Gail Charron shows off the poinsettia.
The String of Pearls, from left: Mikie Frampton, Donna Mastrandrea, Barbara Smith, Gail Charron, Tessie Bielsky, Marsha Moreland, Sharon Skowronek, Jan Moore, Nancy Kelbaugh, Ronnie Wolfswinkel. Not pictured: Pam Owen-Early and Anne Kinter.
A strong forehand doesn't dislodge Mikie Frampton's flower.
Ron Cioffi/USTA Southern
Low Country Heritage Inspires Colorful Trademark
Team Wears Flowers In Their Hair
Looking for a way to honor their home state and beloved Low Country roots, the South Carolina (B) women’s 60s 3.0 team decided to wear a special holiday flower in their hair – even on court.
Captain Barbara Smith’s team from Mt. Pleasant adorned their hair with a poinsettia above their left ears. Through their afternoon match Saturday, most of the players were able to keep the bright red flower in their hair.
Jan Moore spoke up to explain how the team selected the holiday flower.
The holiday flower got its name after John Poinsett, the United State’s first ambassador to Mexico, brought the flower back to his native South Carolina. According to the University of Illinois at Urbana’s web site, William Prescott, a historian and horticulturist, named the plant after Poinsett.
“We liked the flower because it’s red, the color of passion. And, we’re very passionate about tennis,” said Moore.
There’s also a Chinese tradition of wearing flowers will give you happiness.
But this team has more up their sleeves – or around their necks – than flowers. For three years, they’ve dubbed themselves as the String of Pearls, said Ronnie Wolfswinkel. “Oh, we decided on that name because we’re very rare. And there was the Low Country connection to oysters and seafood,” she added. Many of the players sport a necklace of the white stones.