We are thrilled to share that Alice Stubbs, our family law partner at Tharrington Smith, recently participated in the Level 4 tennis tournament at the Carolina Country Club. Held from November 7 to 10, this tournament featured both Doubles and Mixed events as part of the annual “Footprints on the Court” fundraiser, benefiting Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC). Alice, alongside her partner Emily Perry in the Doubles event and Lilo Pellegrino in the Mixed Doubles, enjoyed a successful tournament, with both teams competing strongly in their respective categories.
Alice shared, “It’s not about winning-it’s about supporting a cause that’s close to my heart. Being able to share my love for tennis while supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities is truly fulfilling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate and to help raise awareness for Abilities Tennis.”
While Alice’s participation is noteworthy, she prefers to focus the attention on the remarkable work being done by the Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina. Alice has been a strong supporter of ATANC’s mission for years, and her involvement in the tournament reflects her ongoing commitment to inclusion and access to tennis for all.
Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina: Promoting Inclusion and Fitness
Founded in 2007 by parents of athletes with intellectual disabilities and a tennis coach, the Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC) has been transforming lives by providing adaptive tennis programs. ATANC’s mission is to promote fitness, foster community, and champion inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities through the adaptive sport of tennis.
In 2024 alone, ATANC has served over 600 athletes through its clinics, tournaments, Play Days, and school and camp activities. Their programming, offered free of charge, spans the state with over 30 clinic locations and 6 statewide tournaments. ATANC’s work is made possible by a network of committed coaches and volunteers who contribute over 6,000 hours of service each year.
“ATANC has been a beacon of support and inclusivity for athletes with intellectual disabilities,” says Lou Welch, Executive Director of Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina. “Our mission is to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of ability, to experience the joy of tennis. We offer a range of programs from beginners to advanced players, ensuring that all athletes feel welcome and included.”
Some of ATANC’s signature accomplishments include:
- In 2018, ATANC received the USTA National Adaptive Award for outstanding service to athletes with intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
- In 2019, ATANC was selected by Net Generation to perform an on-court demonstration at the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, making history as the first adaptive tennis program showcased before a night match at the Open.
- Featured in Racquet Sports Industry magazine in 2023, ATANC was highlighted as one of the top seven adaptive tennis programs in the country for its tireless dedication to bringing positivity and opportunity to adaptive athletes.
Alice Stubbs’s involvement with ATANC reflects the values of community, inclusion, and personal dedication that are at the heart of both her legal practice and her advocacy. While she continues to inspire others on and off the court, it’s the work of organizations like ATANC that truly exemplify the power of sport to unite and uplift individuals, no matter their challenges.
We are proud to support the Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina and look forward to their continued impact in the years to come.
©Tharrington Smith, LLP
