News Summary
Kendell Hale, head coach of the UMKC women’s tennis team, will be inducted into the USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame in 2024. Hale has made significant contributions to tennis over his 30-year coaching career and has emphasized supportive team environments. He has led his teams to multiple championships, including WAC titles, and maintains strong relationships with his players. Hale also encourages aspiring coaches to pursue further education in their field. His son’s appointment as head coach at Missouri State adds to the Hale coaching legacy.
Kansas City, MO – Kendell Hale, the head coach of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) women’s tennis team, will be inducted into the USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame in 2024. This prestigious accolade recognizes Hale’s significant contributions to the sport and his impressive coaching career.
Hale, a Missouri native, graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and the Midwest Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He marks his 17th season with the UMKC women’s tennis team and boasts a remarkable total of 30 years of college tennis coaching experience. Under his leadership, the teams he has coached have garnered multiple titles and NCAA tournament bids, showcasing his effectiveness and dedication in the field.
Among his most notable achievements, Hale was honored with the USPTA National Coach of the Year Award in 2010 for his role in revitalizing the UMKC tennis program. His coaching philosophy emphasizes building supportive team environments and forging strong relationships, which he believes are critical to developing both competitive success and the character of young athletes.
Hale began his tennis journey at the age of 10, inspired by his mother. Initially pursuing a career in church work, he transitioned into tennis coaching when he took a summer position at Plaza Tennis Center. This pivotal career shift propelled him into college coaching, where he has made an indelible mark in the sport.
Throughout his tenure, Hale has celebrated numerous team accomplishments. Both the men’s and women’s teams claimed WAC Championships in 2017, while the men’s team achieved victory in the Summit League in 2009. Notably, he celebrated a breakthrough for the women’s team in 2006, ending a challenging 58-match losing streak.
Beyond the wins, Hale prioritizes the lasting relationships formed with his players. He keeps a list of former athletes, often reflecting on their journeys and successes, emphasizing his commitment to their growth both on and off the court. Hale’s approach aims to create a “Roo Culture” of competition, where players feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
As he looks toward the future, Hale remains optimistic about the potential of his team, urging aspiring coaches to pursue their passions and further their education through certifications from organizations like the USTA, USPTA, and PTR. He believes that enriching a coaching skill set ultimately benefits the players and the sport.
This year marks a proud moment for the Hale family, as Kendell’s son has been named head coach at Missouri State University, adding to the legacy of NCAA Division I coaches in Missouri.
The USTA Heart of America congratulated Hale on his upcoming Hall of Fame induction and extended wishes for a successful season to the UMKC team. Fans are encouraged to attend home matches at Plaza Tennis Center, supporting both Hale and the student-athletes under his guidance.
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Additional Resources
- USTA Heart of America
- Wikipedia: Tennis
- USTA Coaching Legacy
- Google Search: Kendell Hale tennis coach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennis
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