2024 Mississippi Tennis Hall of Fame Inductees

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees: John C. Cox and S.B. Buck

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees, John C. Cox and S.B. Buck, have made a profound impact on the tennis landscape in Mississippi. Both men have not only achieved success on the court but have also played pivotal roles in growing and fostering the sport in their communities.

Born and raised in Cleveland, John C. Cox’s tennis journey began with his father, Ancil Cox, and mentor Asa Atkinson. A lifelong resident of Cleveland, Cox has been a prominent figure in Mississippi tennis, first as a player, then as a coach, and perhaps most notably as a volunteer serving on every level of the USTA’s committee and board structure. After earning a B.A. from Delta State University in 1996 and a J.D. from the University of Mississippi in 1999, Cox returned home to practice law. Alongside his wife Ashley and their three sons, two of whom are avid tennis players, he has continued his passion for tennis in both playing and coaching.

Cox’s competitive success includes a long list of accolades, ranging from state championships to national tournaments. As a USTA Adult League captain for over 15 years, he has led 16 teams to state championships, while also playing and serving as a captain for the Mississippi Senior Cup (Callen Cup) team.

"Tennis has always been about community and competition for me," Cox shares. "The friendships and intense matches are what make the game so special. The life lessons we learn from tennis and competition are things we can take with us everywhere we go"

His coaching efforts at Bayou Academy have also left a lasting legacy, growing the high school tennis program from 14 players to 53, and leading the school to 5A state team championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. For those efforts, Cox has been named the MAIS Coach of the Year three times in addition to winning the 2023 USTA Southern No-Cut Starfish Award and the 2023 Mississippi Coach of the Year.

“Working with the kids has been the best part of my tennis journey,” said Cox. "It's not always about who's the most popular in school or the most athletic. It's about hard work and reaching goals, and there's nothing more gratifying than seeing the smile that comes from a kid achieving something they didn't think possible."

Off the court, Cox has held leadership roles at USTA Mississippi, USTA Southern, and USTA National, serving as president of USTA Mississippi and spearheading various initiatives that expanded the sport’s reach. Cox has served on numerous committees at each level of the USTA structure and still serves to this day.

He also founded the Cleveland Country Club Delta Open, which has grown into one of the largest tennis tournaments in the state. His dedication to the sport as a volunteer has earned him some elite honors, including being Mississippi’s Volunteer of the Year in 2018, and winning USTA Southern’s Volunteer Service Award. Reflecting on his journey, Cox says, "It’s been a privilege to give back to the sport that has given me so much. I want everyone to experience what I’ve experienced because of tennis. I hope I’ve been able to contribute just a little bit in my time to this wonderful game"

S.B. Buck, born in Indianola in 1947, began playing tennis in 1973 alongside his brother. What started as a few men teaching themselves the game quickly grew into a larger movement within the community. In the same year, Buck organized the first Four Aces Tennis Tournament, which grew steadily in participation and popularity. His passion for tennis led him to be one of the founders of a community tennis program that has spanned over 50 years, touching countless lives.

Buck’s contributions go far beyond tournaments. Alongside Birlette Jelks and Harold Hall, he co-founded the Four Aces Saturday Morning youth tennis program, one of the earliest NJTL programs in Mississippi. He fondly recalls traveling with 40 children to Natchez for a rally, which inspired him to help organize similar events in other cities. “Watching the kids get excited about tennis is what kept me going,” he says. Over the years, Buck's NJTL efforts brought him into contact with legends like Venus and Serena Williams, and he even had the opportunity to help host their youth clinics. One such event in Lafayette, Louisiana, brought together tennis icons including Mary Joe Fernández, MaliVai Washington, and the Jensen brothers, underscoring Buck’s pivotal role in youth tennis development.

Despite facing significant racial challenges in tennis, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, Buck’s perseverance never wavered. From being sidelined during tournaments to having his teams moved to a higher level after each local championship, Buck and his teammates continued to play and win. "Racism was everywhere, but we let our tennis do the talking," Buck reflects, remembering a pivotal tournament in Clarksdale where he and his partner overcame adversity to win the championship. His personal accounts of these challenges not only speak to his resilience but also highlight the larger struggle for equality in tennis during that era.

Beyond tennis, Buck’s leadership extends into other areas of the community. He managed a steel plant for 25 years, ran Buck’s Restaurant for over two decades—where he had the opportunity to meet figures like former President Barack Obama—and today, he manages the Cypress Hills Tennis Club, helping to keep the sport thriving in the area. He also serves as the head coach of St. Joseph High School’s tennis team, leading them to three consecutive state playoff appearances and multiple girls' singles titles.

Buck’s long-standing commitment to tennis is well-known across the Delta, where any tennis figure you come across is familiar with him. "From playing in tournaments across 12 states to coaching youth, tennis has been a constant in my life," Buck says. His journey from organizing grassroots community programs to mentoring youth at the highest level showcases a lifetime of dedication to the sport, overcoming adversity, and inspiring future tennis players.

Together, John C. Cox and S.B. Buck exemplify what it means to be lifelong ambassadors of tennis. Their impact on the sport, both in their communities and across the state, has been immeasurable. As the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, their stories serve as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and leadership in tennis. Cox and Buck will be inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame with a formal banquet on January 25, 2025, at River Hills Club. Stay tuned to www.mstennis.com for details on tickets being sold to the event, or call 601-981-4421 for more information.