It only took an appearance at the Class 4A state semifinals for Andalusia senior Aubrey Boyington to realize she can play tennis at the next level.

“That really opened my brain that I can play at a higher level,” Boyington said by telephone recently. “Andalusia’s tennis team has been competitive and have played other teams.”

Her appearance in the state semifinals came while as a freshman at AHS. Boyington just wrapped up her senior year, where she won against Booker T. Washington in No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-0; and then lost in the second round to Guntersville at the state tournament in Mobile last month.

Now, Boyington has signed to play her beloved sport at Huntingdon College, where she will also participate as a majorette for the Hawks.

When asked why she chose Huntingdon, Boyington said it had everything she wanted in a college.

“It’s still got the same small-school feel, and it’s away from home,” she said. “I didn’t want to go off to a big college. I feel like I’d do a lot better in a small college.”

While at AHS, Boyington has started each of her four years as a singles and doubles player. Her preference, though, is playing singles.

As a freshman and sophomore, Boyington was No. 5 and 4 in singles, respectively; and before claiming the No. 1 seed as a senior. Sshe was No. 2 as a junior.

Boyington has played tennis all of her life. She began when she was 4-to-5-years-old, playing in the city leagues and participated in all of the summer camps at LBWCC, which is about to begin soon.

Boyington said tennis is her favorite sport because she knows her limitations and how to correct them.

“It basically takes all of my skills because I’m the only one that can better myself, and I know what I need to work on,” Boyington said.

All athletes have someone or something that inspires them.

Boyington said it’s her family that’s her main form of inspiration.

“My parents, and my brother,” she said. “My brother (Ashford) encouraged it. He played tennis as well, all during high school. He thought I could excel in college.”

Boyington is the daughter of Dr. Roger and Suzanne Boyington of Andalusia.