2025 ACEing Autism Award Winners

The Annual ACEing Autism Awards celebrate programs and leaders who are strengthening communities through inclusive tennis. These honorees exemplify the dedication, care, and leadership that help athletes with autism feel supported, confident, and connected on and off the court.

Together, they represent the collective impact of volunteers across the ACEing Autism network.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR:

Atlanta, GA:

Since launching in November 2023, our Atlanta program has grown from 7 to 32 participants under the leadership of Program Director David Berenfeld. David has also been deeply involved in the Atlanta autism community, from organizing a local panel of professionals to partnering with a therapist from the Marcus Autism Center to provide weekly On Court Support. Set up as a university club, the program also stands out for the thought David has put into what happens next, with a clear focus on sustainability as he prepares to graduate this spring. The Atlanta program truly embodies our three big goals at ACEing Autism: having fun, staying active, and making friends.

PARENT SATISFACTION:

Flagstaff, AZ: One program stood apart on our Parent Satisfaction surveys. Congratulations to our new program in Flagstaff, AZ. Nearly every parent reported being extremely satisfied with the program, finding a meaningful activity for their child, a community they belong to, and people to share resources with. One parent shared that her child “looks forward to his tennis class and hasn’t been that way with any other sport. I feel like it gives all the kids a sense of belonging to a community.”

VOLUNTEER SURVEY RESPONSE RATE:

Claremont, CA: Congratulations to Claremont, CA for outstanding feedback from the Volunteer Survey for the second year in a row! Almost all of their volunteers reported finding it rewarding to see their athletes accomplish a new skill, sharing their passion for the sport of tennis, and learning from the athletes. Volunteers describe their experience as, “Fun driven, active, passionate, and important” sharing that it “has helped demystify what autism is.” One volunteer shared, “I’ve had so much fun getting to connect with all these amazing kids! I love spending my free time getting to teach them and learn from them in so many ways!”

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Burbank, CA; Oak Park, CA: This year, we are thrilled to recognize Burbank and Oak Park for their outstanding social media efforts. Burbank has won for the second year in a row and has consistently impressed us with colorful, creative, and FUN content, especially energetic videos and athlete interviews that truly capture the joy and excitement of their sessions. Oak Park has stood out through consistent posting, thoughtful volunteer spotlights, and adorable themed graphics that keep their community informed and engaged. Both programs have done an incredible job showcasing the spirit of ACEing Autism and building meaningful communities online. Congratulations to both teams for this well-deserved recognition!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

• East Coast
  Trumbull, CT: In their first calendar year, the Trumbull program has demonstrated remarkable growth and impact. They successfully ran three full sessions and a one-day summer clinic, while also hosting an outstanding Captain’s Cup fundraiser in December 2025 that raised $4,156 to cover clinic fees for participants. Supported by a strong local tennis club partnership and deep community involvement, Trumbull has quickly become a model of sustainability and collaboration. We are honored to recognize them as a standout program on the East Coast!
• Southern
  Orlando, FL: For Special Recognition (Southern Region), we are proud to congratulate our Orlando, FL program hosted at University of Central Florida and led by Rebekah George! The Orlando program sets a gold standard for organization and communication, providing clear, consistent, and supportive outreach to athletes and families. Their leadership has driven thoughtful expansion efforts, allowing the program to grow to 17 athletes this fall while maintaining a high-quality experience. With a strong and engaging social media presence, Orlando continues to build visibility, connection, and momentum within their community.
• Midwest
  Chicago West Loop, IL: This year’s Special Recognition award goes to the Chicago West Loop team, led by co-Program Directors (and medical students) Hannah, Rachel, Dawid, Nicole, and Jordaan. This team works together seamlessly, thoughtfully sharing responsibilities and supporting one another. Their May 2025 launch looked like they’ve been running for years! As they prepare to kick off another session in 2026, the team remains focused on continuing meaningful programming in a Chicago community that truly benefits from it. Their approach is an inspiring example of how strong teamwork makes programs sustainable and successful.
• West Coast
  UC Irvine, CA: UC Irvine is a shining example of what university-based programming can achieve through bold leadership, creativity, and campus engagement. By establishing themselves as a registered student organization, the program unlocked discounted court access, dramatically expanded volunteer involvement, and built a strong, lasting presence on the UC Irvine campus. Their successful Chipotle fundraiser and exciting program expansion this fall highlight a deep commitment to growth, accessibility, and meaningful, long-term impact for athletes. UC Irvine’s initiative and momentum make them truly deserving of special recognition.

