Mia Caruana of Raleigh, NC Celebrated as Inaugural Anthony Blackman Scholar Recipient for 2025 The North Carolina Tennis Foundation congratulates Mia Caruana, our inaugural Anthony Blackman Scholar recipient from Raleigh, North Carolina! Mia spent many years on court competing as a junior tennis player! Her breakthrough was reaching #1 in the NC 10U and 12U age groups. She continued her success throughout her junior career culminating in many achievements at Leesville Road High School. Mia was a member of multiple Conference and Regional Team Championships, individual Conference & Regional Runner-up in singles and doubles, and State Championship Finalist in singles and doubles. She was honored with selection to the Academic All-Conference Team, NC Tennis Elite 8 State Team, and recipient Team MVP and Coaches Award. In addition to Mia’s perseverance on court, she maintained a stellar 4.2 GPA while participating in several other extra-curricular activities in addition to high school tennis: interning to benefit rescued horses, volunteering at PAC tennis camps, and contributing to the Leesville Road High School Key Club. Mia enrolled at UNC Wilmington in fall of 2025 and continues to excel academically as a freshman, majoring in psychology with plans to pursue a career in children’s therapy. Tennis and education have deeply shaped Mia into the person she has become and positively contributed to teaching her discipline, patience, and the value of consistent effort. Mia shared, “As an adult, I know tennis will always be there – whether I’m playing in local leagues or hitting for fun with friends. As a lifetime learner and player, tennis and education have served as my cornerstones for development as a person. Both have helped me through difficult moments, opened doors of opportunity, strengthened my resilience, and inspired my purpose. I carry these lessons into everything I do, and I’m excited to use them to help others find healing and purpose in my future career.” Mia is grateful to the friends and colleagues who invested in the Anthony Blackman Scholars Endowment. The ABS support of her and future high school students will lead them to make the world a better place, just as Anthony Blackman did. This support will allow the ABS recipients to pay forward the investment they have been fortunate to receive!

The North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame is proud to introduce it's newest North Carolina Tennis members: Allen Farfour and Brian Kalbas. Learn more about them below! Allen Farfour to be Honored for Storied Career in North Carolina Tennis Allen Farfour, a dominant force in North Carolina tennis for over three decades, is set to be honored for his remarkable career as both a player and a coach. Farfour's journey began in the junior ranks, where he amassed an impressive collection of titles, including eight North Carolina State Doubles Championships and a State Singles Championship by age 14. His talent extended beyond state lines, capturing the 10 & Under Southern Open Singles and Doubles titles in 1969, making him the first North Carolina native to win the singles title. By 1971, his national standing was undeniable, reaching the semi-finals of the Boy’s 12 Nationals and earning a National ranking of #8 in singles. Brian Kalbas: A Legacy of Excellence in Collegiate Tennis Brian Kalbas, the legendary head coach of the North Carolina women's tennis program, has established himself as a dominant force in collegiate athletics. With a career record of 797-196 (.803) and a remarkable 583-111 (.840) record at UNC, he holds the highest winning percentage in ACC history. Kalbas has guided his teams to seven ITA National Team Indoor Championships and eight ACC Championship titles, including five consecutive from 2016-2019 and 2021. A two-time National Coach of the Year and an eight-time ITA Regional Coach of the Year, Kalbas has consistently positioned the Tar Heels among the nation's elite, with his teams making 13 NCAA Team Championship Quarterfinals appearances and seven semifinal appearances. Kalbas led the Tar Heels to their first NCAA Women’s Tennis Team title over neighbor and fellow ACC member, NC State in 2023. Click the button below to read more about each inductee! The North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame now includes 121 members with the addition of Allen Farfour and Brian Kalbas. The inaugural class was inducted in 1975. The North Carolina Tennis Foundation selects new members each year to add to the Hall of Fame during Tennis Weekend.

The NC Tennis Foundation “Play Tennis” license plate supports programs, grants, and scholarships that expand access to tennis for underserved populations across North Carolina. Visit your NC DMV to purchase a specialty or personalized plate for $30/year to help create meaningful impact through tennis and education. Learn how to get your license plate today!