North Charleston proclaims National Tennis Month while hosting diversity and youth
The tight-knit community of North Charleston, S.C., has been brought even closer thanks to the sport of tennis and passionate volunteers who will not let anything stand in the way when it comes to organizing tennis events in the Lowcountry.
Even the recent passing of teacher and tennis organizer John Farrelly couldn't stop the momentum. In 2019, Farrelly won the USTA Southern Diversity, Outreach & Inclusion Champion award for his work teaching tennis in local schools.
In 2025, the Lowcountry Youth Tennis Association (LYTA) didn't miss a beat with 30-60 kids attending each clinic, with many moving on to summer camps and team play.
Meg Farrelly, wife of John and LCTA Match Coordinator, kept things together for National Tennis Month.
North Charleston, Mayor Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess presented an official proclamation recognizing May as National Tennis Month.
"Charleston won ‘Best Tennis Town’ and we take that seriously. Jonathan Barth from Kiawah Island Golf Club – a USTA Southern volunteer and noted tennis professional - came in for the last three weeks. Over the years, we've had over 1,600 kids participate from mostly Title 1 schools. This gives kids a chance!"
Meg Farrelly is also a well-respected tennis official and referee who has worked at numerous professional and USTA Pro Circuit events. She was named the 2021 USTA Southern Mac Macdougal Tennis Official of the Year.
Mayor proclaims NTM
Reggie Burgess, Mayor of the City of North Charleston, came out to the courts at Dunston Elementary School to show his city’s support. Even though Burgess wasn't what he would call a tennis player growing up, he would sometimes go out and hit with some of the local players. On May 1 at Dunston Elementary, the mayor unveiled the city proclamation for National Tennis Month.
April Gift, USTA South Carolina Manager - Program Development, said there have been many highlights over the years when it comes to the program at Dunston and throughout North Charleston.
She mentioned the ability to attract Hispanic students with the outreach that included an interpreter at the clinics, partnering with the Third Serve Foundation in Charleston, which puts a premium on academics being equally important to athletic performance. Additionally, in 2023, the current Australian Open women’s singles champion Madison Keys ran a clinic and donated windscreens for the courts.
Red Ball Tennis player slams a forehand. Below, Reggie Burgess, Mayor of the City of North Charleston, proclaims National Tennis Month. with USTA South Carolina's April Gift at left.
The LYTA has remained in contact with Madison Keys' Foundation and volunteers make sure the windscreens are put up correctly each year. This year, new net straps were donated, and a USTA Southern Tennis Pantry was installed to offer free racquets and balls to new players.
Volunteers needs, especially translators
Gift says there is always a need for more volunteers and teachers, especially those who can serve as translators.
"We call it Red Ball for All," stated Farrelly. "It's about putting quality in the kid's life and tennis can be a big part of it. Once a kid plays tennis, they always come back."
Fall planning is underway, and Farrelly says a new teacher is already on board for next school year.
"What's important is this has been so family oriented and getting the adults out there with the kids," offered Gift. "We are all working together to make tennis more accessible and affordable for communities like North Charleston."
Related Articles
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
