The Louisiana State University (LSU) women’s tennis team is set to gain a formidable addition with the arrival of 19-year-old Canadian athlete Kayla Cross. Head coach Taylor Fogleman recently announced that Cross will join the Tigers in the spring of 2025. Currently holding impressive rankings from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Cross brings extensive international experience and a promising career trajectory to LSU. Her unique blend of talent and ambition promises to elevate the team’s performance and enrich the university’s sports community.
Kayla Cross has already made significant strides in the world of tennis, establishing herself as a rising star on both national and international stages. With an impressive UTR ranking of 11.14 in singles and 10.91 in doubles, Cross has demonstrated her prowess through numerous victories and commendable performances. Her journey includes representing Canada in prestigious tournaments such as the Junior Billie Jean King Cup and all four Junior Grand Slam events. Notably, she reached the finals in doubles at the Junior Australian Open and Junior Wimbledon, and secured a place in the singles round of 16 at both Junior Wimbledon and the US Open in 2022.
The year 2024 marked a milestone in Cross's career, showcasing her rapid ascent in the professional ranks. She significantly improved her WTA singles ranking from No. 644 to a career-best No. 264. This remarkable progress was fueled by her success in various tournaments, including reaching the final at the W75 events in Toronto and Granby, and advancing to the semifinals at the W35 events in Punta Cana and Bethany Beach. Moreover, Cross claimed her first title at the W35 Saskatoon event. In doubles, she clinched six titles, triumphing in notable competitions like the W35 events in Bethany Beach and Punta Cana, as well as the W75 event in Calgary.
Coach Taylor Fogleman expressed excitement about welcoming Cross to the LSU family. "We are thrilled to have an athlete and individual of Kayla’s caliber joining our team," Fogleman remarked. "Her achievements speak volumes about her potential. We look forward to supporting her growth as she transitions into a WTA professional. The Tiger Nation will undoubtedly appreciate her competitive spirit and dedication."
Baton Rouge is poised to embrace Kayla Cross as she embarks on this new chapter. Her presence is expected to inspire and energize the LSU women’s tennis program, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate witnessing her contributions and watching her continue to shine on the court.