At age 4, Frances Tiafoe began playing tennis. At age 27, he is one of the world’s most talented and successful players, winner of three ATP titles and a semifinalist at the U.S. Open in September 2024.
Tiafoe hasn’t forgotten where he grew up — at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park.
In 2023, Tiafoe launched the Frances Tiafoe Fund with the United States Tennis Association Foundation. In April 2024, the fund directed $50,000 to the JTCC as one of its first gifts.
“Growing up here and seeing all the great things that have been done not only for me but my peers before me, after, and still to this day,” Tiafoe said. “I definitely want to get back to this place very much.”
Tiafoe’s support of the tennis center is an example of how athletes’ philanthropy connects with their passions and communities. His life story is rooted at the center.
Tiafoe’s parents emigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone. His father came to the U.S. in 1993 while his mother followed in 1996 amid civil war in their home country. In 1999, Tiafoe’s father got a job working on a construction crew at the tennis center in College Park. When the project was completed, he remained at the center as a custodian during the day and as the person who rolled the clay courts at night.
Tiafoe literally grew up on the tennis courts at JTCC stoking his passion for the game and helping him to develop into a world-class player.
Ray Benton, CEO of the Junior Tennis Champions Center, said that the gift from Tiafoe’s fund will support tennis programs in county parks and schools in Prince George’s County.
“Frances has been very vocal that he wants to see more kids who look like him coming out of Prince George’s County and getting college scholarships,” Benton said.
Tiafoe’s fund launched with $250,000. The U.S. Tennis Association Foundation contributed $150,000. Clif Bar, the energy bar brand that Tiafoe works with as an endorser, donated $100,000.
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