The South Carolina Tennis Foundation is proud to announce Hayley Carter and Ben Cook as the newest members of the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame.
Carter and Cook will become the Hall of Fame’s 82nd and 83rd inductees, joining an esteemed group of players, coaches, professionals, volunteers and leaders whose accomplishments have helped shape tennis across South Carolina.
The two will be formally inducted during the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia.
“Hayley and Ben have each made an extraordinary and lasting impact on tennis in South Carolina,” said Amy Franklin, Executive Director of the South Carolina Tennis Foundation. “Their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to the game represent the very best of our state’s tennis community. We look forward to celebrating them and welcoming them into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame.”
Hayley Carter
Hayley Carter’s remarkable tennis journey began on the courts of South Carolina, where her talent, determination and love of the game were evident from an early age.
As a junior player, Carter compiled an exceptional record that included 14 South Carolina state championships and 16 Palmetto Championships titles. She was named USTA South Carolina Player of the Year in both 2007 and 2009 and received the Wilton McKinney Award in 2012.
Carter continued her career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she became one of the most accomplished players in collegiate tennis history. She earned seven Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-America honors, reached the No. 1 national ranking in both singles and doubles and became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leader in women’s tennis singles victories.
Following her collegiate career, Carter competed professionally and rose as high as No. 25 in the world in doubles.
Beyond her impressive record, Carter is admired for the humility, kindness and sportsmanship she has demonstrated throughout her career. Her accomplishments have inspired young players throughout South Carolina and brought tremendous pride to the state’s tennis community.
Ben Cook
A native of Kershaw, Ben Cook has spent a lifetime competing, teaching, leading and giving back to tennis in South Carolina.
As a junior player, Cook represented the Southern Section in Junior Davis Cup competition and captured the Boys’ 18s title at the Palmetto Championships. He went on to become a four-year letterman at the University of South Carolina, where he served as team captain and was named the Gamecocks’ Most Valuable Player.
Cook’s competitive accomplishments continued well beyond his collegiate career. His titles include the 1998 South Carolina Men’s Open singles and doubles championships, the 2005 USTA South Carolina Men’s Player of the Year award, the 2005 USTA Southern Men’s 30s singles and doubles championships and the 2019 USTA National 40s Clay Court Mixed Doubles Championship.
Throughout his career, Cook has also played an important role in developing players and strengthening tennis communities across the state. His professional leadership has included positions at Woodside Plantation in Aiken and the Daniel Island Club in Charleston.
In recognition of his lifelong connection to his hometown and his contributions to the sport, the tennis facility in Kershaw was named in his honor in 2024.
Cook’s influence can be seen not only in his competitive achievements, but also in the generations of players, families and tennis professionals he has encouraged throughout his career.
Celebrating Two Outstanding Careers
Although Carter and Cook followed different paths through the sport, both have represented South Carolina tennis with distinction. Their achievements as players, their commitment to excellence and their positive influence on others have left a lasting legacy.
The 2026 South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame celebration will take place in conjunction with the USTA South Carolina Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 14.
The Hall of Fame Reception will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton Columbia Center.
Additional information regarding tickets and Hall of Fame Weekend activities will be announced by the South Carolina Tennis Foundation.
The South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame is located in Belton and is operated by the South Carolina Tennis Foundation. The Hall of Fame preserves and celebrates the history of tennis in South Carolina while recognizing those whose achievements and service have made a significant and lasting contribution to the game.
