Reynolds steps down as Family Circle Cup director

Fresh from directing probably one of the most successful Family Circle Cups held on Daniel Island, Robin Reynolds told The Post and Courier on Thursday that she is stepping down as the tournament director for the Tier I $1.34 million women's tennis tournament, effective at the end of May.

This wasn't a sudden decision for Reynolds, a 49-year-old who also will vacate the position of facility director for Family Circle Tennis Center. She said she informed her staff of her impending departure about three months ago, or before the stretch run leading up to the Family Circle Cup's 35th anniversary celebration and exciting appearances by Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams that ended with Williams winning the tournament on April 20.

"I didn't want anything to take away from this event," she said.

Reynolds plans to go into private business and start her own company.

"I'm really excited about this new venture. I hope it will involve tennis in some way, and I hope it will involve other sports too," Reynolds said, but hesitated to reveal more details about the business.

She first started working with the Family Circle Cup in 1993 as a consultant after serving nearly a decade with the WTA Tour. She became the tournament's full-time publicity director in 2003, two years after the Family Circle Cup moved from Hilton Head Island to Daniel Island. She moved into her current positions before the 2006 event after the departure of then executive director Frankie Whelan. His duties were split between Reynolds and Bob Moran, who currently serves as general manager of the facility.

"I'm sure that under Bob's leadership, the venue will become bigger and better, and the event (Family Circle Cup) will become bigger and better," Reynolds said."I think this is an incredible event. This Family Circle Cup was very special to me. It's been an honor for me to work at such a great facility ... one of the best in the country. With the globalization of women's tennis ... everyone in Charleston should be proud to have one of the 20 Premier events.

"The Roadmap starts in 2009, but there's still a lot of elements that need to be finalized."

She said the tentative dates for next year's Cup are about the same as this year's, but they will not be confirmed until Wimbledon.

"I've been incredibly lucky to have been in this business for 20 years," she said. "I wouldn't have changed one thing. It gave me such a rich experience. I got to travel all over the world while working for the WTA Tour ... but the Family Circle Cup will always be a part of me. I'm looking forward to coming back as a fan."

Reach James Beck at 937-5540 or jdbeck@postandcourier.com.