Akron, OH
Program Dates
Spring 2024
Tuesdays
March 5, 12, 26
April 2, 16, 23, 30
Court 1: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ages 5-17)
Court 2: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ages 18+)
Financial Info
$70
Scholarships
ACEing Autism strives to keep costs affordable for families and can provide an ACEing Autism scholarship to families in financial need. We also offer information on the Dick’s Sporting Goods Grant for those that qualify.
Program Directors
Katie Orlando
Katie Orlando played college tennis at the University of Akron where she was All MAC Conference in 1993. She joined Towpath as an Associate Professional, became a certified USPTA Professional with a P-1 rating the same year and was named Head Professional in 1996. Katie was promoted to Tennis Director in August 2005. For her volunteer work, Katie was the recipient of the Herb Nold Volunteer of the Year award in 1998, the Nancy Mickler Memorial award in 2005 & 2006, and the 2007 Ohio State Pro of the Year Award. In 2011, Katie was inducted into the University of Akron’s Sports Hall of Fame. Katie was also named the 2019 USPTA Midwest Professional of the Year, and inducted into the 2022 USPTA Midwest Hall of Fame. Katie is a former USPTA President for Northeast Ohio, NEOTA Executive Board Secretary, Midwest USTA Community Tennis Development and Operations Chair, and a National Local Play and Competition Member. Katie is sponsored by Wilson for racquets.
Tammy Simone
I am a lifelong tennis enthusiast and a former business consultant who retired from full-time work when my younger son was diagnosed with autism (my older son is allistic). I have volunteer experience within our local school system, local charities, and the tennis community. A former President of the USTA/Northeastern Ohio Tennis Association, I helped our district transition toward a greater emphasis and support of grassroots tennis programs and organizations. I am a member of the Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) Board of Directors and I am the current chair of the USTA/Midwest Grassroots Tennis Committee. Both of these roles provide me with the opportunity to support community tennis and help grow the impact our sport makes on people’s lives through fun, competition, and personal development. I am also the Program Administrator for the Akron program of ACEing Autism. I tell everyone that ACEing Autism is where my worlds collide – a place where my love of, and experience within, the communities of autism and tennis come together. I LOVE TENNIS!! and I love and appreciate the chance to introduce others to our great sport!