In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, USTA Florida is spotlighting tennis programs and organizations across the state that offer adaptive tennis for individuals with autism. One organization that is making huge strides within its community is Aces for Autism (AFA).
What is Aces for Autism
Aces for Autism is a growing nonprofit, created from a mother’s love, a passion for tennis, and a mission to support her community in meaningful ways.
Aces for Autism (AFA) was founded in 2023 by Michelle Davis and a group of her tennis friends. Michelle’s four-year-old son, Henry, was diagnosed with autism, and after participating in several charity tournaments supporting various causes, she realized there were no events benefiting autism in her area. One day, she mentioned it to her friends and the next thing she knew, they were creating Aces for Autism.
What started as a single tournament evolved into something much bigger. AFA aims to provide support to local families facing financial barriers to autism-related services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy. With long waiting lists and limited Medicaid coverage, children can lose crucial developmental time. AFA’s vision is to change that, one family at a time.
What Does Aces for Autism Offer
Tennis became the perfect avenue for this mission. The sport combines physical and mental elements with opportunities for socialization, teamwork, and fun. By merging her love for tennis with her dedication to the autism community, Michelle helped create a program that truly brings people together.
Since its launch, Aces for Autism has flourished. It now collaborates with Love Serving Autism (LSA), a Florida-based nonprofit, to host year-round adaptive tennis clinics. Overtime these LSA sessions have become consistent and fun events for athletes who may otherwise lack opportunities for physical activity and community connection.
AFA welcomes athletes of all abilities, ages five and up. Clinics are divided into two age groups: 5–10 and 11 and up. Each session includes volunteers and trained professionals who adapt the activities to meet every participant’s individual needs. With visual schedules, group warmups, positive affirmations, and customized drills, players build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Earlier in April, AFA celebrated its one-year anniversary. The organization recently held its 2nd Annual Charity Calcutta and raised over $20,000 for the Pensacola community. “We surpassed our 2024 earnings, and with that money, we are now able to focus on starting the process of helping families in need,” Michelle said.
Beyond tennis, AFA creates a safe space for all participants. In places like Pensacola, autism-specific athletic programming is limited. AFA helps fill that gap by offering an inclusive space where athletes feel accepted, empowered, and celebrated. These safe spaces aren’t just for the athletes, they’re for families seeking community and understanding for their loved ones with autism.
The Joy of Aces for Autism
“Success to AFA is seeing a smile on the athletes faces,” Michelle said. “Every day is a standout moment with these kids. To see them progress in the sport is such an overwhelming feeling of happiness. We are so proud of our athletes, it’s honestly hard to put into words.”
As these athletes inspire those around them, USTA Florida and Aces for Autism want to highlight Autism Acceptance Month to show the inclusivity that tennis brings.
“What most people think of as having autism is a complete misconception,” Michelle said. “To highlight these athletes means educating our community and spreading awareness. By doing this we can encourage inclusivity and acceptance.”
What’s Next for Aces for Autism
Looking ahead, AFA has big plans for 2025 and beyond. The organization is expanding its clinic reach, planning its 2026 Charity Calcutta fundraiser, and most excitingly, beginning the process of directly supporting families in need of autism evaluations and therapies. It’s a big step toward fulfilling its original mission, and one that will transform lives in the local community.
Those looking to stay updated with AFA’s success, want to get involved as a volunteer, or are interested in signing up for a program, can stay informed by following the Aces for Autism Facebook page. There, AFA provides updates about programming and volunteer opportunities. Aces for Autism is more than a program, it’s a family, a community, and a purpose.
