...the opportunity to serve is really something I have wanted to do. I like structure and order to my day, so I think it’s a good fit for me.”

Abby Warner

POINT CLEAR, Ala. — Abby Warner signed her national letter of intent to play Division I tennis for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Fairhope Pirate senior received official confirmation of her congressional appointment to the Class of 2022 over the weekend. Only 1,200 of about 10,000 applicants are approved.

The Air Force Falcons play Div. I tennis in the Mountain West conference under USAFA women’s coach Kim Gidley, now in her 19th season.

“I’m so excited to get to play there and for coach Gidley,” Warner said. “She already has such a great reputation and then she showed a real concern for my interests even beyond tennis. I was just very impressed. And the opportunity to serve is really something I have wanted to do. I like structure and order to my day, so I think it’s a good fit for me. Just happy it all came together the way it did.”

A 3-star recruit (Listed by USTA), Warner played varsity tennis and ran cross country at Bayside Academy before Fairhope High. Warner transferred to the Baldwin County Virtual School to complete her upper-class academic work and now competes for the Pirates. She credits the long-term coaching expertise of former Alabama All-American John Stimpson for her level of play.

“I owe more than I can say to his help,” she said. “He worked with me and brought out the best in me on the court. And we just clicked right away. I enjoyed learning from him. He made it fun even when it was hard work.”

She was the 2016 Alabama High School Athletic Association state 3A singles champion (Coastal Alabama Tennis player of the year) at Bayside and hopes to lead the Pirates to a 7A crown this spring. In cross country, she was a five-time All-State selection for the Admirals. Her CC experience is something that will probably come in handy at AF basic training, she added.

“Most of all, I have to thank my parents (Aymie and John Warner),” cadet Warner said. “My mom and dad have taught me so much and how to appreciate and make the most of whatever gifts we have to work with. All the hours and miles they drove for my practices and tournaments. Wow. They are the greatest impactors in my life for sure and are amazing people.”