Richard Spurling shares how ACEing Autism uses adaptive tennis to help autistic and neurodivergent children build skills, confidence and community. Each episode of Brave Together reflects a profound commitment to the mental health of caregivers by offering educational tools and compassionate support to nurture their wellbeing. As an extension of the global nonprofit We Are…
Long before the first serve in the US Open Women’s Final on Saturday, there were different players on the iconic courts. Children and adults with disabilities were in the spotlight at Flushing Meadows. They learned the basics of tennis and put them on display at the Court of Dreams clinic. Fifteen-year-old Thaddeus Henry had been…
For Isabela Vargas, tennis is a place of magic, focus, and deep personal connection. What began at age seven as a departure from ballet quickly transformed into a life-defining passion, providing a vibrant court environment where she can shed outside noise, embrace competition, and channel her energy into constant growth. Guided by dedicated coaches and…
One in 31 kids in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism. ACEing Autism is helping neurodivergent kids practice physical, mental, and emotional skills through adaptive sports programming. View Video
A Charlottesville tennis program designed for children with autism and other developmental disabilities is returning for its second year. The Charlottesville ACEing Autism program gives children a chance to get active, learn tennis and build connections outside of school. Sessions pair participants with volunteers from the University of Virginia, area high schools, the medical community…
Children play tennis with mentors before the official start of the first day of the Community Weekend at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. View More Photos
It was evident from a young age that I had some speech issues. My family did not understand how serious it was until I was not hitting any of the speech milestones. By the age of 4, I was considered pretty much non-verbal. The ironic part is that I thought I was speaking clearly. I…
Long before Chad MacAllister ever joined USTA Southern California’s Board of Directors, he was a father searching for a way to connect with his son. That journey began in 2013, when Chad and his wife, Annie, settled down to raise their family in Palos Verdes. With both sets of parents and Chad’s sister living nearby,…
Across Southern California, Trey Mihal, 33, is helping redefine what intentional inclusion looks like. As a Program Director and Regional leader with ACEing Autism, Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Easterseals Southern California, and avid adult league player, Trey brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and personal passion to his work. These roles allow him…
ON most days throughout autumn and spring, at Rutgers Preparatory School, Delbarton School and Newark Academy – all top girls and boys schools in New Jersey, United States – the tennis courts are defined by high-level competition, where every point carries weight and each match matters. But for a few hours on select days each…
