What is an ACE?

According to Merriam-Webster, an ACE is a powerful word across sports and life.

In tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, it’s a serve the opponent doesn’t even touch.
In a deck of cards, the ACE is the highest-ranking card in the suit.
In baseball, it’s the team’s top pitcher.
In golf, it’s a hole-in-one.
And in life, it’s anyone who stands out—someone who excels.

There’s something visceral about the “oohs” and “ahhs” when someone hits an ACE in sports. It’s thrilling, clean, untouchable. In life, we have all had our own ACE moments, big and small.

My daughter says, “I ACED my test.”
Her teenage friend says she “ACED her outfit.”
My husband has “ACED” a guitar riff.
I’ve “ACED” a sales pitch.

Whether it's on a court, in a classroom, or at work, that feeling of nailing it—of hitting your mark—is addictive. We chase it. We Chase the Ace.

So how do you set yourself up to ACE anything—on or off the court?

First, you have to try.
Trying requires effort, focus, and belief.
Have you put in the reps—physically and mentally?
Do you believe you can do it?

Take tennis pro John Isner, who holds the record for most ACES in ATP history—14,470 in 772 matches. In a YouTube interview with performance psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr on Youth Inc, Isner shared a key takeaway: self-talk matters.

In moments of pressure, are you fueling yourself with confidence, perspective, and belief?

Whatever your arena—court, classroom, boardroom, or stage—chase your ACE.
Be untouchable. Be bold. And keep swinging.

Comment/Share on what your self talk is when it matters most on and off the court…