By Gina Glance, Net News Contributor
Anyone who has captained an ALTA team knows the challenges that come with the job. Making sure all players have paid ALTA dues, creating lineups, assigning food — these are just a few of the tasks that come with the title of “Captain.” Many will lead their teams for a season or two before they pass the baton to the next volunteer. But imagine taking the job for more than 100 seasons! That’s approximately 1,800 players, 700 lineups, and about 1,700 food assignments!
ALTA truly appreciates the work these captains who have volunteered for so many seasons! To show our appreciation, we are highlighting some of ALTA’s real heroes:
Edward Howard (Laurel Park)
136 seasons
“Why did I become a captain? I felt like I could do a good job,” Howard said. “One year became two … two became three … and the rest is history! I most enjoy the camaraderie on the teams. I enjoy building teams and watching them become City Champions. I am a team-oriented guy, and I don’t like drama!”
Many of Howard’s teammates praised his dedication and ability to lead teams. “Edward’s the captain who somehow juggles schedules, line-ups, and last-minute sub requests with the same flair he brings to his signature color-coordinated sneakers and outfits,” said teammate Crews Enochs. “Even when he’s not swinging a racquet, his energy and dependability keep the whole squad dialed in.”
Another teammate, Lisa Cox, echoed the sentiment, “I have played on several of Edward’s teams throughout the years. Edward seems to know everybody, old and young. I have made many good tennis friends due to this. I hope to keep playing with Edward as long as he continues!”
Bill White (St Ives CC)
116 seasons
“When I first started captaining, we would vote for the new captain at the end of each season,” said White. “My name was put in by my teammates and I would get elected. Then after a few years, no one else would run and I would be elected by unanimous vote. Then we stopped voting, and it was my job to put the team in each season.”
White is honest about his favorite part of being captain. “I would be lying if I did not say trying to win a plate,” he admitted. “But the second would be getting to play with some great people at St Ives. Getting to know their families and seeing their children grow up to become some fantastic adults. It seems like yesterday they were in grammar school. Now they’re graduating college and starting families. ALTA is like a family.”
“What makes Bill a good captain? His complete dedication and numerous hours on and off the court helping teammates/friends,” according to teammate Stephanie Butler. “He is always willing to help mentor, guide, and direct his teams on and off the courts. He is truly St Ives tennis.”
Dee Lavender (Pinetree CC)
108 seasons
“I didn’t start playing tennis until I was 40 years old. I had never picked up a racquet prior to that time,” Lavender said. “Needless to say, I fell in love with the sport. When the captain on the team I was playing on said they wanted to step down, I volunteered to do it. I guess the rest is history. My favorite thing about being a captain is getting together with my teammates on a weekly basis, as well as meeting other teams. I have been lucky enough to meet some pretty great people through tennis and being a captain.”
“Dee has tremendous passion for the game of tennis and is now carrying that same passion over to pickleball,” said Larry Schnall, director of tennis at Pinetree Country Club. “She and her late husband, Mike, kept the tennis at Pinetree going strong throughout the years during the good and bad times. We are very fortunate to have Dee be a part of our tennis and pickleball family at Pinetree.”
Kathleen Dunlap (Carl Sanders YMCA)
102 seasons
“I have enjoyed captaining ALTA teams because I love playing and watching tennis,” Dunlap said. “I have been lucky to have great teammates who rise to challenges like rainouts, distant away matches, and being acting captain when needed. After all these years, I feel knowing the rules has made the job easier, but it has been nice to have ALTA coordinator support when needed.
“My favorite thing about being a team captain is my teammates,” she added. “I have met a lot of really nice people who are now my good friends. And I love seeing teammates supporting each other, on and off the courts. My husband, daughters, and their husbands also play on my teams, so that is an added bonus.”
“Kathleen is calm and unflappable especially when things aren’t going well or another captain is being difficult,” said husband and teammate Mike Dunlap. “She is committed to the team and works beyond the call of duty. For example, she will take on all rescheduling duties for rainouts, including scheduling the times of matches and reserving the courts for all five lines. A logistical challenge.”
Jennifer Maceyko (Village Mill)
101 Seasons
“I’ve captained ALTA teams for so long because it brings together everything I value: friendship, fitness, strategy, and community,” Maceyko said. “Tennis has always been a passion, but what keeps me coming back season after season is the joy of bringing people together, creating great memories through the sport I love to play.
“My favorite part of being a captain is putting the puzzle pieces together — pairing players in ways that set them up for success and watching those partnerships grow,” she continued. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see teammates build confidence, improve their game, and form lasting friendships — on and off the court. For me, it’s never just about the score or the ‘bag tags and plates’ — it’s about the shared laughs, amazing food table, and strong bonds built through tennis. My teammates are truly like extended family. Being a captain has allowed me to create a supportive space where people feel encouraged, valued, and connected. That’s what makes it all worth it — and why I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”
“It’s actually hard to put into words everything Jen does and gives of herself as a captain,” said long-time teammate Jennifer Fuqua. “The thought and time she puts into the lineups alone is just incredible. But it’s not just about being competitive, making sure that partners’ game styles are compatible, she also thinks about if the partners will have fun together! In addition, she goes out of her way to make sure that it is easy and convenient to play, often taking into consideration what is going on in her players’ personal lives. And she does all of this for multiple teams at a time! She truly is one of a kind and I don’t know what we would do without her.”
Look for more 100+ season captains in the next issue of Net News!
