Tennis has been a way of life in many ways for incoming Moraine Valley Community College freshman Nicole Selvaggio. But never did the 18-year-old imagine meeting her tennis idol, Billie Jean King, after winning one of two national Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards.
The Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award is part of a scholarship program established by Billie Jean King through World TeamTennis Charities to encourage youths with diabetes to lead active lives and compete in tennis. Two national and six regional scholarships are awarded to male and female tennis players ages 12 to 21 years old who have diabetes and play competitively in tournaments or on their school’s team. The award is to be used for medical expenses and/or tennis needs.
Among a competitive field of applicants, Selvaggio was chosen and will receive the award on July 24 at the World TeamTennis Pro League championship match in Charleston, South Carolina. The award ceremony will be broadcast on the Tennis Channel and streamed live on www.wtt.com.
The Oak Lawn resident was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of five. She began playing tennis in her first year at Marist High School as a form of exercise to help manage her affliction. Since then she’s become one of the top players in the state.
“Playing competitive tennis with diabetes has been extremely challenging. I have been deprived of some of the opportunities that other kids had and couldn’t participate in team sports; then I stumbled into tennis. As it turned out, I was a natural at the sport and began winning [United States Tennis Association] tournaments and having a successful high school career,” Selvaggio said. “For me, winning this award epitomizes all the trials and tribulations I have endured as a diabetic. I never thought that tennis would transform my life, let alone bless me with the opportunity to win this award. This award will impact my life tremendously.”
Selvaggio received word that she won the award through a personal phone call from King. “I nearly passed out when she said I won. I thought it was a prank call.” Not only will she meet King and other tennis greats but also watch her first professional tennis match live. “Having the chance to meet Billie Jean King and other tennis legends will be a dream come true for me. These are people I idolize. If it weren’t for Billie Jean, I probably wouldn’t have as many opportunities to play tennis as a female. I am most definitely living the dream!”
Selvaggio will begin her first semester at Moraine Valley this fall where she’ll join the Cyclone tennis team.
“This is a quality young woman who is so deserving of this honor. She is an outstanding student, person and tennis player. I have never seen Nicole have a “bad” day. She is a great role model for young student-athletes everywhere,” said Moraine Valley tennis coach Bill Finn.

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For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley public relations generalist/sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or email VizzaM@morainevalley.edu.