Kelly Klaren, a senior standout on the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls tennis team, signed a letter of intent Thursday afternoon to join the Merrimack College women’s tennis team next fall. The signing makes Klaren the first player in the history of the MVRHS girls tennis program to join a Division I women’s tennis team.

A signing ceremony was held at Vineyard Youth Tennis where Klaren was surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates. State championship team plaques from her last three seasons playing for MVRHS were displayed behind her, along with a poster with the Merrimack logo and a photo of Klaren pumping her fist after winning a match.

“It’s been such an amazing journey getting here,” Klaren told the group. “It’s truly been the best experience of my life.”

Klaren chose to have her signing ceremony at VYT because of its influence on her tennis career since she started practicing there when she was seven years old. She thanked VYT founder Gerald DeBlois for providing free tennis lessons and a space for her and others to pursue their love of the game.

Kelly Klaren chose to have signing take place at Vineyard Youth Tennis, where she first started playing at seven years old. — Mark Alan Lovewell

“I’ve been here everyday for the past 12 years,” she said. “It’s like a second home for me.”

Her coach for those 12 years, Michael Halisky, said the years have flown by and he couldn’t be more excited for Klaren to take the next step.

“It feels like I just started teaching her yesterday,” he said. “Over the years she just really matured and grew into a young woman. I’m really happy for her.”

Kelly’s Klaren’s parents Jon and Kim Klaren were all smiles as they stood behind her during the signing, followed by a long line of hugs.

“I’m a proud Dad today,” said Mr. Klaren. “She’s not going far. It will be like an off-Island match.”

Merrimack women’s tennis coach Dena Madden was not able to attend the signing ceremony per NCAA rules, but Mr. Klaren said Ms. Madden was looking on when Kelly won the deciding match in the state finals earlier this year.

As she looked fondly at the tennis courts outside the VYT where she honed her skills, Kelly said moving on is bittersweet, but she’s excited about what’s to come.

“I’m going to miss the atmosphere, the coaches and the people here,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing for the Merrimack team through college and bringing what I have there.”