Gardner-Webb Alumna Kim Rivera Realizes Longtime Goal with USTA National Victory

University Tennis Pioneer Celebrates a Career Highlight After Decades of Dedication to the Sport

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Kim Rivera, a 1984 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, recently achieved a goal she’s been striving for since high school. She is a member of the Rock Hill, S.C., team that won a United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championship. Competing against 16,160 women and 1,131 teams from across the country, they claimed the 55+ 7.0 Women’s Doubles Team title.

Rivera’s team earned its way to the top by winning both the local championship in April and the South Carolina state championship in May. These victories qualified them for the USTA Southern Sectionals in Auburn, Ala., in June, where they played against teams from 13 southern states and claimed the sectional title. The next stop was the USTA National Tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz., (Oct. 31-Nov. 2) along with competitors from 17 states.

In the finals, Rivera’s team secured a victory over Seattle, Wash. The championship was ultimately decided by a 10-point tiebreak played by Rivera and her partner. “Upon winning the USTA national tournament, I was genuinely honored and excited by our team’s achievement,” Rivera reflected. “Securing the South Carolina state title, the Southern sectional title, and the USTA National title is a significant accomplishment, especially at age 63, as it represents the fulfillment of a long-time goal and dream. This success was only possible through teamwork, dedication to preparation and strategy, and consistent effort from all members to perform at their highest level. It truly was the highlight of my tennis career!”

Rivera, who initiated the development of the Gardner-Webb women’s tennis program in 1980, picked up her first tennis racquet 50 years ago because school was out for summer and she was looking for something to do. “We had tennis courts in my neighborhood in Mt. Holly,” Rivera reflected. “A girlfriend and I decided to try playing one day when we were bored and loved it! I played in a local youth tournament and won. I was hooked.”

She loved the game so much that at her Gaston County, N.C., high school, she played on the men’s team, because there wasn’t a women’s team. When she came to Gardner-Webb, she talked to the athletic director at the time, Dan Moore, about starting a women’s team. Soon after, the first GWU women’s tennis team was formed, coached by Pat Wilkinson. They had a winning record all four years that Rivera was at Gardner-Webb.

After college, Rivera continued to play with USTA in Charlotte and won several local tournaments. “I’ve competed on numerous USTA teams and traveled to state tournaments across North Carolina and South Carolina,” she shared. “However, qualifying for this recent national tournament was a first for me; reaching that level is especially challenging because it requires working as part of a team rather than competing individually.”

For the past two years, Rivera has coached the South Point High School girls’ tennis team. “It’s a joy to help young ladies become better players, learn good sportsmanship, and be the best they can be off, and on the court,” she affirmed. “My goal is to motivate future athletes and show them that tennis can be a lifelong fun sport.”

Rivera said there are several reasons why she has continued to play the game and to coach. “It’s excellent exercise, presents both challenges and enjoyment, and I appreciate the camaraderie among the women in the community,” she noted. “I’m also grateful for the good health that allows me to continue competing at a high level.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.