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Flushing Meadows, N.Y. — Just one day after playing in one of the world’s biggest juniors tennis tournaments — the U.S. Open — Laurel Springs School student and professional tennis player Jordan Cox was honored with the prestigious Seena Hamilton Tennis Scholarship.

Cox, who lost in the first round in the Open junior events, was on hand at Hamilton’s U.S. Open party the next day to accept the honor. “I love attending Laurel Springs School, and I think this is a great honor to receive this award. Thank you to Seena Hamilton for choosing me this year.”

The 18-year-old Cox of Duluth, Ga., had a phenomenal summer making worldwide headlines at another pretty prestigious tennis tournament, making it all the way to the final at junior Wimbledon. This is Cox’s second year playing at the Open and he said he hopes there are many more to come.

Laurel Springs School is the leader in personalized distance learning education for K-12 students. Past Laurel Springs students who have been honored with the Seena Hamilton scholarship include Gail Brodsky and Esther Goldfeld.

The scholarship was designed to benefit extraordinary tennis players who require additional financial support to continue their education. Forty percent of Laurel Springs’ students are athletes, and attendance has allowed hundreds of junior tennis players to follow their dreams.

Hamilton founded the esteemed Easter Bowl Junior Championships in 1968, which is celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year. Her vision was to provide competitive tennis opportunities for the country’s top players ages 14-18. She also produces a one-hour TV special documenting their matches and their lifestyles. The press has credited her with publicizing the relationship between parents and young athletes and what it takes to make a tennis star. Since its inception, the tournament has showcased the future stars of Grand Slams.

Said Hamilton of the scholarship and of Cox: “This is a very special kind of recognition for Jordan, because he, like every single American player who has played in the U.S. Open has played the Easter Bowl with the exception of the Williams sisters. This makes him above most of the average tennis players, and it’s not only his talent, but his entire character, which is the reason we picked him.”

She added of Laurel Springs, “Your school is so vital, not only for junior tennis, but to all those who are performers, or athletes, that they can achieve a professional career, but will have the quality education that enables them to earn a college scholarship.”

Jordans parents, Julie and Richard Cox, were also in attendance, and Julie mentioned how proud they are of Jordan’s tennis achievements. “Getting this award right now in his life is so important,” she said. “Even though he turned pro, he needs to keep learning and finish high school, as it’s important to get a good education, if he decides to go on to college. Our older son graduated from Laurel Springs School and got a full tennis scholarship to the University of Kentucky.”

Laurel Springs students and alumni who competed at the U.S. Open include: Caroline Wozniacki, Alexa Glatch, Brodsky, Beatrice Capra, Dennis Kudla, Asia Muhammad, Johannes Van Overbeek, Junior Ore, Julia Boserup, Goldfeld and Nicole Gibbs.

About Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs School is based in Ojai, which was the runner-up to Midland, Mich., in the USTA contest for the U.S.’s Best Tennis Town announced on Sunday at the Open. Founded in 1991, Laurel Springs is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs serves students across the United States and in 43 countries. To learn more about Laurel Springs School, go to laurelsprings.com.