Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE) exists to elevate youth
through transformative mentorship led by student-athletes who understand what it means to overcome challenges, stay focused, and lead with heart.
We’re creating spaces where students from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow – unleashing their full potential.
The AACE Game Plan
Disconnection is one of the biggest threats facing young people today. When students feel unseen, unsupported, or uncertain about their future, it can affect everything – from their self esteem to their choices.
AACE was created to change that.
To provide a supportive space where young people of all backgrounds build self-esteem, resilience, and positive relationships through mentorship and guidance from student-athletes.
With a focus on mind-body wellness, we empower all students with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate life, build character, and discover their path – whether in academics, leadership, the community, or beyond.
We meet students where they are. AACE creates intentional opportunities for young people to connect and grow through one-on-one mentorship, group conversations, and community partnerships.
This isn’t one-size-fits-all – it’s personal, real, and rooted in trust. By opening doors and sharing stories, we help students discover what’s possible and what success looks like for them.
Who's Behind AACE
The AACE team includes a dynamic and diverse group of student-athlete leaders, mentors, and ambassadors – each united by a shared passion for empowering the next generation.
Noah Moon
Noah Mood founded AACE inspired by his own journey as a student-athlete and the transformative power of sports and mentorship.
Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, Noah relied on mentors and team experiences to navigate a demanding schedule, learning firsthand how guidance and camaraderie build resilience, healthy habits, and personal growth – values that now shape AACE.
A student at Canterbury School, Noah competes passionately in tennis and pickleball. He’s played in major tournaments like the 2025 AAP Fort Lauderdale Open, PPA Tour events, World Pickleball Tour tournaments, and numerous local competitions. For Noah, these events are more than competing; they’re opportunities to connect with and build a diverse community of student-athlete leaders.
Noah’s commitment to making sports more accessible began in 9th grade, when he participated in a pickleball fundraiser aimed at closing the opportunity gap for underserved youth. Partnering with organizations like United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades’ Community Partnership Schools program, he introduced pickleball to kids with limited access to sports. As a native Spanish speaker, Noah also helped bridge communication gaps, ensuring all students and families felt welcome and supported.
Before 10th grade, Noah coached at a pickleball camp for kids and discovered the joy of building community through play. He also volunteered at a large backpack and school supply event serving thousands of Southwest Florida students, an experience that reinforced his belief in community-driven impact. All of these moments fueled Noah’s passion and laid the foundation for AACE’s mission.
Academically, Noah is a National Honor Society member and credits much of his growth to his older brother, Dylan Moon, with whom he teams up regularly. Together, they partner with the United Way to create a network of mentors and role models to support young students. Noah 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.
Driven by his cultural roots, leadership, and passion for community, Noah is dedicated to growing AACE into a nationwide platform where student-athlete leaders can inspire, mentor, and create lasting change – on and off the court.
Juan Manuel Lopez
Juan Manuel López Ramirez’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 Chair of 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.
Brock Catlin
Brock Catlin, 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 athletics is equally impressive as his leadership.
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 the Creating Role Models & Mentors (CRAM) program, 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 The Halo Project, 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.
Gilliane Fort Cannock
Gilliane Marie Fort Cannock 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 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 Gilliane, 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.
Asher Moon
Asher Moon is a dedicated mentor and advocate who has been part of the Creating Role Models & Mentors (CRAM) 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.
Joshua Fox
Joshua Fox is a dedicated student-athlete at Canterbury School, competing on the varsity lacrosse and football teams. In his free time, he also enjoys tennis and pickleball.
A member of the National Honor Society in both middle and high school, Joshua is well-versed in balancing academic excellence with leadership.
Committed to giving back, Joshua plays a key role in CRAM (Creating Role Models and Mentors), helping raise funds for hurricane victims and supporting younger students. As a native Spanish speaker, he’s especially effective at mentoring peers who are adjusting or facing challenges.
Reliable, compassionate, and driven, Joshua leads by example both on and off the field.
