Cincinnati Open hosts Community Weekend
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
I give back to the sport (tennis) that has given me so much
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…
A Father’s Perspective on Tennis, Neurodiversity, and Belonging
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,…
Where Passion Meets Profession: Trey Mihal’s Advocacy Through Tennis
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…
Using tennis to help children with autism build confidence, friendships and life skills
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…
Billiken tennis player Riki Koshimizu starts ACEing Autism program in St. Louis
Riki Koshimizu was a typical high school student in Dallas, focused on his studies, social life and burgeoning tennis career. But he started to take notice of his fellow students with autism. He didn’t have a personal connection with autism — there was nobody in his family or among his close friends with autism —…
Affordable tennis program for autistic children ‘rewards’ volunteers, students
ACEing Autism is a nationwide nonprofit program that offers tennis group lessons to children on the autism spectrum. For five weeks every spring and fall, weekly package lessons give autistic children access to an otherwise expensive sport. “I’m a speech language pathologist,” said regional director Eileen Horgan. “I kind of see this as an extension…
Autism Acceptance Month Spotlight: Bowdoin Women’s Tennis
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month this April, members of the ITA Student-Athlete Council met with Bowdoin College women’s tennis juniors Zoe Sun and Caroline Stuhlfaut, plus head coach Ben Lamanna, to highlight their involvement, passion and tireless work with the ACEing Autism program. Designed to help children with autism grow, develop and benefit through…
ACEing Autism Serves Local Families Through Inclusive Tennis
Teddy’s parents shared how meaningful the experience had been: “Before this program, he was afraid to even try sports. Now he asks every week when tennis is, and seeing him serve the ball by himself filled me with pride.” A unique opportunity for children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions is making a meaningful impact…
New Jersey High School tennis players open their courts—and hearts—through ACEing Autism
On most days throughout the fall and spring, at Rutgers Prep, Delbarton and Newark Academy – all top girls and boys tennis programs in New Jersey – 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 year, the…