On Sunday, May 19, 2019, we celebrated a dedication in honor of Veronica P. Lima-De Angelis P’01, ’03 (Rafa ’01 and Victor ’03), a legend here at New Hampton School. For the past 26 years, she has served as Head Tennis Coach and a faculty member. We gathered on the new tennis patio with family, friends, and students to celebrate the generous gift named in her honor.
Honoring a tennis legend
Director of Advancement Sarah DeBenedictis opened the ceremony by sharing more about Lima, as we affectionately call her, and welcoming her family in attendance. “When we created the list for invitations for this event today, it was astounding to see pages upon pages of the lives that Lima has touched and the student-athletes she has mentored and coached throughout her career here. Lima is extraordinary and those of you here today I am sure have been impacted by her leadership, skill and true care and concern for you as a person and athlete.”
The day was also an opportunity to welcome and offer gratitude to the donors who made the gift possible. We were thankful to have in attendance Philip Lux ’11, the Lux family, the Seymour Family, and other generous supporters. Phil was welcomed to the podium to share his own words of thanks, followed by current student and tennis player Amelia Brenner. Then it was time for Veronica Lima-De Angelis to address the attendees.
Reflecting on the past
In her words, Lima shared the story of how she came to meet and become the advisor of Phil Lux. She noted how their relationship grew and how their family became friends and supporters. Lima also explained how Phil led changes for the tennis team during his time as a student. Two of these changes in support of Lima’s son, Victor ’03, who was deployed in Afghanistan at the time. After thanking the Lux and Seymour families, Lima closed with the words she shares with her team before each match. “A real champ takes it as it comes. The weather, the wind, the heat, or cold. Then he does what he has to do ‘TO WIN’.”
Following the dedication, the 12th Annual New Hampton School Open brought students, alumni and faculty to the courts for some spirited competition. Thank you to all who were able to attend.
