USTA Florida Partners with ACEs Matter for Charity Tennis Event – USTA Florida

USTA Florida partnered with ACEs are important as part of their three-day Health and Wellness Summit event! This included playing tennis during the “Ace Out the ACEs” charity tennis event on October 4 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

Fifteen teams participated in a round robin tournament hosted by USTA Florida in partnership with the City of Longwood. The event welcomed 75 participants, including 30 tournament players at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. USTA Florida focused on promoting adult tennis for beginners, with 10 of the tournament participants coming directly from the Love to play trajectory. These players demonstrated their progress and enthusiasm, reinforcing the value of accessible entry points into the sport.

While the round robin took place on the main lanes, USTA Florida staff led Love to Leard clinics on the back courts, using the red ball to introduce new players to the basics of tennis.

The event also generated interest from local communities. Representatives from the City of Deltona expressed interest in launching a Love to Learn program at their municipal courts. USTA Florida will share more details on that as court space becomes available.

Proceeds from the event supported health and wellness programs for adults overcoming childhood trauma. ACEs Matter, led by founder Cendie Stanford, who is a TED talk on this topic, focuses on raising awareness about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their long-term effects. Research shows that high ACE scores can shorten life expectancy by up to 20 years, even among adults who appear successful in their careers. Mental health support and regular exercise are important tools to reverse these results.

Ace Out the ACEs was more than a tennis event; it was a celebration of wellness, inclusivity and community building. By connecting tennis to mental and physical health, USTA Florida and ACEs Matter have shown how sport can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. The event laid the foundation for future partnerships and expanded programming, reinforcing USTA Florida’s commitment to making tennis accessible and meaningful to all.