This Is… Torrance’s Atif Moon

Living in a world where he had every reason and opportunity to hold back, Atif Moon always chose to push forward. Diagnosed at birth with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a tumor in his spinal cord, Atif’s life began with immense challenges. He underwent three life-saving surgeries in his first month alone, and four more in the years that followed. Paralyzed from the waist down and reliant on a wheelchair since infancy, Atif refused to let his disability define him or limit his ambitions.

Now 39 years old, Atif continues to defy expectations as a competitive tennis player, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, grit, and unwavering determination. Over the years, he has shattered barriers and redefined what it means to live, and thrive, with a disability. He is a living example of perseverance, challenging perceptions and inspiring others along the way.

As we conclude National Adaptive Sports Month, we proudly honor Atif and all adaptive athletes who show us what’s possible, every single day.

A Supportive Start

Raised in Torrance, Atif grew up in a deeply caring and encouraging family. With two brothers and two sisters, he was surrounded by love, but it was his bond with his oldest brother that stood out most. From a young age, his parents pushed him to stay active and social, enrolling him in a wide range of activities to ensure he was engaged and included. Though life presented more challenges for Atif than it did for many of his peers, his family worked tirelessly to create a sense of normalcy and belonging. Among all the activities he explored, it was tennis that ultimately captured his heart and became a defining part of his journey.

“Growing up was difficult for me, but I had a very loving and supportive family,” stated Atif. “My parents wanted me to have what you might call a ‘normal’ life like everyone else, so we went out to different places, took family vacations, and more. When I was young, they didn’t want me to just stay at home, and instead, encouraged me to get involved in a variety of activities where I could meet others with disabilities. They enrolled me in things like kung fu, wheelchair racing, and wheelchair tennis. I also attended various adaptive sports camps and tried sports such as basketball, hockey, rugby, and even water activities like jet skiing and water skiing. I found joy in video games, computer games, and other competitive types of play. Out of everything I tried, tennis was the sport I enjoyed the most.”

While tennis is already a challenging sport to learn and master, with its demanding fundamentals and technique, Atif faced an added layer of difficulty: learning to navigate the court in a wheelchair while developing his skills.

“I would say the chair movement was the most difficult part for me, as I had to learn to push my chair with my racket in hand, all while moving quickly to recover after hitting the ball. There’s a lot of circular movement involved,” Atif added. “This is, of course, crucial to learn, and I’d say it’s the hardest part for any new player trying out wheelchair tennis, because getting to the ball in the right position ultimately dictates the kind of shot you’ll be able to hit.”

After starting lessons and attending practice sessions and clinics at just seven years old, Atif entered his first tournament only a year later. Tennis proved challenging at first, and for a time, Atif struggled to win even a single game, let alone a set. Though he wasn’t the best player early on, he remained unfazed by the obstacles in his path. Instead, Atif dedicated even more time to refining his skills, continuing to play throughout his years as a junior. 

New Life Experiences and Achievements

As Atif found his groove on the tennis court, he also found success in the classroom. With an impressive academic record, Atif was admitted to UCLA in 2003. This wasn’t just a major scholastic milestone for Atif, but it also marked a new sense of independence as he began living on his own for the first time.

“I was very dependent on my parents growing up for basic things. One of my main life goals was to eventually become independent, and that finally happened after many years, thanks to their support and by being around others with disabilities,” mentioned Atif. “I learned how they managed life and did things like drive, something I never thought was possible when I was younger. Going to UCLA was a turning point where I really felt that independence I was striving for growing up. I lived on my own for the first time ever in the dorms, learned to navigate a major university, learned to make new friends, and still focused on doing well in my classes. It was a great experience and I learned so much about myself. I love that I can now do all of these amazing things on my own.”

Studying Business Economics, Atif developed an interest for the sports and entertainment industry and knew he wanted to gain more hands-on experience. To build his resume, Atif kept himself busy with a range of internships. While at UCLA, he interned at the university’s ‘Center for Neighborhood Knowledge,’ Fox Sports Net, the Los Angeles Kings, Fox Sports TV Group, and, most notably, the White House.

