Get to know the regional tennis champions competing at the UIL state tournament

The UIL state tennis tournament will feature four regional champions from Corpus Christi when they take the court May 16-17 in San Antonio.

West Oso’s Aracely Salinas, Veterans Memorial's Jenny Su, London’s Alijah Miranda and Kailey Albrecht will look to bring home some hardware after capturing singles titles at the regional tournament last week.

Class 2A and 3A will play at the Blossom Tennis Center and Class 4A through 6A will compete at the Annmarie Tennis Center.

Here's what to know, plus what the coaches are saying about each regional champion.

Aracely Salinas, sr., West Oso

Salinas has shined all four seasons since her breakout freshman season at West Oso. Not only did Salinas become the first West Oso tennis player to advance to the regional tournament as a freshman and win a regional title, she is now the first West Oso player to make it to the state tournament in program history. Salinas, who is the valedictorian of her senior class, is scheduled to face Kaufman's Laney Sanders at 8 a.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.

What West Oso tennis coach Jaime Barrera said about Salinas: "I've known her since third grade and she is a hard worker, who puts in a lot of time with tennis. She played basketball two years ago but now she wants to focus just on tennis. She has put her mind into it and has been successful since then. She is determined and when she wants something, she does it. We have some kids in elementary that want to follow her footsteps. It's awesome to see."

Jenny Su, sr., Veterans Memorial

Su is no stranger to the big stage after qualifying for state in mixed doubles earlier in her high school career. Su, who has flourished in nearly every tennis category, transitioned to singles for the first time and did not disappoint after winning the Region IV-5A tournament last week. Su will face El Paso High's Daniela Ocaranza at 8 a.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.

What Veterans Memorial tennis coach Carlos Lerma said about Su: "Her game is fundamentally solid. She has been putting in a lot of work since freshman year and now it's paid off and she's going back to state. What stands out to me is how smart she is. She knows the game in and out and she executes her game plan."

Kailey Albrecht, jr., London

Albrecht is making her second consecutive appearance at the state tennis tournament after qualifying as a sophomore. Albrecht, who has flourished in multiple sports during her high school career, captured the girls' singles title at regionals in her second season playing in that category. Albrecht will face MaKenzie Hamilton from McGregor at 10 a.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.

What London tennis coach Melinda Wescott said about Albrecht: "It's been really good because last year she didn't want to play singles and she ended up liking it and was successful. She has focused entirely on tennis and has spent a lot of her summer time preparing for this trip. It's awesome to see her blossom as a tennis player and to see her confidence grow as a player."

Alijah Miranda, sr., London

Miranda is having a breakout senior season after punching his ticket to the state tournament for the first time in his high school career. Miranda, who also played basketball at London, overcame a third place finish at district last season and grueling temperatures at regionals to secure his first regional title in boys' singles. Miranda will face Gunter's Parker Hoel at 10 a.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals.

What London tennis coach Melinda Wescott said about Miranda: "He works hard and he's put a lot of time in with his dad. He is putting it together at the right time and I am happy with how he played at regionals mentally and physically. He has come out and has taken care of business."

That's not all...

Tuloso-Midway boys' doubles team of Abram Botello and Michael Moreau also secured their spot in the state tournament and will face Lindale's Hayden Harry and Kalvin Dryman at noon Thursday in the quarterfinals.

More: UIL Regional Tennis: West Oso, London, Vets players take regional titles into state

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Get to know the regional tennis champions competing at the UIL state tournament