(Back) Burton Fowles Jr., Joey Britt, Christy Fowles Britt, Burt Fowles, (front) Chris Britt, Morgan Britt, Brandon Britt, Carol Fowles, and Will Fowles comprise South Carolina’s Tennis Family of the Year.

Having nine members actively participating in the US Tennis Association (USTA) has helped earn the Fowles and Britt family of Columbia the Southern Section 2005 Family of the Year award.

The family, whose members are involved in a broad variety of tennis– related activities, learned of their statewide honor recently at an event on Hilton Head Island. They go to Atlanta January 21 to accept the award and to be considered for a regional title.

Burt and Carol Fowles took up tennis in 1976 after having three children and continue to be involved in all aspects of tennis.

Burt played tournaments and became involved in league tennis 25 years ago. His passion for the game of tennis and the USTA tennis league led him to the role of local league coordinator of the Columbia Tennis League in 1986.

Carol played tournaments and league tennis before becoming a national referee. She has been the referee for state and junior tournaments, Southern Senior Cup, National Women’s Grass Court, and Southern Closed Championships.

The first office for the South Carolina Tennis Association was in the Fowles’ home, and Carol was the first executive director. Carol also coaches the Hammond School Boys’ and Girls’ varsity tennis teams.

Burt and Carol have two sons and one daughter. Burton Jr. and Will both played tennis as juniors and currently play league tennis.

Christy played tennis as a junior, earning a #1 ranking in the 12s. She played #1 for her high school starting in the 7th grade. Currently, she teaches tennis lessons, coordinates and coaches in the Columbia Tennis League’s USTA Kids Program, is level coordinator for the adult league, and is the South Carolina Junior Endorser.

Additionally, she is a USTA/South Carolina Community Development committee member and writes a tennis column for The State newspaper. She plays on many adult league teams.

Christy’s husband, Joey, also enjoys playing league tennis and tournaments. Joey and Christy have three children. Chris is 16 and has played #1 for his high school tennis team. He was named Most Improved Player in 2003 by the South Carolina Tennis Association, won Belton Qualifying and State Jr. Closed in the 14s, won Belton Qualifying and State Jr. Closed tournament this year in the 16s, is currently ranked #1 in the boys’ 16s, and has been named South Carolina Junior Boy Player of the Year.

Brandon, 13, and Morgan, 11, both play in the Columbia Tennis League’s kids’ league.

The award the Fowles-Britt family has received is known as the Mickey McNulty Family of the Year award. In USTA circles it is quite an impressive accomplishment.