The Catholic Central community gathered Wednesday, September 16, to remember and honor Charlie Siracusa, a beloved member of the Catholic Central family, with the dedication of Tennis Court 5 in his memory.

Before the varsity tennis team took the court against Ann Arbor Skyline, faculty, staff, and members of the tennis program gathered for a brief dedication ceremony. Court 5, the court where Charlie spent countless hours playing and practicing, was officially named in his honor.

Charlie, who passed away suddenly last year, was one of the assistant JV tennis coaches at Catholic Central before becoming the Vice President of Advancement in 2025. 

But titles never really captured Charlie. He brought the same energy, passion, and enthusiasm to everything he did.

Charlie was, quite simply, one of a kind.

He had a spirit unlike anyone else. He was all in (“go, go, go”), and he approached life with an enthusiasm that was contagious. He loved people, loved telling stories and, above all, loved Catholic Central. Whether he was talking about his work, tennis, his faith, or one of the many experiences he had collected throughout his life, Charlie had a way of drawing people in. He could have a room laughing one minute and reaching for a tissue the next.

Tennis was an especially important part of Charlie’s life.

Originally from New York, Charlie had been an avid marathon runner before a hip injury forced him to step away from training. A chiropractor suggested he try tennis, and while on the court, he met Charles Kasper, an experienced tennis coach who became a close friend and mentor.

Kasper helped Charlie develop his game, and the two traveled to tennis camps together. After Kasper died in the Sept. 11 attacks, Charlie took to heart a message from Kasper’s wife: to find people in Michigan who were as passionate about tennis as he was, teach them, and share Charles’ story.

Charlie carried that mission with him to Catholic Central. Tennis gave him another way to connect with students, teach them, and share something he loved.

In a 2024 Catholic Central story about his connection to tennis and the events of 9/11, Charlie reflected on the faith that shaped his outlook on life.

“God’s grace is everywhere. His hand is everywhere. The sooner we realize that, the sooner we can relax and enjoy the life we were blessed to be given,” he said.

That was Charlie. He embraced life fully and encouraged the people around him to do the same.

His love for Catholic Central was just as strong. When he joined the Advancement team, he brought decades of professional experience in sales, strategic planning, and brand growth, but he also brought something that could not be captured on a résumé: an unwavering belief in Catholic Central and the people who make the school what it is.

Naming Court 5 in Charlie’s honor gives the Catholic Central community a place to remember the time he spent here, and the countless conversations, lessons, laughs, and memories he created along the way.

It is fitting that the court bearing his name is one where students will continue to play, compete, and grow.

Charlie would have wanted it that way.