Ace The Stigma: Serving Mental Health Aid Through Tennis and Community

When tennis players step onto the court, they often battle more than just their opponents. Many people face internal struggles, invisible pressures, and silent challenges. For Mike Reiney and Bill Sharp, some of the co-founders of the nonprofit Ace the Stigma (ATS), the tennis court has become a platform to rally support for one of the most important causes of our time, mental health. 

Founded in memory of Mike’s brother, Chuck Reiney, Ace the Stigma is dedicated to raising mental health awareness, reducing the stigma, and building a stronger tennis community. During Mental Health Awareness Month, USTA Florida spotlights how the organization is going above and beyond.  

A Mission Born from Tragedy 

Chuck Reiney was more than just a tennis enthusiast, he was a leader, friend, and source of joy within the Charlotte tennis scene. As a former club president and avid player, Chuck had a talent for bringing people together. But behind his bright spirit, he also struggled with mental health issues. His passing left a deep void for those who knew him. 

“In our situation, my brother stepped in front of an Amtrak train that just blindsided our family,” Mike said. “It’s changed us forever and we’re really committed to trying to help other people. 

In 2023, Mike and Bill, along with others turned their grief into action. “We knew we wanted to do something in honor of Chuck and try to help people with the stigma,” they said. That something became Ace the Stigma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that blends their shared love of tennis with their passion for advocacy and community healing. 

Courtesy: Ace The Stigma

Bill Sharp, Vice President, has worked closely with Mike to grow the initiative from a single event into a recognized grassroots movement. Prior to ATS, Bill has been heavily involved with charities and helping others. For 12 years he has run charity tennis tournaments for cancer research and served on the Board for the Mayo Clinic and Gabriel House of Care. 

He got involved with this path through a co-worker, who he bought a lottery ticket for on her birthday. He jokingly asked if she would come back to work if the ticket was a winner and when she explained why she wouldn’t return to work, it opened Bill’s eyes.  

“She said I work so hard to do what I’m doing, and I don’t feel like I’m doing enough for other people, so I would want to give back to other people,” Bill said. “I left that lunch and I came back into my office, and I sat down, and I asked myself what am I doing for anybody.” 

After a few years, his sister called him and told him of her cancer diagnosis. Bill had recently talked with a friend who used to run charity cancer tennis tournaments, and they were able to get them back up and running, providing support for hundreds of people with cancer.  

Following Chuck’s death, being longtime friends since they were 11 years old, Mike, Bill, and many others have come together to form Ace The Stigma and help provide support for those that are battling their mental health. 

Tennis as a Vehicle for Healing 

At its core, Ace the Stigma uses tennis events to raise money, provide support, and bring people together to help anyone struggling with their mental health. 

Courtesy: Ace The Stigma

The nonprofit partners with local organizations to offer educational materials and connect attendees with professional support services. Proceeds from events help fund mental health initiatives and local outreach. 

Events can include a short educational segment, often featuring local mental health organizations that provide information, support resources, and professional guidance, as well as some fun-filled and social tennis. This approach helps normalize mental health conversations within tennis communities, encouraging players to check in with themselves and each other. 

Each event raises awareness while building community. “We’re not trying to be therapists or solve every issue,” Bill said. “But we are trying to let people know they’re not alone, and that it’s okay to talk about what you’re going through.” 

In addition to spreading awareness, the events allow Ace the Stigma to raise funds that directly support mental health programs. To date, the organization has raised over $250,000 for mental health-related causes. They distributed $190,000 to mental health organizations that cover a wide range of people. All these organizations are hand-picked and interviewed by Ace The Stigma, as they are very intentional with the organizations they work with. 

All of them are a little bit different. “We kind of hit all the bases and then within each organization and we work with them to see how we can best support,” Mike said. 

The funds help organizations expand their outreach, offer therapy sessions, create educational content for the community, and much more.  

Courtesy: Ace The Stigma

Recently, Ace the Stigma’s 2024 CLT Memorial Event was named the USTA North Carolina Charity Tennis Event of the Year, highlighting its growing impact and recognition within the tennis world. With every serve and every dollar raised, Ace the Stigma is proving that tennis can be more than a game, it can be a force for healing, connection, and hope. 

Support Ace The Stigma in Jacksonville 

The next major opportunity to get involved is just around the corner. 

On Friday, June 6, Ace the Stigma will host a special event at the Yacht Club Tennis facility in Jacksonville from 6 to 9 PM. The evening will feature: 

• A brief presentation about Ace the Stigma and their mission 
• A local mental health organization sharing insights and resources 
• A fun-filled triples tennis event open to players of all levels 
• Social interaction, refreshments, and giveaways 

Sign Up

“We’re going to provide a little bit of education and then we’re going to have a lot of fun in memory of Chuck,” Mike said. The event is open to the public, and registration is encouraged. You can sign up directly through the Ace the Stigma website. 

All proceeds from the event will support mental health organizations in the Jacksonville area. This is the first event in Florida and Ace The Stigma is hopeful that there will be many more to come in the Sunshine State.  

How You Can Support 

Even if you can’t attend an ATS Event, there are many ways to support 

• Donate online to help fund future events and community outreach 
• Follow and share their posts on social media 
• Invite your local club to host an event or partner with the nonprofit 
• Start a conversation about mental health in your own tennis community 

As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, organizations like Ace the Stigma remind us that advocacy and awareness must continue year-round. With every serve, every rally, and every shared story, they’re creating a more connected tennis culture, one that truly honors Chuck’s legacy and supports all players, on and off the court. 

To learn more or get involved, visit acethestigma.org or visit their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, where event details and registration links are posted.