Greenwich Honors Longtime Resident, Coach And Launches 'A Court for Life' Campaign

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich residents gathered at the Hamilton Avenue School basketball court earlier this month to honor longtime resident and coach David D'Andrea and celebrate a place that has meant far more than basketball.

The dedication of a courtside bench to D'Andrea brought together friends, family, former players and community leaders to recognize D'Andrea's lasting impact and the court's special place in the Hamilton Avenue community.

The occasion also marked the launch of the Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund, established by the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation to preserve and enhance the court for future generations.

Under the banner "A Court for Life," the Foundation has set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 to support court repairs, new equipment, fencing, future amenities and youth programs.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, community leader Scott Frantz, Vin DiMarco and others spoke about D’Andrea and how the court is woven into the fabric of the community.

Camillo played under D'Andrea at Greenwich Catholic Middle School, where the squad won the elite New England Catholic Middle School Championship Tournament.

The team and D'Andrea held a reunion in April at Greenwich Town Hall.

Read also: Greenwich Marks 50th Anniversary Of Historic Catholic Middle School Basketball Championship

"Dave has done so much for youth basketball in our Town. He has been a coach and a mentor and he led a team of ragtag youths, including yours truly, from Greenwich Catholic School as we made history 50 years ago with our regional championship," Camillo noted in his recent community newsletter. "Dave has also given back extensively to the Chickahominy community he loves so much.:

Longtime Greenwich educator and coach Garland Allen spoke of the relationships, mentorship and sense of belonging fostered there at the dedication ceremony.

"The Hamilton Avenue basketball court has been an important part of this neighborhood for generations, and what we heard at the dedication demonstrates just how much it means to the people who grew up here," Greenwich Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano added, according to a news release.

"Honoring Dave while investing in the future of this court is a wonderful way to celebrate that history and ensure that young people continue to enjoy this special place for years to come."

Sue Moretti Bodson, chair of the Parks and Recreation Foundation, said the bench dedication "was a powerful reminder that a basketball court can be so much more than a place to play."

"It can be where you find a mentor, where friendships begin, where you learn about teamwork and where you feel like you belong and that is what ‘A Court for Life’ is about," Bodson added.

The Foundation is inviting the community to help tip off the future of Hamilton Avenue basketball by supporting the new fund.

Every contribution to the Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund will help preserve and improve the court and ensure that Greenwich youth continue to have a place to play, connect and build lasting friendships.

To donate through the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation, select "David D’Andrea Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund" from the donation menu or use this link: David D’Andrea Hamilton Avenue Hoops Fund

Checks may also be mailed to:

Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Memo: Ham Ave Hoops