Since 2016, Jamie’s Tennis Angels has been bringing the joy of tennis to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Born in New York City on January 6, 1998, Jamie Alexa Frank, at just one month old, experienced a preventable bacterial infection. She survived but, sadly, was left with significant brain damage, a seizure disorder, and multiple other medical issues.
Despite this adversity, Jamie was a motivated, happy, and loving child.
Jamie had a passion for music, dancing, swimming, and family. She may not have been able to walk or talk, but Jamie was very expressive and let us know what she liked and, just as clearly, what she didn’t!
Jamie was a “girly” girl. When presented with an activity option on her communication device, Jamie would, nine times out of ten, choose, “look at and discuss the pictures in “Teen Vogue”. She also loved selecting nail polish colors and getting manicures!
Her favorite activity, of course, was spending time with her brother, Joey, and her sister, Amanda. As tennis was a big conversation around our dinner table, Jamie knew both Joey and Amanda were avid tennis players who competed in FL Junior USTA tournaments, many of which were held at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center.
Jamie had the opportunity to “play” tennis with her family on vacations down in the Florida Keys. Joey would gently toss the ball towards Jamie and I would hold her hand over the racquet so she could swing and hit the ball over the net! The best part was, not only watching Joey cheer on his sister but also hearing Jamie laugh at the experience of hitting the ball.
The last several years of Jamie’s life were increasingly difficult due to her decreasing health and quality of life. Tragically, Jamie passed away shortly after her 18th birthday, on April 23, 2016.
As a family, we wanted to honor Jamie and memorialize her beautiful spirit, as well as do something to help others with special needs. Given our family’s love of tennis, my husband, Jimmy, and I approached the Town of Palm Beach Gardens to establish a special needs tennis program. Our goal was clear — to introduce to individuals with disabilities and their families the joys of tennis. As a result, in late 2016, Jamie’s Angels was born (the name was later changed to Jamie’s Tennis Angels).
We welcome you to join us in celebrating Jamie’s life and legacy and becoming a part of Jamie’s Tennis Angels.
Meet our Team
Elizabeth Keith, PT, PCS
Young Body Rehab
Pediatric Clinical Specialist
Mike Bucar
Palm Beach Garden’s Tennis & Pickleball Center
USPTA Professional Tennis Pro
Amy Frank
Co-Founder of JTA
Jimmy Frank
Co-Founder of JTA
Joey Frank
Founding Member of JTA
Amanda Frank
Founding Member of JTA
Join our JTA Community!
Each athlete is paired with a volunteer/staff for ample help and supervision. Parents are welcome to participate as a volunteer or socialize with others during the clinic.
After signing your playing in, your athlete will be partnered with a buddy.
Caregivers can watch or sign up to be a volunteer!
Once on the court, each athlete is encouraged to participate at their level. Some athletes may roll the ball, while others may rally over the net with another player.
Through the help of our Pediatric Clinical Specialist, we find the best way for each participant to enjoy tennis.
Every clinic includes a fun group obstacle course! Breaks are encouraged throughout the activity to ensure players are well-hydrated. And refreshments are provided at the end.
We Make Tennis Possible for Everyone!
We are grateful for our volunteers and donors!
Your support helps JTA continue to provide adaptive tennis activities that encourage play and movement, which benefits the special needs community. We are grateful for your support and encourage you to volunteer and/or make a donation.
Ready to get started?
1. View our Upcoming Clinic
Explore JTA’s schedule for the next clinic.
Have questions? Take a look at our FAQ’s or reach out to our team for more information.
2. Register Online
Let us know who’ll be joining us on the court.
In addition to the registration form, a waiver will need to be completed prior to playing.
3. Experience the FUN!
We hope your player has a great time with JTA!
Our first-class program is designed to inspire the love of tennis in our players.
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