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Five years ago, Noreen McEnery, a member of Vanderbilt Country Club (VCC) in Naples, Florida, approached Ronnie Hilburn, the club’s Director of Tennis, telling him about ACEing Autism, a national program that introduces Autistic children to the game of tennis. Hilburn learned that the program’s mission is for children with autism to benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming, uniquely serving individual needs while at the same time filling a national void for this growing and worthy population.
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That was all he needed to know. Hilburn stepped in to organize the event with support from VCC members serving as volunteers. For the past five consecutive years, the USPTA tennis pro estimates his ACEing Autism clinics have taught nearly one hundred children with Autism the thrill of learning the game and interactions with other kids.

This year, participants included 12 children between the ages of 6 and 14, plus two staff members and 18 VCC volunteers, many who had volunteered in previous years. The clinic ran for six consecutive Saturdays from March 11 to April 15. Ronnie and his staff paired each child with 1-2 volunteers, depending on the support they need. While the number of children involved may be small, the joy imparted by the program and benefits received is immeasurable.
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Adds Hillburn, “At its very heart, tennis is a social game that furnishes a natural opportunity to develop and reinforce skills that many children on the spectrum find a struggle: turn-taking, focus and attention, motor planning, fine and gross motor skills. During our clinics, we met with each child and let them progress through our curriculum at their own pace. It was most rewarding for everyone involved. For all of us, it’s always about the kids.”

One of this year’s participants is Austin LaMarca, aged 12. Diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4, this was his fourth year in the ACEing Autism program. Shared his mother, Alicia LaMarca, “Austin was interested in tennis when he started the program four years ago, but had never played, so this program was his introduction to tennis. The patience the kindness of the volunteers enabled him to comfortably learn at his own pace with a lot of support and encouragement. I believe the tennis skills and athleticism he gained from the program gave Austin a good foundation to start playing little league baseball, a passion which he absolutely loves. He’s been playing baseball now for two years.”

Hillburn recalls one year when two brothers came to the clinic. One of the brothers was on the Autism spectrum. They both participated in ACEing Autism, the first activity they had ever shared. The mother of the boys shed tears of joy watching them play together.

Tania Cotto is the grandmother of 11-year-old Jhamaree, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. “This was Jhamaree’s third year participating in the program,” she said. “After each year, I noticed an increase in his gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. The Club’s hosts and volunteers were very welcoming and excellent coaches, extremely caring and patient.”

Another parent, Julie Diaz, added her praise for the program. Her son Andy was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months. Now 12 years old, this was Andy’s third year in the program, and he is most eager to do it again next year. “The people who participated in ACEing Autism are wonderful. They are enthusiastic and patient with the kids and truly care about them having a good experience. Vanderbilt is wonderful for running this program every year. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the program and give Andy the experience of being able to accomplish something new with pride.”

“While I truly enjoy helping our members with tennis lessons and tournaments,” says tennis pro Ronnie Hillburn, “this annual event is always special to me. Tennis has been very good to me. I have been fortunate to have had great career in tennis, enjoyed playing at the college level and now teaching for nearly 40 years. I enjoy giving back to the sport I grew up loving and sharing with others.” Ronnie and the members of Vanderbilt County Club are already planning next year’s event.

In existence for about 15 years, there are currently 25 ACEing Autism programs running in 28 states. Over 2,500 kids have participated in about 2,000 hours of tennis clinics at these events. For additional information on the program, visit www.ACEingAutism.org/impact.

About Vanderbilt Country Club
Vanderbilt Country Club (VCC) is a gated bundled golf course community in Naples, Florida with 800 single family estate homes, villas, carriage homes and condominiums. VCC is ideally positioned on more than 323 acres that include scenic lakes, lush fairways, and natural preserves. The Club’s philanthropic members participate in multiple nonprofit community organizations each year. www.VanderbiltCountryClub.com.

Media Contact:
Marge@LennonCommunications.com
for Vanderbilt Country Club
239-841-0553