Since he was six years old, Vincent Macallister has always had a racket in his hand.
He grew up in Palos Verdes hitting balls against garage doors and backyard walls. He was happy as long as the rally kept going. Tennis became more than a sport for Vincent. It became the place where he feels most like himself.
Meeting a Hero Who Shares His Story
So when he signed up to volunteer at an ACEing Autism clinic in Fort Worth, he knew it would be a good day. He also knew someone else would be there: Jenson Brooksby.
Brooksby is a rising American pro. He’s also the first active ATP player to openly share his autism diagnosis. For Vincent, who shares the diagnosis, he isn’t just someone he admires. He’s his favorite player. Seeing Brooksby compete at the highest level and speak honestly about autism reshapes what feels possible.
A Moment Bigger Than Tennis
The clinic came just ahead of the 2026 Nexo Dallas Open, where ACEing Autism and Founder Richard Spurling joined Brooksby in receiving the “Live Long and Prosper” Tribute from the Nimoy Knight Foundation, honoring leaders advancing inclusion in the autism community.
Energy filled the courts that evening. Brooksby jumped right in. He demonstrated volleys and forehands. Then he moved from station to station, adjusting grips and offering guidance. He made sure every athlete felt seen.
For the dozen ACEing Autism players on court that day, it was a chance to play with someone who once navigated many of the same challenges they are facing now.
One Unforgettable Rally
Vincent spent his time feeding balls and cheering on younger athletes. Then, as the clinic wrapped up, he stepped onto the court with Brooksby.
Just the two of them. Trading shots.
For a kid who had watched him from the stands, modeled his game after him, and felt understood by his story, that rally was more than a cool moment. It was confirmation.
What Representation Really Means
Chad Macallister is Vincent’s dad. He also leads the ACEing Autism program in Palos Verdes.
Chad says watching his son rally with Brooksby was something he will never forget. “When Vincent sees Jenson, he stands a little taller,” he shared.
When young athletes see themselves in someone on the world stage, it changes things. It tells them there is space for them here, too.
Moments like this do not happen by accident. They are built by people on the ground, including local volunteer leader Mark Tripple at Texas Christian University and the team who brought the day to life.
Jenson Brooksby with one of the dozen ACEing Autism athletes at the clinic that day.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of ACEing Autism, creating the kind of space where all of this is possible.
Full Circle
As for Vincent, the little boy hitting balls against a garage wall would never have believed it. But there he was in Fort Worth, sharing a court with his hero.
Help open more courts for kids who are waiting.
