For 14-year-old Matthew Henry, tennis is much more than a sport. It is a passion, a source of confidence, and a way to connect with the world around him.
“I’ve been playing tennis since I was 8 years old,” Matthew said. “I’ve kept playing and playing to show everyone that I can make a difference.” One of his dreams, he added, is to become the first Jamaican boy to make his mark in tennis.
A veteran participant in Love Serving Autism (LSA), Matthew attends the organization’s Saturday class at Wellington Tennis Center and also participates in its monthly “Rules of Tennis” program. Along the way, he has become one of the program’s most inspiring success stories.
When Mara Friedman, Love Serving Autism’s Therapist Outreach Coordinator, first met Matthew nearly three years ago, she saw a shy young boy who struggled socially and often became frustrated on the court.
“Matthew was very quiet,” Friedman recalled. “He was always compliant, but he was very reluctant to speak. He rarely smiled.”
At the time, simple challenges during class could become overwhelming. If he missed a ball, lost his turn, or had to leave the court unexpectedly, he would become upset and dysregulated.
Over the years, however, the transformation has been remarkable.
“He has developed as a great communicator and his social skills have improved,” Friedman said. “He always comes on court, says hello to me, shakes my hand, talks to the coaches, and he’s really developed his skills as a tennis player.”
According to Friedman, one thing has never changed: Matthew’s love for the game.
“He truly loves tennis,” she said. “He loves everything about it, whether it’s playing or doing a more challenging drill.”
His hard work and dedication were recognized in 2024 when he received Love Serving Autism’s Athlete of the Year Award at the Match Point Gala.
“It was well deserved because he has worked so hard to become a better player,” Friedman said. “His communication skills, social skills, and motor skills have also improved.”
For Matthew’s mother, Sonya Solomon, the impact of the program has extended far beyond the tennis court.
“It has helped him drastically,” Solomon said.
She explained that when Matthew joined Love Serving Autism at age nine, the primary goal was to improve his social skills.
“He would not want to be around anybody,” she said. “When he first started, he would not stay on the court. It took a lot of redirection and a lot of breaks in between.”
Today, the difference is clear.
“As you can see, it has been a big transition,” Solomon said. “He stays the whole time. He does private lessons in the morning and then he’s able to engage in other activities that Love Serving Autism has.”
The opportunities created through the program have also taken Matthew to some of tennis’ biggest stages. In 2025, he was one of only three Florida athletes selected to participate in Love Serving Autism’s on-court experience at the US Open, and he is set to return for the experience again in 2026. He has also attended the Delray Beach Open and the Miami Open.
“It’s been a big transition socially,” Solomon said.
She also credits the coaches and staff for creating a support system that goes far beyond tennis.
“The coaches are awesome, not only on the court, but off the court,” she said. “If there’s something that I need regarding speech or if we’re traveling, I’m able to reach out. If there’s something going on at school, I’m able to reach out. They’re just so supportive.”
For Friedman, that sense of community is exactly what makes Love Serving Autism special.
A former collegiate player and speech-language pathologist, she has found a unique way to combine her professional background with her lifelong love of tennis.
“To combine my skills as an SLP with my passion for tennis is really a dream,” Friedman said. “I actually love going to work every single day.”
Matthew’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when sports, community, and support come together. Through Love Serving Autism, tennis has become more than a game—it has become a vehicle for growth, confidence, and new opportunities, helping one young player continue to make a difference both on and off the court.
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