Charles S. Garland | 100 Years of Middle States History

USTA Middle States’ First President

In 1924, Charles Steadman Garland became USTA Middle States’ first President. Though a historical honor, it was far from his only tennis accomplishment. 

Born October 29, 1898 in Pittsburgh, Pa., Garland garnered early success on the tennis court. At the age of 17, Garland was the United States’ junior singles tennis champion and went on to play collegiate tennis at Yale University, eventually earning the role of captain for the Bulldogs.

He dedicated his early life and career to tennis. Described by those close to him as “the most  balanced person,” his tennis playing style mirrored that. Garland’s steady consistency and accuracy on the court led him to the Wimbledon Singles Semifinals in 1919 and 1920. In 1919, Garland and John Cannon reached the Wimbledon Quarterfinals and in 1920, Garland and Harvard’s Richard N. Williams II won the Wimbledon doubles title, proving great things can happen when you put aside an Ivy League rivalry. 

Garland went on to play Davis Cup for the United States and later served as a non-playing captain of the team. 

As his tennis playing days were coming to an end, Garland focused his knowledge and love of the game toward influencing the game behind the scenes. He became a well-known member of numerous United States National Lawn and Tennis Committees, as well as the Davis Cup Committee. This eventually led him to his inaugural role as the President of Middle States. In this role, he combined his passion for the game with his career as an investment banker.

As we celebrate Middle States’ 100 year anniversary in 2024, Middle States is paying tribute to the past by recognizing some of the trailblazers from our section.

Learn more about the Middle States 100 Year Anniversary — and how you can be involved — by clicking here.