William Floyd High School seniors Anabel Van Cott and Lydia Van Cott were both recently named among Newsday’s top 25 girls’ tennis players for the 2026 season. This is Anabel and Lydia’s second time earning this honor, having previously earned it ahead of their sophomore season in 2024.

In describing Anabel and Lydia, Newsday wrote, “Both athletes are well-rounded singles and doubles players who can help Floyd’s lineup wherever they are placed.” They also highlighted Anabel and Lydia’s excellent 2025 postseason run as a doubles team, which saw them place second in the doubles draw of the Suffolk County individual championships and advance to the round of 16 in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Girls’ Tennis State Championships.

In addition to their status as two-time Newsday top-player selections, Anabel and Lydia have also earned numerous accolades since starting on varsity as seventh-graders. Both girls have earned All-County honors in 2022 and 2023 as well as All-State honors in 2025, with Lydia earning an additional All-County honor in 2024 while Anabel was recognized as the 2025 Suffolk County Comeback Player of the Year after missing a considerable amount of the 2024 season due to injury.

Anabel and Lydia, under the guidance of two-time USTA Coach of the Year Dave Pia, have helped lead the Colonials to the final four of the Section XI playoffs in all five of their varsity seasons and will be striving for one last standout season to close out their high school careers.

Coach Pia added, “Congratulations to Anabel and Lydia for being selected among the top 25 tennis players on Long Island!” He added that this fantastic accomplishment and their overall success is the result of hard work and dedication. “They have been instrumental in leading the team to outstanding finishes over the last several years. They are team leaders and always give their best effort every match!”

Congratulations, Anabel and Lydia! Good luck the rest of the season!