Picture a New York storyteller who serves up sizzling tennis drama with a side of young adult flair—meet Jennifer Iacopelli! A high school librarian by day and a passionate writer by night, Iacopelli has won over readers with her Outer Banks Tennis Academy series, where fierce female athletes navigate love, rivalry, and the high-stakes world of professional tennis. Her stories pulse with energy, blending sports intensity with relatable coming-of-age moments that keep you glued to the page.
Born and raised in the Empire State, Iacopelli’s love for strong, empowered characters and her knack for crafting vivid narratives have made her a standout in young adult fiction. Whether you’re a tennis fan or just craving a juicy, character-driven read, her books deliver a winning serve every time.
The Making of Jennifer Iacopelli
Jennifer Iacopelli grew up in New York, a city she’s vowed never to leave. As a voracious reader, she was inspired by literary giants like L.M. Montgomery and Frances Hodgson Burnett, whose tales of bold, kick-butt girls shaped her storytelling ethos. Her academic journey led her to a Bachelor’s in Adolescence Education and English Literature, followed by a Master’s in Library Science. Now, as a high school librarian, she spends her days surrounded by books and students, drawing inspiration from their energy and dreams. When the sun sets, she trades library stacks for her writing desk, often cheering on her beloved New York Yankees or favorite tennis players between sentences.
Jennifer Iacopelli’s Unforgettable Stories
Iacopelli’s Outer Banks Tennis Academy series is her crown jewel, a two-book saga that tosses readers into the elite world of a fictional North Carolina training facility. The first book, Game. Set. Match. (2015), introduces Penny Harrison, a rising tennis star battling rivals and romance as she aims for the French Open. Its sequel, Losing at Love (2015), ups the ante with the girls chasing glory at Wimbledon, weaving in friendship drama and steamy relationships. Both novels shine with Iacopelli’s knack for vivid tennis scenes that feel like courtside seats, paired with authentic, multi-perspective character arcs.
Beyond tennis, Iacopelli’s versatility shines in works like Break the Fall (2020), a gripping gymnastics novel tackling Olympic dreams and #MeToo themes, and Finding Her Edge (2022), a dazzling dive into competitive ice dancing. Her writing style blends fast-paced sports action with emotional depth, focusing on ambitious young women who chase big dreams while navigating personal growth. Fans praise her for crafting relatable, flawed characters and dialogue that pops with wit and sass.
Why Jennifer Iacopelli Matters
Jennifer Iacopelli has carved a niche in young adult fiction by elevating sports narratives into compelling, character-driven stories. Her focus on strong female athletes resonates with readers, especially young women, who see themselves in her determined, imperfect heroines. By blending real-world issues—like injury recovery, career pressure, and empowerment—with the thrill of competition, she’s expanded the genre’s appeal, earning accolades like Junior Library Guild selections and Kids’ Indie Next picks. Her work as a librarian also amplifies her impact, as she inspires the next generation of readers and writers through her daily interactions.
- Born: New York, USA
- Key Works: Game. Set. Match., Losing at Love, Break the Fall, Finding Her Edge
- Notable Recognition: Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Kids’ Indie Next pick
- Fun Fact: She’s a die-hard Yankees fan and writes while cheering for her team!
Snag Game. Set. Match. and dive into Jennifer Iacopelli’s thrilling world of tennis and heart-pounding drama!