notable at EWU. The USTA Florida is optimistic about attaining comparable successes with FAMU’s tennis program.
