Hall of Fame
After Jayne De Michele posted a 17-3 record in singles, 17-0 in doubles, won a singles title, doubles crown with Alka Shah and led the women’s tennis team to the first New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, all as a freshman in 1992, it was evident that a star was rising.
She was named Rookie of the Year and All-Conference in doubles.
The talent, titles and dominance grew in the next three years. As a sophomore De Michele again led Rutgers-Newark to a state title, won the doubles title and was named All-Conference in singles and doubles.
As a junior she again gained recognition as an all-star in individual and two-player competition and as a senior the list of accomplishments grew even longer and more impressive. She copped four major events and was ranked fifth in the East and 14th nationally.
Among the major awards she won in her senior year of 1995 were NJAIAW Woman of the Year and the Rutgers-Newark outstanding female athlete designation.
Her final career record was a brilliant 129-29, and along the way she was a three-time coaches award winner and a Star Ledger athlete of the week on numerous occasions.
Her interest in tennis hasn’t waned and in 2000 she was ranked fifth in the Eastern Tennis Association and was a valued member of the USTA Eastern team in 2001.
De Michele is currently with the New Jersey State Police as a forensic scientist.
