Stratford Academy is proud to announce two meaningful honors recognizing Jaime Kaplan ’79, one of the school’s most accomplished alumnae, student-athletes, coaches, and advocates for women in sports.

In recognition of her extraordinary impact on Stratford athletics, the annual award recognizing the top female athlete in the graduating class will now be named the Jaime Kaplan Best Senior Female Athlete Award, and the Jaime Kaplan Endowed Fund for Girls Athletics has been established to support the continued growth and strength of girls athletics at Stratford.

Beginning with the Class of 2027, the Jaime Kaplan Best Senior Female Athlete Award will be presented annually to a senior female student-athlete whose achievement and character represent the very best of Stratford athletics. The award honors Kaplan’s own legacy as a multi-sport Stratford student-athlete and celebrates future Eagles who reflect the excellence, leadership, resilience, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit that have defined her life in athletics.

The Jaime Kaplan Endowed Fund for Girls Athletics was established to ensure that generations of Stratford girls continue to benefit from exceptional coaching, competitive programs, mentorship, and meaningful athletic experiences that build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong wellness. As it grows, the endowment will provide lasting support for the coaches, programs, resources, and opportunities that help female student-athletes pursue their full potential on and off the court.

Kaplan’s connection to Stratford athletics spans generations. A member of the Class of 1979, she was a standout in both basketball and tennis, earning recognition as Stratford’s Best Senior Athlete during her senior year. On the basketball court, she was an All-Region and All-State player and part of three state championship teams. On the tennis court, she completed her high school career undefeated in both singles and doubles. Kaplan’s talent was matched by a deep love for the game that would shape the course of her life.

After graduation, Kaplan continued her tennis career at the University of Georgia, where she won the 1981 SEC doubles title, and later at Florida State University, where she became the first women’s tennis player in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She went on to compete professionally, joining the Women’s Tennis Association Tour in 1983 and appearing in Grand Slam tournaments including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open.

Her impact, however, extends far beyond her own athletic accomplishments. In 2005, Kaplan returned to her alma mater and has since served as Alumni Director, Major Gifts Coordinator, coach, and mentor. As Stratford’s Head Tennis Coach, she has continued to shape generations of Eagle athletes, helping them pursue excellence and empowering them to achieve their full potential on and off the court. It is no coincidence that Stratford’s tennis program has earned more championships than any other school sport.

Kaplan learned of the honors during a surprise gathering on campus Thursday, June 18, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, former players, colleagues, fellow coaches, and members of the Stratford community.

“Jaime has been a leader in Stratford’s long and remarkable athletic history,” said Sandy Burgess, Chair of the Stratford Academy Board of Trustees and a fellow tennis coach. “For decades, she has given back to the youth in our community as a coach and advocate, instilling her love for the game of tennis along with sportsmanship, resilience, and the importance of being part of a team. This fund will benefit future female athletes as well as the coaches who dedicate themselves to providing students with opportunities to grow, compete, and learn through a well-rounded Stratford experience.”

Her name is already part of Stratford’s campus through the Jaime Kaplan Tennis Center. Now, through the Jaime Kaplan Best Senior Female Athlete Award and the Jaime Kaplan Endowed Fund for Girls Athletics, her legacy will continue to shape the future of female athletes at Stratford.

Those who wish to honor Kaplan’s legacy and support the future of girls athletics may make a gift to the Jaime Kaplan Endowed Fund for Girls Athletics by mailing a check to Stratford Academy with “Jaime Kaplan Endowed Fund for Girls Athletics” noted in the memo line, or by making a gift online.

Jaime Kaplan’s remarkable journey reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, and opportunity. Through these honors, Stratford celebrates not only what Kaplan has accomplished, but also the lasting impact she continues to have on the students, coaches, alumni, and families who make up the Stratford community.