Faculty and students in Columbus State University’s College of Education & Health Professions have become on-the-court sensations in the eyes of a special group of youth participating in the three-week ACEing Autism tennis program. As a modified sport program to meet children’s at their needs, education students gain experience they’ll take into K-12 classrooms as future teachers and coaches.
Dr. Lori Favoretto Hill’s decision to center her efforts around tennis wasn’t a coincidence. As she earned two degrees from Columbus State—bachelor’s and master’s in education degrees in health and physical education—she played for two years on the women’s tennis team. A native Brazilian, junior college transfer and ITA all-American, she played both doubles and singles.
Hill (pictured) came up with the idea of incorporating ACEing Autism in her teaching and outreach endeavors while completing a doctoral degree at Auburn University, where she specialized in motor development focused on autism. Soon after joining the Columbus State faculty in August 2023 as an assistant professor, she connected with ACEing Autism. It has 150 school- and community-based programs in 30 states and provides all the equipment and resources directors may need. She piloted the idea last year with eight children; the program has grown to a dozen this year.
As a modified sports program, ACEing Autism provides structured activities modified to the unique needs of each participant with autism. They promote physical fitness, social interaction and skill development in a supportive environment.
