By Rubin E. Grant
Photos by Jason Ding
With several talented players returning from their 2024 AHSAA Class 7A state championship team, the Vestavia Hills girls tennis team didn’t need another skillful player in their quest for a repeat.
But they got one anyway.
Senior Ansley Cox decided to rejoin the team after not playing for the Rebels the past two years. She won No. 2 singles as a freshman on Vestavia Hills’ 2022 state championship team but elected to play USTA Juniors the past two years.
“I really enjoyed my freshman year, and I enjoyed all the girls,” Cox says. “My goal has been to play college tennis since I was little. I decided to play USTA tennis, because it was the best way for me to get recruited. With playing USTA, being in school and keeping up with my studies, it was a lot, so I didn’t think I could play high school tennis too.”
Cox is one of the top junior players in Alabama and the Southeast. Her decision to concentrate on playing the USTA circuit paid off when she signed a tennis scholarship with Penn State in February. “When I went on my visit to Penn State, it checked off so many of my boxes,” Cox says. “It’s a great environment in a great community. It just felt so right.”
With her collegiate decision behind her, Cox figured it was time to play for the Rebels again. Besides, it’s her senior year. “It’s great being back,” she says. “A lot of the girls on the team were there when I played as a freshman. We’ve always gotten along so well.”
Cox is one of five seniors on the team along with Kenley Outzen, Madison Standifer, Caroline Helms and Wynn Strubel.
Vestavia Hills tennis coach Oliver Aaron is glad to have Cox back. “She’s one of those players who no matter what the weather, she’s hitting,” Aaron says. “If it’s raining, she’ll go play on a YMCA
indoor court. She just has that drive.
Aaron continues, “she just adds more depth to our lineup. With her playing No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles, it makes it a little easier for our other starters.”
Cox, who is undefeated this spring, describes herself as a power player. “I’m trying to combine more elements into my game, so I can be an all-court player, but power is definitely my strong suit.”
Cox began playing at an early age after her dad signed her up for some Lifetime junior tennis clinics. She dabbled in gymnastics until the third grade, but decided she liked tennis far better. “It’s very controllable sport, and it’s an individual sport, so you’re relying on yourself,” Cox says. “When I’m playing, it feels so good. It’s hard to explain why I love it so much.”
Cox would love to finish her high school career with another state championship. Vestavia Hills’ girls have won 13 state titles, including two of the past three Class 7A crowns. The Rebels were runners-up in 2023. The 2025 Class 7A state tournament will be held April 24-25 at the Mobile Tennis Center.
Vestavia Hills entered April with an 18-1 record in dual matches. They traveled to Florida during spring break and won matches against Chiles in Tallahassee, Winter Park and Spruce Creek in Daytona Beach.
“It was so much fun going to Florida,” Cox says. “Our team has so much depth, and we work well together. We play a lot of tough competition, so I definitely think we have a shot at winning state again.”