Encouraged by his father, who always wanted Atif and his brother to learn more about how the government works, Atif applied for an internship in Washington, D.C., through a UCLA program in 2005. Though initially rejected, he didn’t let this deter him. During the start of his senior year, he applied again in 2006, and was successfully selected. Once accepted, Atif took the next step by applying to various opportunities within the city. He was advised to apply for a position at the White House, and ultimately secured the role, an experience he considers one of the best of his life.

“My dad was actually the one who told me to apply to the White House,” Atif said. “It was something I never thought of doing since I really thought I had no chance, which I told him. However, he encouraged me to just apply as he always said to me, ‘You never know until you try.’ I applied and fortunately I was able to be accepted into the program, which I was ecstatic about especially after thinking I had no shot. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget and will cherish forever. I met some amazing people and it was a great learning experience for me living over 3,000 miles away from home on my own. I am so glad I listened to him and tried, and have learned to stick to that motto ever since.” 

Graduating in 2007 with valuable experience and a can-do mindset, Atif was ready for the next chapter of his life. The years following his graduation were incredibly fruitful, with him first landing a role in NBC Universal’s Page Program within the entertainment management industry. Over the course of a year, Atif worked in guest relations, television music services, and DVD, Music & Consumer Products. He also had the opportunity to work on the iconic ‘Tonight Show’ and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’

During this time, Atif was recognized for his achievements both academically and personally. In 2008, he was named one of the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Californians,’ followed by being honored as one of the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Americans’ in 2009 by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. These accolades, achievements that many could only dream of, marked a remarkable chapter in Atif’s journey, where he accomplished more than most at his age, and more than many would have thought possible given his circumstances.

“It was unreal to be recognized for these awards,” mentioned Atif. “I was honored to be selected among many amazing recipients, and it makes me feel proud of the various accomplishments I have had throughout my life as I look back. Overall, it was a humbling experience as I never expected to become one of the recipients after being nominated for either.”

Driven to reach new heights, Atif continued to build his career after his time at NBCU, co-founding the Center For Global Understanding (CFGU) in 2009. A non-profit educational organization that provides scholarships to Muslim American students, CFGU was founded to offer these individuals the opportunity to engage in civic activities through summer internships in Washington D.C. 

Inspired by his own internship experience in Washington D.C., and sharing his father’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to intern in the nation’s capital, Atif helped establish a program that has seen great success. Students who participated have since praised the experience, with some returning to work in civil service, including roles at the White House and the State Department, while others have become active in their own communities. Running CFGU provided Atif with the confidence to take on more leadership roles and taught him valuable lessons in managing others.

While overseeing CFGU, Atif continued to gain experience in the sports industry, adding to his already impressive resume. In 2011, he made another major step in his journey by enrolling at Cal State Long Beach to pursue a Master’s in Sports Management. Unlike his experience at UCLA, this program was  accelerated with classes on select nights each week. Atif thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into the sports industry. While managing his courseload, Atif interned with Special Olympics Southern California, the LA Galaxy, UCLA Sports Marketing, and the LA Clippers. The program provided him with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field.

In 2012, Atif began working full-time at his family’s business, Bertech Industries, an Inc. 500-recognized company ranked among the fastest-growing in the nation. He continues to serve there to this day and was appointed President in the past year, officially taking the helm of the family enterprise. Over the years, Atif has played a central role in managing day-to-day operations, including supply chain oversight, marketing strategy, advertising initiatives, and driving the company’s continued growth and scalability.

Despite the demands of working at Bertech, Atif has continued to expand his dynamic career over the past years, most recently embarking on a new chapter as a motivational speaker, a pursuit that has quickly become one of his greatest passions.

“I pursued motivational speaking last year and in doing so, released a short documentary about my life’s story. I feel like now is the right time to do it,” said Atif. “My goal is to share my story with others to help spread awareness, but also to give back. I feel that a lot of people have helped me throughout my life and now I want to be able to help others, disabled or not, by passing on the knowledge I have gained. A lot of people deal with some sort of adversity in their lives, so I hope through public speaking that I can connect with them and show what is possible. I believe that it is important to embrace what makes you different.” 

