Columns and Courts: Alex Ackman embraces leadership role as new era begins for Missouri tennis

When Alex Ackman committed to Missouri as one of the highest-rated recruits in program history, she envisioned helping elevate the Tigers into an SEC contender. What she did not expect was becoming the program’s lone returning player after just one season.

Roster turnover swept through Columbia following the 2025-26 campaign. A coaching change followed. For many college athletes in today’s transfer portal era, it would have been the perfect opportunity to leave.

Ackman never seriously considered it.

“I love Mizzou,” Ackman said. “I see what it can be. I know we can do so much better than where we are at this moment and what we’ve been in the past. Having a new coach and a completely clean slate, as much as I’m going to miss my teammates, we would even talk about it with each other. This is kind of exactly what Mizzou needs.”

That decision has unexpectedly transformed the sophomore into the face of Missouri’s rebuild.

New head coach Robin Goodman believes Ackman’s resilience makes her the perfect player to help establish the culture he wants to build.

“We are thrilled to have Alex in our program,” Goodman said. “Having overcome some adversities in her freshman year, she stayed the course and continued to grow regardless of the challenges she faced. She is very dedicated to her tennis development, and I have no doubt she will continue to develop in this new environment.”

Although Ackman is only entering her second collegiate season, Goodman already sees leadership qualities emerging.

“Although she is still only a sophomore, I’m certain we’re going to see some real leadership qualities as she transitions to a program full of new faces,” Goodman said. “Can’t wait to see the positive impact she has on this team this upcoming year.”

The transition is not one Ackman expected.

She will return to Columbia surrounded by freshmen and newcomers while serving as the only player who understands the daily expectations of competing in the black and gold. Yet she says the responsibility feels more exciting than intimidating.

“In a way, but not really,” Ackman said when I asked her if the added pressure feels overwhelming. “Last year we all had to play a pretty big role. Even though I was a freshman, I was still playing pretty high up, so there was a level of pressure with that. Maybe there’s a little bit more external pressure now, but I don’t really feel too much, at least not yet.”

Her freshman campaign provided a crash course in collegiate tennis.

Ackman posted an 11-13 singles record while competing primarily at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions. She earned an SEC victory against Ole Miss and pieced together a five-match singles winning streak from Jan. 17 through Feb. 22. In doubles, she primarily played atop the lineup, finishing 7-23 overall but posting a 6-3 mark alongside Korina Roso.

Those numbers tell only part of the story.

Ackman spent much of her first collegiate season learning how different college tennis is from the junior circuit.

“I hope that this year, instead of just surviving last year, I can thrive this year,” she said. “Definitely still a chip on my shoulder.”

Part of that growth came while quietly managing a lingering injury.

Ackman revealed she spent much of the summer recovering from a partial tear in her left wrist. Because the injury affected her non-dominant hand, she continued practicing throughout the season before deciding rest had become necessary.

“It bothered me a little bit during the year, but there were so many other things going on that I was like, whatever, it’s my left wrist,” Ackman said. “This summer it kept bothering me, so I just took the last six weeks off.”

Her rehabilitation has included daily physical therapy, strength work and modified on-court sessions. She expects to return to full practice before reporting back to Columbia.

“By the time I get back to Missouri, I’ll be full speed again.”

The time away from competition also allowed Ackman to develop an early relationship with Goodman.

She said the communication has been one of the biggest differences under Missouri’s new coaching staff.

“He calls me quite a bit,” Ackman said. “We talk at least a few times a week. He seems very passionate about the job he’s going to take over. He likes communicating and wants to make sure everything is right.”

That consistent contact has reinforced why Ackman believes Missouri is positioned for a fresh start.

“There really is no culture at the moment,” she said. “It was just me left. I think now we kind of have to work together to establish it.”

Building culture extends well beyond the tennis courts.

Ackman credits the Columbia community as one of the biggest reasons she remained with the Tigers.

“My favorite thing about Mizzou was the people I met,” she said. “Not even just my teammates. Everybody around me was always very supportive and very helpful. They made my time at Mizzou a very big reason why I wanted to stay.”

Away from tennis, Ackman’s personality reflects someone who embraces routine while still keeping things light.

Her match-day playlist swings from Future and 21 Savage to Andrea Bocelli depending on the moment.

“The rap music gets me pumped up,” Ackman said. “Then right before the match, I usually get nervous, so I put on Andrea Bocelli to calm me down.”

She never competes without a visor. A pink wristband is equally non-negotiable.

“I’m going to lose the match,” she joked when asked what happens if she forgets either one.

Those routines have followed her since childhood, when tennis first became more than just another sport.

Ackman began playing at age 5 before eventually training at an academy in Florida alongside elite junior players. She admits she did not truly fall in love with tennis until she was practicing alongside athletes who pushed her every day.

Today, that same passion fuels an even bigger goal.

Long before college entered the picture, Ackman’s dream was to play professionally.

“College tennis was kind of like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it if I have to,’” Ackman said. “I ended up really liking college tennis, but after I’m done, I really hope that playing pro is something that’s in the cards for me.”

She believes there is no better preparation than competing every weekend in the SEC.

“If you’re playing the top of the lineup in the SEC, you’re basically playing professional tennis,” Ackman said. “There were girls I played who were top-200 players. Every single week you’re playing somebody who’s really, really good.”

For now, however, professional aspirations can wait.

Ackman’s focus remains on helping Missouri establish an identity under Goodman while taking the next step in her own development.

She hopes the biggest difference fans notice is a more aggressive game built on the experience she gained as a freshman.

“I know what I’m in for now,” Ackman said. “I’m hoping my game can be a little bit more dictating, where I’m dictating play more than my opponents.”

A year ago, Ackman arrived in Columbia learning how to survive college tennis.

This fall, she returns healthy, experienced and carrying the responsibility of leading an entirely new roster.

For Missouri’s rebuild, there may be no more important player.

Tiger Top Spin will be back Monday. Columns and Courts returns Wednesday.