The United States Tennis Association (USTA) of Florida has awarded a $100,000 grant to the FAMU Athletics Department to support the growth and enhancement of its tennis program. This grant marks USTA Florida’s second-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant, continuing its commitment to promoting tennis within HBCU communities.
The funding will be used to support various aspects of the tennis program at FAMU including court improvements, the purchase of new tennis equipment, scholarships for Florida students, and additional coach education. The grant also aims to expand outreach to local youth, encouraging more participation in tennis and fostering a stronger connection between FAMU and the surrounding community.
FAMU is the second institution to receive this support, following a successful grant awarded to Edward Waters University (EWU) in Jacksonville in October. The EWU grant has already had a positive impact on the team’s recruiting efforts, and USTA Florida anticipates similar success with FAMU.
"We are thrilled to receive this grant from USTA Florida," said FAMU Athletics Director Angela Suggs. "This funding will us to provide greater opportunities for our student-athletes."
With this support, FAMU aims to elevate its tennis program to new heights, providing enhanced opportunities for student-athletes and fostering a love for the sport among local youth. The university looks forward to building on the success of the EWU grant and continuing to strengthen its ties with the community through tennis.