How Tennis Transformed Matthew Henry Through Love Serving Autism
- Matthew Henry, a 14-year-old tennis player from Florida, has transformed from a quiet participant into an inspiring athlete through Love Serving Autism, earning recognition on some of the...
- When Mara Friedman, Love Serving Autism’s Therapist Outreach Coordinator, first met Henry nearly three years ago, the young player was extremely quiet and reluctant to speak.
- Henry’s dedication to the sport has opened doors to prominent professional tournaments across Florida.
Matthew Henry, a 14-year-old tennis player from Florida, has transformed from a quiet participant into an inspiring athlete through Love Serving Autism, earning recognition on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Diagnosed with social and emotional challenges that once made court sessions overwhelming, Henry now competes regularly, acts as a strong communicator, and aims to become the first Jamaican boy to make his mark in professional tennis.
A Journey from Frustration to Focus on the Tennis Court
When Mara Friedman, Love Serving Autism’s Therapist Outreach Coordinator, first met Henry nearly three years ago, the young player was extremely quiet and reluctant to speak. Simple challenges during class, such as missing a ball, losing a turn, or leaving the court unexpectedly, often left him upset and dysregulated. Sonya Solomon, Matthew’s mother, noted that when her son joined the program at age nine, he refused to stay on the court without significant redirection and breaks. Today, that dynamic has completely shifted. Friedman observed that Henry now greets coaches, shakes hands, and tackles challenging drills with enthusiasm. Solomon explained that her son participates in morning private lessons and stays for the duration of the organization’s activities, crediting the supportive coaching staff for helping him develop critical communication and motor skills.
Stepping Onto Major Professional Stages
Henry’s dedication to the sport has opened doors to prominent professional tournaments across Florida. In 2025, he was selected as one of only three Florida athletes to take part in Love Serving Autism’s on-court experience at the US Open, and he is scheduled to return for the event in 2026. He has also attended the Delray Beach Open and the Miami Open. In recognition of his progress and hard work, Henry received Love Serving Autism’s Athlete of the Year Award at the 2024 Match Point Gala. Friedman noted that the honor was well deserved due to his steady improvement in social and athletic abilities.
Matthew was very quiet. He was always compliant, but he was very reluctant to speak. He rarely smiled.
Mara Friedman, Love Serving Autism
Combining Speech Therapy and Tennis
The success of the program stems from a blend of athletic instruction and therapeutic support. Friedman, a former collegiate tennis player and speech-language pathologist, combines her professional background with her passion for the sport. She stated that working with participants allows her to use her skills as a speech-language pathologist while engaging in a game she loves. Solomon emphasized that the support system provided by the coaching staff extends far beyond athletic training, assisting with speech and school-related challenges. Henry continues to train regularly at the Wellington Tennis Center, participating in Saturday classes and the monthly Rules of Tennis program as he pursues his goal of making a lasting impact in the tennis world.