From Tennis Pro to Nun

Sister Andrea Jaeger, a Dominican nun

We’ve heard the story of Dolores Hart, a female actress who acted with Elvis Presley and became a nun, Sister Dolores. Now comes the story of a former Number 2 tennis star who has become a Dominican nun, dedicating her life to helping children suffering from cancer.  Andrea Jaeger rose to stardom in the early 1980s, reaching the final of Wimbledon and the French Open, as well as semi-finalist at the Australian and US Open, She was only 15 when she was seeded in a Grand Slam tournament, and had accumulated quite a record against other superstars, 3–17 against Chris Evert, 4–11 against Navratilova, 2–8 against Tracy Austin, 6–8 against Hana Mandlikova, and 2–4 against Pam Shriver. She claims a turbulent relationship with her father who often punished her for not trying harder on the court. A major shoulder injury at the age of 19 ended Jaeger's career prematurely in 1985. Seeing this career-ending injury as a door to a spiritual awakening, she went to college and obtained a degree in theology. After retirement in 1987, she has prominently dedicated her life to public service, charities, and philanthropy. In 2006, she became "Sister Andrea" and professed as a Dominican sister.

Andrea Jaeger as a tennis player in the early 1980s

Jaeger used her winnings from tennis ($1.4 million) to create the Silver Lining Foundation in 1990. Located in Aspen, Colorado, the organization transported groups of young cancer patients to Aspen for a week of support and activities, including horseback riding and whitewater rafting. The foundation also provided money for reunions, family campouts, college scholarships, medical internships, and other programs for children who could not travel. The organization had other powerful backers, both in the world of sports and elsewhere. The first contributor was John McEnroe. Many high-profile celebrities were also involved, including Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and basketball star David Robinson. Jaeger has since established the "Little Star Foundation", reaching on average 4,000 kids annually.