Inspiration
We noticed how much time gets wasted just driving around trying to find open tennis courts. There’s no clear system, and it usually turns into guessing, waiting, or competing with people who just showed up. We wanted to create something that makes court access predictable and fair.
What it does
Ace is a location-based court management system that lets players join a waitlist and claim courts in real time. Only users physically at the courts can participate, which prevents people from holding spots remotely and keeps the system fair.
How we built it
We initially set out to build Ace as a mobile app using React Native, but ran into major challenges with dependency conflicts—especially around mapping and real-time location tracking. To move faster, we pivoted to a web-based application using a modern JavaScript stack. The app uses geolocation APIs in the browser to verify user presence, along with a real-time backend (Firebase) to manage court states, waitlists, and notifications. We implemented geofencing logic, session tracking, and a live updating UI so users can see court availability instantly.
Challenges we ran into
One of the biggest challenges was dealing with location accuracy and enforcing geofencing reliably. On top of that, dependency issues with mobile frameworks slowed us down early on, forcing us to rethink our approach mid-build. We also had to balance strict enforcement (to keep things fair) with a smooth user experience, which required a lot of iteration.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re proud that we were able to pivot quickly and still deliver a working product. The core system—real-time court tracking with enforced physical presence—is fully functional, and the experience feels simple despite the complexity behind it.
What we learned
We learned the importance of adapting quickly when something isn’t working. Instead of forcing the original plan, we shifted to a more stable stack and focused on building something that actually works. We also learned a lot about real-time systems, geolocation constraints, and how small UX decisions can have a big impact on fairness.
What's next for AceApp
Next, we want to refine the accuracy of our location system, improve the UI, and expand to more courts and facilities. We’re also exploring features like group play coordination and smarter queue management to make the experience even smoother. We want to make this a phone app.
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