CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA, MAY 15, 2025 — Saint Lucia’s Tigers InFLOW Tennis Academy has served up yet another success story, as 21-year-old Nadjema Morille secures a coveted full-ride tennis scholarship to Chicago State University, marking a major leap in her academic and athletic journey.
Morille’s ascent from the courts of Castries to the prestigious NCAA Division I ranks in the United States is a triumph rooted in perseverance, discipline, and the steadfast mentorship of the Tigers InFLOW Academy — a programme funded by the Sandals Foundation.
Introduced to tennis at the age of ten by her father, Morille quickly found a home at Tigers InFLOW. For more than a decade, under the guidance of Head Coach Sirsean Arlain and his team, she honed her skills while embracing a culture that emphasized both sport and scholarship.
“They made it fun, but I also realized I was competitive and wanted to achieve something, so I put in the work,” Morille reflected.
Recognizing the potential in players like Morille, Coach Arlain reimagined the academy’s development model, extending the programme beyond primary school students to nurture elite talent capable of representing Saint Lucia in international competitions. The results have been tangible, with players like Morille competing in prestigious tournaments such as the ITF Junior Coca-Cola Tennis Tournament.
Since 2015, the Sandals Foundation has invested heavily in the programme, covering coaching fees, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring that no young player is sidelined due to financial limitations.
“We were always pushed to be disciplined — especially in academics — which kept me motivated,” shared Morille, who had to maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA while excelling on the court.
Her determination paid off. After initially receiving a partial scholarship offer from a Florida-based college, Morille set her sights higher, eventually catching the attention of Chicago State University’s tennis programme. Following a rigorous two-year recruitment process, she was offered a full scholarship, allowing her to pursue a degree in Business Administration and Management while playing at the Division I level.
“Nadjema is proof that the power of sports combined with positive mentorship can open global doors for Caribbean youth,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “We are proud to support programmes like Tigers InFLOW that change lives and create pathways to opportunities.”
Building on its success, the Tigers InFLOW Tennis Academy is set to expand in the 2025/26 academic year, welcoming over 300 students from seven Castries-based primary and secondary schools. Through initiatives like the “Welcome to the Jungle” programme, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, students will be grouped into teams to compete and track their progress.
“This is about more than tennis — it’s about giving kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the sport a chance to discover their potential,” said Coach Sean. “Without the Sandals Foundation, none of this would be possible.”
With over 5,000 children having passed through its ranks since inception, the Tigers InFLOW Academy continues to break barriers. More than 250 students are expected to participate in at least four tournaments this year, sharpening their skills and representing Saint Lucia.
For Morille, the journey is far from over. She’s now focused on completing her degree and pushing her game to new heights on the Division I stage.
