TOWSON, Md. — Almost 30 years after finishing a decorating collegiate career, Towson University women's tennis standout Jennifer (Frank) Vallillo was recently inducted into the Ocean City High School Hall of Fame.
Vallillo enjoyed a successful career as a Tiger under head coach Ken Volk, amassing a 70-25 singles record over a four-year span for a .737 winning percentage. In the 1991-92 season, Vallillo garnered a 18-2 (.900) singles record to top her years in the black & gold.
Vallillo was also an exception doubles player, mainly playing with partners Terry Matthews and Rachel Jourdan. The duo went 18-9 in the 1994-95 season on the first court in addition to collecting a 12-5 record at the No. 2 spot (1993-94).
In 1991-92, Vallillo also earned a 10-1 mark on the third court with Jourdan. That same year, the pair went on to win the East Coast Conference Championship on the final doubles court.
Almost 30 years after graduating from Towson, what are you up to?
After graduating from Towson University, I went to Fairleigh Dickinson University and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have been working as an ICU Nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center since 1998. I live in Holmdel, New Jersey with my husband and Towson baseball alum and Tigers Hall of Famer, James Vallillo, and our two sons James (16) and Jack (13).
What drew you to attend Towson University in 1991?
I was drawn to the size and location of the school and the tennis team, especially Coach Volk. After visiting the campus, I immediately loved it! The town was great and close to campus. The whole atmosphere was perfect!
What is your best tennis memory as a Tiger?
This is a tough one because there are so many great memories. My teammates and I all meshed well and hit it off right away. The men's team was great and we all cheered each other on. I would have to say traveling to tournaments over spring break and other road trips were most memorable. Spending time with our team and the men's team was great comradery and it was a nice balance of great tennis and some downtime fun!
Are you still playing tennis?
I am still playing tennis at a competitive level. I have a great group of women I play with on several different teams. Ironically our 4.5 USTA team just won sectionals and we are headed to Arizona in October for Nationals!
Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?
I still keep in touch with many of my teammates from Towson. We are hoping to make it back to campus this year to watch some matches and cheer on our former men's team teammate and now head coach Jamie Peterson!
