Game, Set, Outmatch with Ja’Miah & Coach Gaines
The afternoon light was soft when Ja’Miah and Coach Tyra Gaines settled into their chairs, the kind of gentle brightness that makes everything feel a little quieter, a little more comfortable. Ja’Miah sat with her hands tucked neatly in her lap, trying to hide the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Beside her, Coach Gaines, Site Coordinator for ACE Detroit, leaned in just enough to show she was fully present. They looked, in that moment, like two people who understood each other well.
When asked what she appreciated most about ACE, Ja’Miah answered lightly, almost matter-of-fact: “My coaches let me be me.”
The ACE Project is built on relationships, small moments of encouragement, shared laughs, and the steady presence of adults who show young people what confidence feels like. Today, we are honored to spotlight Coach Gaines and Ja’Miah, whose connection reflects the heart of our Game, Set, Outmatch campaign.
Q. What do you enjoy most about having Ms. Gaines as your coach?
Ja’Miah: The thing that I love best about Coach Gaines when she teaches tennis is how she makes us laugh, how she is confident, and how she is joyful.
Coach Gaines: When I think about Ja’Miah being part of ACE, I think of her as assertive, confident, and eager to learn.
Q. what has been fun or meaningful about ACE so far?
Ja’Miah: Meeting new people is the most fun. I met my friend Salah here. When I’m late, kind of getting in some water breaks or something, she tells me what I missed and how to do something.
Q. What is your favorite memory from ACE?
Ja’Miah: My favorite memory is when Coach Gaines had us play on the tennis courts, and I got some points working with my team. That was fun. We got to communicate with each other and got different ideas.
Q. what do you think ACE gives to students?
Coach Gaines: If we didn’t have ACE or any after-school program, it would take down the confidence the kids have. I’ve seen so much growth in my scholars since joining. A lot of the kids are in my class, and it gives them a reason to be included. It boosts their confidence, it’s a skill-building activity, and it keeps them active.
Q. Anything you want to share as we wrap up?
Ja’Miah: I’m grateful to my coaches for letting me be me. And I’m excited for Christmas so I can give.
These moments between Ja’Miah and Coach Gaines capture the warmth at the center of ACE. It’s in the laughter they share, in the way a coach leans in to listen, and in the quiet confidence that grows when a child realizes someone truly sees them. Ja’Miah’s words make it clear: she feels safe here, and she feels like herself.
If this brings to mind the person who once made room for you, we invite you to help us pass that feeling on. Your support helps keep these spaces open and welcoming, so more kids can walk in and feel that same spark of belonging. If you’re able, please consider giving to ACE and helping us continue this work with the care and heart our young people deserve.