AACE founder , Noah Moon’s passion for sports and community inspired him to found Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment Inc. (AACE), a transformative program rooted in his journey as a student-athlete. Growing up, Noah relied on mentors, teams, and leagues to navigate a demanding schedule, discovering the profound impact of guidance and camaraderie. He credits sports with instilling healthy habits, personal growth, and resilience—values that continue to shape his life and mission.
A student at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida, Noah excels as a member of the tennis team, though his true passion lies in pickleball. He has competed in numerous tournaments, including the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open (a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament), the PPA Tour: Veolia Cape Coral Open, the World Pickleball Tour Punta Gorda Picklefest, the World of Pickleball - Cape Coral ($2,000), and the PPA Tour: Daytona Beach Open Presented by Roar, as well as various local events. For Noah, these tournaments are more than competitions—they’re opportunities to connect with others and build a diverse community of student-athletes who can lead and inspire.
Noah’s commitment to accessibility in sports began in 9th grade when he participated in a small pickleball tournament fundraiser aimed at closing the opportunity gap. There, he witnessed the joy of kids who had never played sports like tennis or basketball—kids who felt those opportunities were out of reach. Partnering with organizations like United Way, Noah introduced pickleball to underserved youth, an experience that became the cornerstone of AACE’s mission to make sports accessible to all. As a native Spanish speaker, Noah’s language skills have been invaluable in working with students and families, helping to bridge communication gaps and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.
The summer before 10th grade, Noah helped coach at a pickleball camp for kids and families, finding joy in their laughter and connection as they played for the first time. That same summer, he participated in a large community event in Fort Myers, where thousands of Southwest Florida students received free backpacks and school supplies. Witnessing the impact of this initiative—organized by a local leader who became a role model for Noah—reinforced his belief in the power of community support. These experiences, from pickleball camps to community outreach, deepened his resolve to turn his privilege into opportunity for others, leading to the creation of AACE.
Beyond athletics, Noah is a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to leadership and academics. He is also proud to have learned a great deal from his older brother, Dylan Moon, with whom he collaborates closely. Together, they work with United Way to create role models and mentors, building a network of support for young athletes. As AACE’s founder, Noah channels his experiences into empowering others, building a platform where young people can find mentorship and unlock their potential. He is also working to pioneer a high school-to-collegiate pickleball pathway, blending his love for the sport with a vision to create opportunities for future athletes. Noah hopes to not only sustain this platform but also expand its reach by partnering with other athlete-leaders who can use their opportunities to help others, with the ultimate goal of making AACE a vehicle for support, opportunity, and change across the United States. With his drive, cultural roots, and transformative spirit, Noah is a true champion for his peers, dedicated to fostering a diverse group of student-athlete leaders who can inspire others both on and off the court.
Dylan Moon’s passion for sports, academics, and community has shaped him into a dynamic leader and mentor. A four-year varsity tennis player at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida, Dylan thrived on the camaraderie sports offered, building relationships that fueled his growth. As he prepares to attend the University of Pennsylvania in Fall 2025, he plans to stay active with intramural soccer and basketball, bringing his love for teamwork to the collegiate level.
Academically, Dylan excelled as a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Math Honor Society throughout all four years of high school, reflecting his discipline and commitment to excellence. These achievements complemented his athletic pursuits, showcasing a well-rounded drive that he now channels into leadership.
Dylan is the visionary behind CRAM, which he founded in 2020. As Board Chair and President, he’s dedicated to empowering students and helping them achieve their goals. Under his guidance, CRAM has blossomed into a transformative program, nurturing both students and mentors. Dylan takes pride in this progress and aims to expand CRAM nationwide, recruiting motivated mentors to deliver guidance and support to new communities.
Brock, a 10th grader at the Canterbury School of Fort Myers, has always had the ability to understand and connect with teammates and friends off and on the field, and his athletic ability, is equally impressive as his leadership off and on the field. A member of the Canterbury varsity lacrosse team since eighth grade, Brock has earned notable accolades, including 2024 All-Area First Team honors as a freshman, 2024 Palm City Attackman of the Year Second Place, and South Florida Athlete of the Week in his sophomore year. Passionate about lacrosse since the 3rd grade, he also plays on the varsity Canterbury football team, showcasing his dedication to sports, teamwork, and the values they instill, such as hard work, respect, and discipline.