Caid Catlin
Caid Catlin attends Canterbury School. As a dedicated athlete, Caid has played lacrosse for over eight years and was honored to be named to the All-Area First Team as a freshman.
Sports have been instrumental in helping Caid develop discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills, and wants to share these life lessons to support and inspire others. Committed to community service, Caid values every opportunity to help others, especially fellow students, both in and outside the classroom.
Dylan Moon
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.
Diego Bazan
Diego Bazan currently attends Canterbury School, where he plays competitive soccer and serves as the varsity team captain. In 2024, he was honored to be selected for the All-Academic State Team.
Equally important as athletics and academics, Diego values leadership and service highly – both have enabled him to make a lasting impact in his community by spearheading projects that address urgent needs.
Nicholas Bazan
Nicholas Bazan is a rising sophomore at Canterbury School. He has played soccer for nearly his entire life and currently plays on the varsity team, as well as for Lee County Premier.
Nicholas, with his deep passion for community service, truly loves giving back and making a positive difference in his community.
Joslyne De La Nuez
Joslyne De La Nuez currently attends Canterbury School, where she is a competitive track athlete. She is committed to pushing her limits in both training and competition. Being a member of the varsity team has taught Joslyne the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
Just as important as athletics are to her, so are leadership and service! Joslyne takes great pride in supporting her school community, mentoring younger students, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment wherever she can.
Vanessa Flores
Vanessa Flores is a student at Canterbury School, where she serves as captain of the girls’ lacrosse team. She was recently honored to be named to the News-Press All-Area First Team. Additionally, she is a proud member of Canterbury’s Model United Nations team.
Vanessa places great importance on leadership and service, alongside athletics and academics. These values have allowed her to significantly impact her community by leading projects that tackle pressing needs and create meaningful change.
Mahi Patel
Mahi Patel is a student at Canterbury School. As a member of the varsity team, she has played volleyball for over six years and has received a News-Press honorable mention. Mahi also played five years with USA South and has qualified twice for the USAV Junior Nationals.
In addition to volleyball, Mahi is passionate about community service and enjoys sharing her experiences to support others.
Henry Reynolds
Henry Reynolds attends Canterbury School, where he plays football and baseball and looks forward to the upcoming seasons! He also spent six years playing travel baseball, competing in major tournaments across Florida.
Beyond sports, Henry is dedicated to serving his community. His experiences have enabled him to build meaningful connections and continue supporting others in lasting ways.
Jayden Valentin
Jayden Valentin is an up-and-coming student at Canterbury School. He has been training in karate since the age of 5 and currently holds a brown/black belt. A big sports fan, with pickleball a personal favorite, he has been competing in the sport since he was 10.
Alongside his passion for athletics, Jayden loves mentoring through CRAM (Creating Role Models and Mentors), and he’s excited to use his Spanish skills to give back and make a positive impact.
Jeshua Duque
I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and sports have always played a major role in my life.
I was the number one seed on my school’s boys’ tennis team and have developed a strong passion for pickleball. I’ve had the opportunity to compete in major tournaments like the PPA in Cincinnati, the US Open, and the APP in Fort Lauderdale.
I’m especially excited about helping bring pickleball into schools and making the sport more accessible to students. Beyond athletics, I care deeply about supporting my community and enjoy finding ways to give back. I’m eager to make a positive impact and contribute in a meaningful way wherever I can.
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Austan Cristiaan
My name is Austan Cristiaan, and I’m a student-athlete at Bishop Verot. I play football and am fortunate to hold Division I offers from several colleges. While sports are a big part of my life, education, leadership, and service come first.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Myers and volunteer at a local soup kitchen. These experiences have meant a lot to me because I genuinely enjoy helping others and making a difference in my community.
Sidney Dawick
I play lacrosse, cross country, track, and softball. I’ve always been very involved in sports and enjoy both the team aspect and the satisfaction of reaching goals together. I’m originally from Canada, but since moving to Florida, I’ve realized how important leadership and community are for building connections with others. I’m looking forward to giving back to the community and serving as a mentor.