Tag Archives: Highwood Bocce Club

Tom Holleman may not be of Italian descent, but he’s as strong a proponent of Italian culture and traditions as anyone, starting with the venerable game of bocce. Holleman is the president of the Highwood Bocce Club in Highwood, Illinois, which the Wall Street Journal once called “America’s bocce capital.” Holleman grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and got a master’s degree in information systems from DePaul University. He works as senior technology manager for Bank of America. He and his wife of 32 years, Michelle, met during a blind date in college that …

For more than half a century, the Highwood Bocce Club has hosted social activities for members while promoting the game of bocce and creating an awareness of Italian heritage and culture. A community treasure with an international reputation, it boasts some of the finest bocce courts in the country. During the week of June 19-24, the courts and the community were on display as the club hosted more than 140 competitors from around the country during the 44th annual United States Bocce Federation National Championships. “We were thrilled that the national tournament returned to Highwood, and we were excited to …