UMKC’s Kendell Hale reflects on Hall of Fame induction, coaching career

What motivated your coaching journey?

My mom introduced me to the sport when I was 10, and I instantly fell in love with it. I always wanted to be involved in tennis in some capacity. In a school essay about where I envisioned myself in 10 years after high school, I wrote that I would be coaching the greatest sport in the world: tennis.

I entered college coaching by being in the right place at the right time. After graduating from seminary with my master’s degree, I initially planned to pursue a career in church work. However, I took one last summer position as head pro at Plaza Tennis Center under Scott Hanover. During that time, the part-time Rockhurst men’s coach asked if I wanted a side gig.

My goal in choosing tennis over ministry was to help guide college-aged adults as they faced some of their toughest decisions. I jumped at the opportunity, worked part-time for a year and when the women’s tennis coach unexpectedly resigned, I approached the athletic director and asked how I could make this my full-time career. I've been coaching ever since!

What would you say is your coaching style? How do you motivate your players on and off the court?

I tell recruits when they arrive that I desire to be a player’s coach. The better I get to know them, the better I can coach them. I look at every athlete as an individual with different motivations and challenges, and it’s my job to work with them to logically figure it out.

I want to be approachable, supportive and focused on building strong team unity. I also want to communicate with understanding and create an environment where players feel valued and appreciated for their hard work.

What is one of your favorite moments of your coaching career?

Over 30 years there have been many, but a day that comes to mind is when both teams won the WAC Championships in 2017, or the first one that we won in the Summit League with the men in 2009.

One memory that I will never forget the first year with UMKC women was when we beat Centenary, who was seventh in the conference. Why this one? Well, UMKC had the NCAA record for most consecutive losses—0-58—and only played 12 matches a year, so this win was like winning Wimbledon! I remember having to apologize for the over-celebration to the other coach.

Many coaches will list a big win or a championship when asked this question, just like I did, but what made these wins special was not just the championships but the journey or process it took to get there. That’s what I’ve come to realize about this coaching thing—it’s not about the wins as much as it’s about creating memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.

I have a list of all my former players right beside my computer screen, and I pray for them daily. When a player comes back, visits and tells me something impactful that I said or did, it makes it all worthwhile. It’s usually something that I don’t even remember saying or doing!

What is your outlook on the 2024-25 season?  

This is what I like about coaching. I have no idea! I’ve had years where I was super excited about (the season ahead) and then injuries happened, etc., and I got disappointed. So, I always just focus on developing these young athletes and their character with the expectation of wins coming as a result. I love the new girls we recruited this year, and I’m always optimistic about our chances. We will always compete; this is in the ‘Roo Culture.’

What advice would you give to a player thinking of becoming a coach?

The best advice I was told before I started this journey is if you have a passion, pursue it and find a way to get paid for it. That’s why I can honestly say I have never worked a day in my life, because I’ve been following my passion that I would have done for free—don’t tell my boss that!

The other piece of advice is to set yourself apart by getting more education through USTA, USPTA, PTR, etc. I would not be where I am today without my involvement with USPTA/USTA and pursuing more education.

Proud dad moment: As of last week, my son was named head coach at Missouri State University! So, now we have two NCAA Division I coaches in the state of Missouri. This was the advice I gave him as he was beginning his journey as a college coach.

USTA Heart of America congratulates Coach Hale and wishes the Roos a successful season. Catch the team in action at Plaza Tennis Center during home matches—a schedule can be found on the UMKC Athletics website.