OUR TEAM
SANDY FRANZ
Tournament Director
Sandy is a sport-loving German native. He first came to the U.S. to play NCAA Division I College Tennis at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After graduating, he then headed back overseas to London to obtain a Master's degree in Sport Management. His passion and education led him to became a sports recruiter and has since represented over 350 tennis players from all around the world to pursue a college tennis career in the U.S. That's not all, Sandy also organizes the most recognized college tennis showcase {a UTR event}, in Germany each Summer with over 130 participating players and 45 U.S. college coaches in attendance.
He didn't stop there as he created CTC to spread his passion of tennis and events with each of you in his new hometown of Charleston!
"Carpe Diem! Seize each moment on and off the court!"
- Sandy
KELLY FRANZ
Creative Director
Kelly is from New Jersey, but her wanderlust heart led her study abroad in Australia during her undergraduate college days then over to London to pursue a graduate degree in Event Marketing Management. After graduation, she moved back across the pond to NYC, where she spent the next years working in the Events Industry. During that time, her passion of photography began to take over, and once deciding to call Charleston her home with her husband (see above) & pup (see below!), she created her own photography brand and online shop.
Now, she's also able to combine her love of events and photography and share those with the CTC community!
"Live each day like you're stepping out on the court for the first time. Be energetic, be optimistic & set expectations to achieve your very best."
-- Kelly
KIMBERLEY MEREE
Tournament Manager
Kimberley, who goes by Kimmy, is from Germany but holds a dual citizenship with England, as her mother was born and raised there. Kimmy came to Charleston in 2015 on a tennis scholarship to Charleston Southern University. Fun fact: Sandy actually recruited her in Germany to come to Charleston. During her sophomore year she met her husband and later on decided to stay in the US. After she graduated from CSU, she worked with autistic kids and coached tennis at Creekside. Unfortunately, her work visa ran out and it took six months to get the renewal. She then started a job as an academic advisor at CSU and also started working for a realtor in Charleston. Kimmy thoroughly enjoys helping Sandy with the tournaments and to see all the kids play the sport she loved and competed in for 18 years!
She, her husband, and their beautiful golden-doodle are expecting to add a baby to their family later this year!
"Be competitive but also enjoy making fun memories while playing the sport you love."
- Kimmy
LONDON
Mascot