Nationally ranked freshman Adelyn Gross takes on leadership role at St. Joseph’s

And that’s a good thing, since Gross, who is a freshman at St. Joseph Academy this fall, has quite the travel itinerary due to her tennis exploits.

In the past 12 months, Gross has competed in tennis tournaments in Bradenton, Florida (twice); Rome, Georgia (twice); Cincinnati (twice); Wichita; Lincoln, Nebraska; New Orleans; Coral Gables (Florida); San Antonio; Kansas City; Seminole, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Palm Springs, California; Las Vegas; Edmond, Oklahoma; Plantation, Florida; and just this weekend in Orlando.

And Gross doesn’t usually make a cameo at these Missouri Valley and U.S. Tennis Association national events. More often than not, he comes on the final day of a tournament.

Her success and numerous victories have earned Gross a national ranking of 19th in the 14m medley. She is ranked 15th nationally in doubles.

Gross is ranked No. 1 in his age group in the St. Louis District and the Missouri Valley section.

But she will stay locally for the next few months to play high school tennis for a very good St. Joseph team.

Her older sister, Emerey, played for St. Joseph’s in 2022 before moving to IMG Academy in Bradenton. Emerey won a Class 3 state doubles title with Abby Gaines in her freshman year of high school tennis.

“I decided on St. Joe’s because Emerey played there and loved it,” Gross said. “I think it’s going to be really exciting to be a part of a team.”

Adelyn said she has no idea how many years she will play high school tennis, but Angels coach Doug Smith will enjoy having her for at least this year.

St. Joseph’s was expected to return its entire lineup from a team that may have been the second-best team in Class 3 last year. However, the Angels were in the same district as eventual champion John Burroughs.

All six of the Angels’ starters from last year were returning, but senior Payton Friedman recently tore her ACL and will miss the season.

“It’s tough to lose a player like Payton, who was almost an automatic win for us,” Smith said. “But barring any more injuries, I still think we have a chance.”

And a big reason for Smith’s optimism is the addition of Gross, who will be ranked No. 1 in singles ahead of returning Class 3 singles doubles champions Ali Kennedy and Ashley Behan.

The addition of a player like Gross can sometimes disrupt team chemistry, but that’s not the case with the Angels.

“Before the season I met with Ali and Ashley, who are my captains, and they understand the situation,” Smith said. “Adelyn gets along with everyone and the girls look up to her for her height.”

Four of the top six finishers in the Class 3 individual category last year were seniors. Senior Sydney Fuger of North Kansas City finished second last year, losing to Amber Yin of Lafayette, who finished as the undefeated champion.

It will be interesting to see how Gross fits into the mix with Fuger and the rest of the Class 3 players in Springfield in October.

“I’m looking forward to the season,” Gross said. “I’d love to have the same success as Emerey.”