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Opp High School senior Ethan Cox has always loved baseball, and that passion has led to the next level after he signed with Chattahoochee Valley Community College Tuesday.

“I would like to start off by thanking God for the talent He has blessed me with to play this beautiful game. I am grateful to continue my baseball career into college because not everyone who desires to play baseball in college gets the opportunity. I am thankful God blessed me with this opportunity. I am looking forward to playing with CVCC across my chest and playing with guys that in 10 years will be the best relationships I ever make,” Cox said.

He said he chose Chattahoochee Valley Community College because of the coaches. “From the time I was offered, I felt a true excitement from them about me coming. Knowing how experienced and knowledgeable they are just made it a no-doubter in my mind. Having this opportunity means everything to me. I have known since I was old enough to comprehend the game that playing baseball at the next level was my dream.”

As he looks forward to the collegiate level, Cox will not forget his time as a catcher for the Opp Bobcats. “I will miss getting to play beside my best friends and to represent not only OHS but the whole city of Opp. I have been blessed to be a part of the baseball program and will forever cherish it.”

He shared some life lessons he was taught throughout high school.

“I learned a ton from the coaches at Opp. They taught me discipline, how to play the game the right way, and to always play for the person beside you. Coach Cassady has been a role model to me on how to play the game right and how to carry myself. He will never take credit for anything, but he doesn’t know how impactful he has been on my life both on and off the field.”

“Ethan has been a three-year starter who came up as a tenth grader and started in center field but also caught for us. Last summer, he got hurt and had to have Tommy John surgery. He unselfishly moved to the infield until his arm got stronger, and when it did, we moved him behind the plate. He is a big part of this team and a leader who has done everything we’ve asked him to do. He is batting almost .500 right now on offense and is also a really good defensive player. He gets pitchers strikes and also gets to balls hit in the gap when he plays outfield. I know Chatt Valley is getting a great product. Ethan can do it all and is a great character kid both at school and on the field. I’m excited to see his future and what he can do at Chattahoochee Valley,” OHS Head Coach Michael Cassady said.

Cox started playing baseball when he was five years old and felt beating Andalusia this year as a senior was his biggest highlight.

“Hitting drew my attention to baseball, and from the time I was little, I have loved the game but hitting in particular. Up until this point, other than JV, I had not beaten Andalusia. The atmosphere was amazing, and nothing made it better than catching and winning the game with my best friend on the mound,” he said.

He paid tribute to his loved ones and thanked them for their love and support.

“The support I have from family and friends is unmatched. No matter what I decide to do, I feel like my family and friends have my back and believe that is very important. It makes decisions like where to go to college a lot easier. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. I am truly blessed by God to have this opportunity.”

Cox thanked his parents for influencing him the most. “They have truly shaped me into the person I am today. When they say parents make sacrifices, they aren’t lying. My parents have made sacrifices my whole life to get me where I am today, and I could not have done this without them.”

He is the son of Andy and Cayla Cox with a younger brother, Dawson. He will graduate from Opp High School on Thursday, May 26, 2022.