Tigers InFLOW Tennis Programme Opens Doors to International Scholarship for Student Nadjema Morille

(Sandals Foundation)- CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA, MAY 15, 2025 — Twenty-one-year-old Nadjema Morille is headed to the United States to pursue higher education after earning a full-ride tennis scholarship to Chicago State University — a remarkable achievement rooted in her long-time involvement with the Sandals Foundation-funded Tigers InFLOW Tennis Academy.

Introduced to tennis by her father, Morille started her journey with Tigers InFLOW at the age of ten (10). Under the guidance of Head Coach and Director, Sirsean Arlain, and his team, Morille’s talent was nurtured– forging an eleven (11) year journey characterized by dedication, resilience and growth.

“I was doing well and I enjoyed playing because they made it fun, but I also realized I was competitive and wanted to achieve something, so I put in the work,” said Morille.

Morille and other students’ dedication and growth in the sport inspired Arlain to create a Player Development Strategy – allowing promising students to stay the course beyond the originally targeted primary school level. Eventually, youngsters gained the opportunity to represent St. Lucia in tournaments like the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Coca-Cola Tennis Tournament – opening their appetite for more.

Since 2015, the Sandals Foundation has supported the Tigers InFLOW programme, funding coaching fees, equipment, and infrastructure development. The financial input enabled the Academy to continue its mission of grooming the next generation of passionate tennis players and responsible young people.

“We were encouraged to be disciplined, especially in academics, and that was a huge motivation,” Morille said, as she explained the symbiotic relationship that developed between the sport and her academic performance. “We had to meet a minimum GPA of 3.2 while playing tennis.”

No Limits to Learning

In considering tertiary education, Morille knew she would be taking tennis with her. Seeking schools with Division I ranked tennis programmes, denoted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), she applied to colleges that would offer distinctive opportunities and experiences for student-athletes.

After being accepted with a partial scholarship to a college in Jacksonville, Florida, Morille aimed even higher, submitting an application to Chicago State University when she saw a social media post inviting new applicants. After a two-year behind the scenes recruitment process with Director of Tennis at Chicago State, Kieran President, what happened next was a scene right out of the movies. Morille was contacted directly by Assistant Tennis Coach at Chicago State University, Grace Maxey, with a full ride scholarship. Now, Morille is pursuing a major in Business Administration and Management and further perfecting her skills on the court.

“Nadjema is an example of the limitless opportunities young people in the Caribbean can achieve through sports,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation. “For 16 years, our organisation has been intentional in our investment in golf, basketball, tennis, football, and other sports programmes because we see the transformative effects sports and positive mentorship can have on the lives of our young people. We are honored to be a partner of Tigers InFLOW and will continue to stand by their side as they continue to evolve.”

For the 2025/6 term, Tigers InFLOW will expand its reach, welcoming a new cohort of three hundred and thirteen (313) students from seven (7) primary and secondary schools in Castries. To build their competitive edge, students will be trained to play in targeted tournaments, helping them gain experience and develop their skills to ultimately represent their country.

Its “Welcome to the Jungle” programme is also another avenue to cement a structured approach to students’ development. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the “Welcome to the Jungle” programme groups tennis students from partnering schools into teams that compete while tracking their progress throughout their tenure.

“Getting these kids on a court is truly the most priceless part of this programme,” says Coach Sean, “And without the Sandals Foundation, there wouldn’t be a programme. So many kids would not be able to afford tennis – to be introduced to the sport, or get a scholarship. Thanks to the Sandals Foundation, we are able to provide life-changing foundational support to them,” Coach Sean closed.

Over 250 of the expected 313 enrolled students are anticipated to compete in at least four (4) tournaments this year. To date, the Tigers InFLOW program has provided some five thousand (5000) children from ten (10) schools the opportunity to learn tennis free of cost.

As for Morille, her sights are set on graduating Chicago State University in 2029 and furthering her tennis skills with Division I competition.