GSTL CAPTAINS OF THE YEAR AWARD
As part of a new USTA initiative recognizing the vital role of volunteer team captains, the GSTL recently honored veteran captains Diana Pendleton of Kingston Plantation and Kim Hale of Prestwick. Each received a $50 PGA Store gift card from the Grand Strand Tennis Foundation in appreciation of their many contributions.
Diana Pendleton
A familiar face in the Grand Strand tennis community, Diana Pendleton has been a USTA member for 15 years and has captained various teams for nine of those years. In 2025, she led the newly formed 65-and-over 3.0 team from Kingston to the Finals of the State Tournament.
Competing at the Highest Level
Following their strong State performance, the team was invited to compete in the Sectionals held in Memphis in November, where they placed fourth out of 10 teams from across the South.
Diana has also captained the 55-and-over 6.5 Combo League team from Kingston, which has advanced to States for the past three consecutive years — a testament to her steady leadership and team culture.
Leadership Style That Builds Teams
Her teammates consistently praise her excellent organizational skills and clear communication, which help keep players on track and allow everyone to better plan their schedules.
Her sense of fairness, on-court composure, and unwavering support of all players create a positive, friendly, and low-stress environment.
As one teammate shares:
“There is no drama on Diana’s teams — just great camaraderie and fun play!”
Another adds:
“Her optimism and enthusiasm for tennis is contagious.”
Competition, Friendship, and Growth
A retired high school math teacher, Diana values her role as captain because it
“allows me to combine my love of tennis with an opportunity for competition, making new friends, and staying healthy.”
She finds joy in building strong teams, helping players reach their full potential, and enjoying the opportunity to compete in different locations while traveling with friends across the state.
Kim Hale
Kim Hale moved to Myrtle Beach in 2016 to accept a Professor of Political
Science post at Coastal Carolina University. That’s when she pulled out her tennis racket again after a 15-year break from playing between high school and graduate school.
Finding Her Competitive Rhythm
She began playing in USTA Leagues 8 years ago and has captained for six,
mostly at the 3.5 level for Mixed and other teams. “I coached the 18+ and 40+ Mixed Doubles team for the past four years,” says Kim. “It was really fun and we had a lot of success, going to States all four years.”
Leadership Beyond the Court
Once Kim and her husband Sgt. Matt Hale joined Prestwick, they began playing
together in Mixed Leagues, although not as partners on the same team. “We soon discovered we did not have compatible playing styles,” she laughs. They both enjoyed the sport, however, and decided to become more involved. Matt joined the GSTF Board while Kim serves as Coordinator of Mixed Leagues for the GSTL while also captaining two leagues and playing on 13 teams in 2025.
Kim’s team members give her high marks. “Kim is gold,” says one. “Her
involvement goes beyond playing on and captaining multiple teams at Prestwick, delivering USTA joy.”
Building Community Through Tennis
She cares for her teammates, is respected by her peers, and
exudes a positive vibe, offers another. “It is a privilege to be in Kim’s world; she puts the “fun” in function,” adds a third.
As for Kim? She enjoys captaining because of the opportunity it gives to build a
community that goes beyond tennis, particularly in a diverse resort area such as Myrtle Beach.
“Since my husband and I moved here, tennis allowed us to quickly build a
community of friends that has lasted and expanded over the years,” she explains “I know I would not otherwise have them in my life as we all come from very different backgrounds, occupations and life experiences.
As a captain, I’m able to help organize teams that support each other on
and off the court, while welcoming new players to our team.”
Feature story written by Karen Smedley for the Grand Stand Tennis Foundation.