ZOOZ Fitness Partners with ACEing Autism, Bringing Inclusive Tennis to Athletes of All Abilities

On a Saturday morning at Oak Park High School, ZOOZ Fitness athletes and coaches gathered for something new — a collaborative, community-driven day of inclusive tennis with the athletes, volunteers, and founders of ACEing Autism. What followed was a morning full of movement, laughter, skill-building, and meaningful connection.

“I played tennis before, but never here,” said AJ, a ZOOZ athlete. “It was so awesome and fun.”

For some ZOOZ participants, this was their first experience picking up a racket or stepping onto a tennis court — and the welcoming environment created by ACEing Autism made the learning feel both accessible and exciting.

About ACEing Autism

Founded in 2008 by Richard Spurling and Dr. Shafali Jeste, ACEing Autism began as a family-run program in Boston. Their mission: to help children with autism grow, develop, and build meaningful social connections through affordable, adaptive tennis programming.

What started as one small clinic has now expanded to over 220 locations across 35 states, each rooted in the belief that tennis is a sport for everyone.

“Our curriculum has nine steps,” Richard explained. “It starts with warm-ups, then hand-eye coordination, racket skills, volleys, ground strokes, serves, and finally games. That flow gives structure — kids love knowing what comes next.”

A Seamless Collaboration

The day began with a warmup led by ZOOZ coaches, who energized the group with dynamic movements and stretches. From there, ACEing Autism coaches took over, teaching tennis fundamentals using clear demonstrations, and individualized support.

After an hour of drills, high-fives, and growing confidence across the courts, ZOOZ coaches closed the session with a cool-down.

Richard reflected on the significance of the partnership:

“This collaboration fills an important void in the space of fitness and inclusion. Working alongside ZOOZ just makes sense — we’re aligned in helping athletes thrive.”

For Jake Weiner, Founder of ZOOZ Fitness, the partnership was an easy yes.

“Movement is so important, and any sport we can welcome our athletes into, I’m all in,” Jake said. “Once I met the founders of ACEing Autism and understood their mission, building this partnership became a natural transition.”

The Impact on Families

Watching from the sideline, Liza, mother of ZOOZ athlete AJ, smiled with pride as her son moved across the court with focus and joy.

“I love that ZOOZ makes a conscious effort to connect with the community,” she said. “AJ loves ZOOZ classes during the week — he always wants to be there — but these weekend events are something special. Run Club, hiking, tennis… It’s inspiring. You don’t realize the impact you have on our athletes and on us, the parents. The joy I feel watching him is amazing.”

Looking Ahead

By the end of the session, athletes were already asking when tennis would return. And according to both ZOOZ and ACEing Autism leadership, this collaboration is just the beginning.

As ZOOZ and ACEing Autism athletes packed up their rackets and hugged their coaches goodbye, the message of the day was clear: when the community opens its doors, movement becomes a celebration — and everyone belongs on the court.