A's & Aces

A's & Aces mission is to provide academic assistance, life skills, and tennis to New Orleans children. Goals: Our organizational goals are to better prepare students to succeed academically, physically, and socially/emotionally in school and for a lifetime beyond. We seek to narrow the "opportunity gap" by creating more accessible, equitable, and socially just opportunities on and off the tennis court.

Since 2008, A's & Aces has impacted thousands of under-resourced children by providing year-round services, operating 52 weeks a year. We partner locally with Tulane University and NORDC and nationally with USTA Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good U.S., and TrueSport to offer classrooms, courts, coaches, and teachers. Our programs expose youth to college settings, promote literacy through tutoring and enrichment activities, and enhance fitness through a fun, lifelong, non-contact, co-ed sport. We train volunteers as tutors and instructors, help children improve reading and writing, and empower them to make positive decisions about their health, education, and future. Our alumni have earned scholarships to Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Quincy, Villanova, and Morehouse. Nationally recognized, A's & Aces has been named USTA NJTL Chapter of the Year (2013), Tennis Industry Magazine NJTL Chapter of the Year (2017), and LTA & STA NJTL Chapter of the Year (2023).

Testimonials

"I started playing tennis because I didn't see anyone playing the game. Most of my friends were playing other sports."

"What I liked about the program is they combined academics and tennis. I was able to grow both academically and in tennis."