Continued Success: Business & Tennis Today

While Atif’s professional accomplishments and career milestones are nothing short of remarkable, wheelchair tennis remains one of the most significant aspects of his life. With over three decades immersed in the sport, wheelchair tennis has meant far more to him than mere competition. It has become a cornerstone of his identity, his well-being, and his connection to a larger community. Wheelchair tennis offers more than just the thrill of a match to not only Atif, but so many others. The sport fosters camaraderie, promotes physical and mental health, and builds lifelong friendships. While Atif has always aimed for excellence on the court, it’s the sense of belonging and personal growth that he values most.

“I really enjoy the community aspect of the sport,” Atif shared. “Growing up, it was hard for me to accept my disability and I felt out of place at school or anywhere else I went. However, when I was at these tennis events and tournaments, I was around others who looked like me. I felt I could connect with them and make friends, and in doing so, learned how being disabled was not a limitation as I started to see the various possibilities out there of what I can do in my life. As for the physical aspect, I love being able to move on the court, where I can feel a sense of freedom. Hitting the ball is a great feeling too. The tennis court is my happy place and when I am on the court, whatever is going on in my life at the time does not matter.” 

Evolving from a junior player who once struggled to win a single match to a nationally recognized competitor, Atif’s persistence and dedication finally started to pay off. A defining moment came in 2015 when he achieved a major career milestone, breaking into the top 10 wheelchair tennis players in the United States. Over the past decade, he has not only competed in, but also captained Team SoCal in the prestigious North-South Wheelchair Tennis Challenge, representing his section with pride. His journey in the sport has now taken him across the globe, competing against some of the best wheelchair tennis athletes in the world. 

“Competing at this level has been amazing! I have met so many amazing people while traveling and playing in these tournaments,” Atif added. “I have also learned so much from watching and talking to other players not just about tennis, but about life, such as the challenges of traveling on the tour. It’s fun battling against some of the top players in the world and now being able to say that I have done that. I am happy with how hard I worked to propel myself into the Open Division and am proud of how I was able to break the top-10 in the United States and the top-100 in the world last year.” 

Advice & Aspirations

Advising others interested in taking up wheelchair tennis for the first time, Atif encourages newcomers to embrace the sport with an open mind and a willingness to connect. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasizes the inclusivity and unique spirit that make tennis such a rewarding pursuit.

“I would say to definitely try it out! Tennis is a fun and social sport to play, which is one of the reasons I ended up liking it growing up,” Atif commented. “The other amazing thing about tennis is that people of all abilities and ages can play together, which is rare and cannot be done in most sports. I play league tennis with other standing players and they love playing with me. There are also up-down doubles events where there is one wheelchair player and one standing player on a team going up against the same style pairing on another team. All of these scenarios are competitive and fun! I also think it’s important for people to remember that wheelchair tennis athletes as well as all adaptive athletes are athletes just like anyone else. We all train hard to compete at a high level and I encourage everyone to check out all adaptive sports to see how great these athletes are just like you would any other sport you see.”

Atif’s story is living proof to the power of perseverance and refusing to let limitations define one’s path. His journey is not just about achievement, but it’s about overcoming adversity and emerging stronger.

“I have faced a lot of adversity throughout my life, from overcoming cancer as a baby, to learning to accept my identity as a disabled person, to learning to become independent, and going through multiple surgeries among other things,” stated Atif. “In going through these experiences, I have learned to become resilient and fight through obstacles that come my way. While it has not been easy, I have found ways to stay positive. I always look at the bright side of how lucky I am to be able to live my life and do a lot of amazing things.”

Looking ahead, Atif remains committed to using his voice and platform to uplift others. He continues to run his business while expanding his role as a motivational speaker, particularly focusing on empowering youth and those navigating the challenges of disability.

In his personal life, Atif enjoys staying active, whether it’s hitting the gym, exploring new sports, or spending time with friends. He loves volunteering and teaching tennis, sharing his deep passion for the sport with others. When he’s not on the court, Atif enjoys socializing, dining out, and catching live or televised sports events with friends.

In terms of his tennis career, Atif continues to strive for excellence, competing in the Open Division of ITF tournaments. Though he knows it may become more challenging to compete at this level as time goes on, he is determined to keep playing for as long as possible, and ideally forever in some capacity. Currently, Atif is doing some coaching at events, and he hopes to expand this role as he continues to grow, helping others experience the joy and fulfillment tennis has brought him.