In the Press: Honoring Joakim Noah Spring Gala

From Tennis Now's Richard Pagliaro, "The Shining Star Award honors Noah for his unwavering support of HJTEP and for consistently stepping up when the organization needed him most over nearly two decades. He retired from the NBA in 2020 following a distinguished 13-year career that included two NBA All-Star selections, the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and the 2015 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Drafted ninth overall by Chicago in the 2007 NBA Draft, he entered the league after leading the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA Championships.

The son of 1983 French Open champion and International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah, Joakim grew up immersed in elite tennis. He credits his father’s discipline and rigorous training as foundational to the work ethic that defined his own professional career and his continued commitment to giving back."