ROOKIE(S) OF THE YEAR: 

Palos Verdes, CA; St. Petersburg, FL: We are thrilled to present the Rookie of the Year Award to not one but two outstanding programs. From the beginning, both programs have fully embraced ACEing Autism’s values, creating welcoming, impactful experiences for their communities. Congratulations to both programs on this well-deserved recognition! 

FUNDRAISING PROGRAM OF THE YEAR:

Morristown, NJ: ACEing Autism is proud to recognize the Morristown, New Jersey program as our 2025 Fundraising Program of the Year for its exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact.
Led by Program Directors Hudson and Brayden Bonetti, with the guidance and support of their mom, Kirstyn Bonetti, as well as the support of the USTA Eastern Junior Council. The Morristown program launched the very first “ACEing for Impact,” Ace-A-Thon fundraiser hosted on the RallyUp platform. This peer-driven fundraising effort not only raised an incredible $11,666 of support for ACEing Autism, but also activated an entire community around our mission. Other members of their tennis team competed as well and dozens of aces and overhead smash shots were tallied!
What set this program apart was not just the fundraising success, but the way Hudson and Brayden engaged their peers, volunteers, families, and local supporters to spread awareness, advocate for inclusion, and champion opportunities for individuals with autism through tennis. They even made a connection with area media outlets and appeared in a live segment on their local news. They did an exceptional job and their leadership exemplifies the power of youth-led service and community-based philanthropy. The Morristown program’s “ACEing for Impact” campaign reflects the very best of ACEing Autism: initiative, heart, collaboration, and impact. We are honored to celebrate this outstanding program and the Bonetti family for setting a powerful example for communities nationwide.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR:

• East Coast
  Somerset, NJ: Raghavi Ayer launched the Somerset program at Rutgers Prep in January 2024 and has shown incredible growth in her leadership in a short amount of time. While balancing life as a high school student and varsity tennis player, Raghavi has run three sessions a year for the past two years and has even taken on a mentorship role with new Program Directors at a nearby program. She’s organized, passionate about the mission, and most importantly, loves being on court with her volunteers, the players, and their families. She truly represents what we look for in a Program Director and we’re so fortunate to have her as part of the ACEing Autism team.
  
• Southern
  Houston Forest Club, TX: Since launching, the Forest Club program in Houston has run 14 sessions (!!), with their 15th kicking off in just a few weeks. It’s a true testament to the consistency and commitment of Program Directors Natalie Spencer and Stacy Aguirre. The program offers four sessions each year and continues to grow, with many returning families alongside new families becoming part of the community. One of the most special highlights has been supporting a longtime player as they transition into a volunteer role with the younger group. Natalie and Stacy work seamlessly together, balancing on-court and administrative responsibilities and offering consistent programming to all of our families in Houston.
• Midwest
  Kalamazoo, MI: This year’s Midwest Program Directors of the Year award goes to Nancy Martin and Elsa Peterson, whose complementary skillsets and strong partnership make their Kalamazoo program truly special. They’ve built a remarkable sense of community and a diverse volunteer team. Together, Nancy and Elsa have created an environment where players feel happy, relaxed, and engaged. We’re incredibly lucky to have them on the ACEing Autism team!
• West Coast
  South Las Vegas, NV: Stella Sanders is an exceptional high school leader whose dedication and initiative have shaped the success of our South Las Vegas program since its launch in Fall 2024. Overseeing 12–14 athletes and more than 20 volunteers, Stella has thoughtfully tailored the program to meet the unique needs of her community. She consistently leads with intention, most recently spearheading the exploration of a new venue to expand capacity and enhance the athlete and volunteer experience. Stella also represented her program at the 2025 Cincinnati Conference, demonstrating her commitment to learning, growth, and excellence. Her leadership, adaptability, and vision make her a standout choice for West Coast Program Director of the Year.