Beyond athletics, Brock is a proud member of the National Honor Society (NHS), where he demonstrates high academic success while striving to build strong community relationships. With 121 approved community service hours in his first two years of high school, Brock is deeply passionate about making a difference. He has worked with young children needing academic support through CRAM, packed food boxes for families in need with his lacrosse team at a local church on Sanibel, made blankets for Project Linus, and played with children in the foster care system through HALO, cherishing these opportunities to develop his leadership skills and grow as a person. At school, Brock contributes to the Cougar Athletic Club, where he helps set up games, runs the clock for basketball games, keeps score for volleyball and basketball, and serves as chain crew for middle school football games, reflecting his commitment to school spirit and community.
Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or in the community, Brock is always looking for ways to become a better individual and make a positive impact. He understands the value of positive role models and uses sports and team mentality to grow character and reinforce healthy respect and discipline for himself and others. Brock is excited by the opportunity to use all of his skills to positively impact others.
Asher is a dedicated mentor and advocate who has been part of the CRAM mentoring program since its inception and now continues his impactful work with AACE. Starting at a young age, Asher has grown into a steadfast mentor, providing guidance and support to students and families. As a native Spanish speaker, he plays a vital role in bridging communication gaps, offering translation assistance to those who may feel hesitant to ask for help due to language barriers. Asher is passionate about expanding his efforts to provide even more Spanish-language support in the future, ensuring that all students and families feel empowered and included.
Beyond his mentoring work, Asher is an accomplished student and athlete. He is a proud member of the Junior National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. On the court, Asher shines as a member of both the tennis and basketball teams, and he has also made a name for himself in the world of pickleball. Competing in both doubles and singles, Asher has participated in several prestigious tournaments, earning bronze and silver medals. His notable achievements include competing in the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open (a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament), the PPA Tour: Veolia Cape Coral Open, the World Pickleball Tour Punta Gorda Picklefest, the World of Pickleball - Cape Coral ($2,000), and the PPA Tour: Daytona Beach Open Presented by Roar.
Asher understands the profound impact that camaraderie in sports can have both on and off the court, and he is eager to continue helping others experience the same sense of community and growth. With his diverse talents, compassionate spirit, and drive to make a difference, Asher is poised to inspire and uplift those around him for years to come.
Gilliane grew up in Lima, Peru, where her involvement and success in sports led her to discover a deeper passion for dance. Through years of training, competitions, and auditions, she found that the discipline of sports and the creativity of the arts taught her resilience, self-confidence, and the power of self-expression. Now based in Florida, she is an MBA student and graduate research assistant at Florida Gulf Coast University, as well as a member of the marketing team at Elite DNA Behavioral Health, where she combines strategy and creativity to support mental health initiatives.
As the Secretary of Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment Inc. (AACE), Gilliane applies that same passion toward empowering others. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community. Gilliane believes in the power of mentorship and self- expression and is dedicated to helping young people unlock their full potential—both on and off the field. This role holds deep personal meaning for her, as she understands firsthand the impact of sports and mentorship in shaping one’s sense of self. Through AACE, Gilliane strives to create a supportive environment where young athletes can not only develop their physical abilities but also gain the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges, embrace their uniqueness, and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Juan’s experience as a Division I athlete shaped his leadership, discipline, and resilience—qualities that extend far beyond the tennis court. Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, he developed a strong connection to sports that fueled his drive and determination. As a former member of the FGCU men’s tennis team, he learned the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and teamwork, all of which continue to guide him today. Now working as a Business Analyst at Elite DNA Behavioral Health, Juan Manuel applies the same focus and problem-solving skills that defined his athletic career. His ability to analyze situations, adapt under pressure, and make confident decisions remains at the core of his approach.
As the Vice President of Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment Inc. (AACE), he is committed to helping young athletes develop confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose, ensuring they have the support and mentorship to thrive in all aspects of life. This role is deeply meaningful to Juan Manuel because he understands firsthand the transformative role sports played in his own development. Having benefited from mentors who guided him through challenges and inspired him to grow, he now values the opportunity to be that same source of encouragement and wisdom for others. By empowering the next generation of athletes, he aims to pass on the lessons of resilience and teamwork that shaped him, creating a lasting impact both on and off the court.
AACE is a student-led nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through sports mentorship. Our mission is to introduce children to a diverse range of sports, fostering self-esteem, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. We aim to break down barriers that limit sports participation, promoting inclusivity and active lifestyles among all students.
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