Terry Kellen’s tennis legacy.
Sport & strong community for thousands of women.
By Allison McCrory Photos by Kate Treick Photography and provided
On any given weekday, September through May, the courts and parking lot at Roger Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola are overflowing. Women in matched uniforms take on “frienemies” vying for rankings in doubles matches as part of the Greater Pensacola Ladies Tennis League.
Similar scenes play out at tennis centers in Gulf Breeze, Orange Beach, West Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Shores and Fairhope — all thanks to the vision of one woman.
When Terry Kellen and her family moved to Pensacola from Decatur in 1976, she longed for a women’s tennis league like the one she co-founded in her previous home. Yet there was no such group in Pensacola. So instead of giving up on her passion, she got busy and started one, launching the Greater Pensacola Ladies Tennis League in 1977.
“She started this whole show in 1977, and we’re still going strong,” said current GPLTL president Roxanne Baker.
Currently, 995 women participate in GPLTL — competing in weekly matches and clinics. Yet the benefits of the league have touched thousands.
The regular bi-weekly proximity translates into much more than tennis. It is support in hard times and celebration in good, an escape and respite in busy seasons, and community and laughter in lonely seasons. Post-match lunches are a norm, as are team parties.
BOLD GOLDEN YEARS
Kellen, who played the sport she loved until age 90, passed away in August at 99.
A chemist by education, Kellen’s fervor for living boldly in her retirement years is alive and well in many women who love not only the sport of tennis but the camaraderie that is inherent in the league.
Retired midwife and nurse Carole Cantin, 83, says she can’t imagine life without tennis and her tennis community.
“I usually play at least three times a week. That gives me all the energy I need for all the other activities in my and my husband’s life together. I have belonged to many different groups and activities in my life, but find my tennis community to be the most supportive and rewarding.”
When Sherry Vinson, 81, moved with her family to Cantonment in 1990, the former teacher sought out stimulating activities.
“I quickly found Pensacola had a wonderful tennis community and joined a GPLTL team that year. I have played on several teams and different levels in my years in Pensacola.”
Vinson retired a second time in 2005 and is thankful for good health that translates into a full life.
“I admit, I am lucky that so far I have good physical movement and certainly don’t act my age! Hopefully I never do since I am normally the oldest in the room!” she joked.
MAXIMIZING EACH DAY
Hazel Whidden, 82, captains a team at Roger Scott.
She dabbled in tennis after the birth of her first child. But when a second baby came along, life got busy and tennis took a back seat. However, after moving to Pensacola, a tennis lesson led to an invitation to play on a team, and the rest is history.
“I have nothing but high praise for the game of tennis and tennis in the Pensacola community, especially at Roger Scott. Through all these many years, I have played with and against so many wonderful ladies and feel fortunate to call them friends. These great friendships and social encounters have enriched my golden years on the tennis courts beyond words,” said Whidden, who was friends with Kellen.
“I don’t recall when I first met her but always found her to be a formidable opponent and a very nice person. I occasionally saw her after she no longer played, and she was still a very lovely lady. Those of us who knew her will not quickly forget her commitment to start the GPLTL and grow the game of tennis in our community. She left us a rich legacy.”
A two-time survivor of breast cancer, Whidden’s prescription for a rich life includes time with friends in sunshine on the courts.
“There’s no promise of tomorrow, so I choose to live each day to the fullest with the goal of being fair and kind in all situations and surround myself with like-minded people that make me happy.
Also, to enjoy tennis as long as I can!”
