SPRING GARDEN, Ala. — The accolades keep pouring in for Spring Garden’s Ace Austin, and now, the rest of the nation is taking notice. The Alabama women’s basketball signee has added another prestigious feather to her cap, claiming a national honor that further cements her place among the elite in high school basketball.
Austin, a dynamic guard who has led Spring Garden to multiple state championships, was named a 2025 MaxPreps National High School Player of the Year finalist—becoming the first player from her school and one of the few from the state of Alabama to earn such recognition in recent years. The honor, announced Friday, puts her among the top five prep players in the country, a remarkable achievement for the small-town superstar.
“Growing up in Spring Garden, you always dream of moments like this,” Austin said. “But to actually see it happen… it’s humbling. I’m proud of what we’ve built here.”
Ace Austin’s high school career has been nothing short of legendary. A four-year starter at Spring Garden, she has been the engine of a program that has won three state titles and played in four consecutive championship games. Known for her relentless motor, high basketball IQ, and elite scoring touch, Austin averaged 24.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 steals per game during her senior season.
She eclipsed the 2,500-point mark in her career, a milestone that only a handful of players in Alabama history have achieved. Her ability to dominate both ends of the floor made her a nightmare matchup for opposing coaches.
“She’s a generational talent,” said Spring Garden head coach Ricky Austin, who also happens to be her father. “But beyond the stats and the highlights, what sets Ace apart is her leadership. She brings everyone along with her.”
That leadership was on full display during this year’s AHSAA Class 1A state title run. In the semifinals, she dropped 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in a comeback win over a tough Brantley squad. In the championship game against Loachapoka, Austin poured in 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to seal the Panthers’ latest crown.
“She wanted that one bad,” said Coach Austin. “It was about setting a legacy in stone—and she did it.”
It didn’t take long for Power Five programs to line up for Austin’s commitment once she emerged as a sophomore phenom. By the end of her junior year, she held offers from Tennessee, South Carolina, UConn, LSU, and Stanford. But for the 5-foot-10 guard, there was no place like home.
Last summer, she gave her verbal pledge to Alabama head coach Kristy Curry, signaling a commitment not just to her state but to the idea of building something special in Tuscaloosa.
“Alabama believed in me from day one,” Austin said. “It just felt like family. I want to be part of a culture that wins at the highest level—and do it in my home state.”
Curry, who has steadily turned Alabama into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender, called Austin’s commitment a “program-altering moment.”
“She’s the type of player who can change the trajectory of a program,” Curry said. “Ace has the complete package—she can score, distribute, defend, and she has a fierce competitive edge. But she’s also a fantastic teammate and a great person. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Crimson Tide.”
Austin’s impact isn’t limited to the hardwood. Off the court, she carries a 4.0 GPA, serves as student body vice president, and volunteers weekly at local youth centers.
“She’s the most grounded superstar you’ll ever meet,” said Spring Garden principal Mary Martin. “Despite all the accolades, she still shows up early to tutor younger students, she reads books to elementary classes, and she’s a role model in every sense.”
That maturity has translated into endorsements and national recognition. Earlier this year, Austin was featured in SLAM magazine’s annual “Next Up” feature on elite girls’ basketball talent. She also earned a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game and was named to the USA Basketball U18 Women’s National Team trials roster, with a strong chance of representing her country this summer.
“She represents everything good about this game,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Shane Laflin. “She’s flashy when needed, but always in control. You can plug her into any system and she’ll make your team better. That’s rare.”
For Spring Garden, a town of fewer than 300 residents, Austin’s success has elevated the community’s spirit. Local businesses hang banners that read “#AceTime,” and the high school gym has been packed to capacity for every home game over the past two seasons.
“She’s made us proud in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” said Spring Garden mayor Johnny Proctor. “We’ve had great athletes before, but Ace has put Spring Garden on the national map.”
Even opposing teams have shown appreciation. After Spring Garden’s state title win, Loachapoka’s head coach gave Austin a standing ovation as she walked off the court—recognizing the greatness he had just witnessed.
“It’s bigger than basketball with her,” the coach said. “She makes the game beautiful.”
As she prepares to enroll at Alabama this summer, Austin already has her sights set on making an immediate impact. The Crimson Tide are returning a solid core, but expect Austin to be in the mix for playing time from day one.
“I’m not coming to sit,” she said with a grin. “I’m coming to win.”
Alabama fans should be thrilled. With Austin joining a team that reached the Sweet 16 in 2024, there’s a growing belief that the Tide could make a run at the SEC title and perhaps a Final Four berth in the next two years.
“She’s a difference-maker,” said Curry. “Ace can play on or off the ball, and she thrives in transition. She’ll push the pace, make big plays, and raise the level of everyone around her.”
And Austin has big goals of her own.
“I want to win a national championship at Alabama,” she said. “But I also want to inspire the next girl from a small town who thinks she’s not seen. I was that girl once. If I can do it, so can they.”
As Ace Austin takes the next step in her journey, she leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match. She’s more than just a basketball player—she’s a symbol of perseverance, pride, and purpose. From gym lights in Spring Garden to national spotlights, her journey has captivated the heart of Alabama and beyond.
“She’s our ace,” Coach Austin said. “And she always will be.”
Whether she’s breaking ankles on the court, breaking records in the books, or breaking barriers in the community, one thing is certain—Ace Austin is just getting started.
