Louise Fulton - Professional Women’s Bowling Association

Louise Fulton was a giant among bowlers who defined the sport’s best qualities and broke down social barriers as she advanced.

The first African-American woman to win a professional bowling championship, Fulton was posthumously elected to the International Women's Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in 2000. She was the first African-American to receive the honor and one of only six to be inducted.

A native of Kingstree, South Carolina, Fulton didn’t take up bowling until well into her adult life in Pennsylvania. She joined the Professional Women’s Bowling Association in the 1960s after its inception. Fulton’s first and only tour win came at the 1964 Princeton Open. Still, she managed a career high average of 194 with a personal best game of 279 and high series of 741.

Fulton was inducted into the National Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the Western Pennsylvania State Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, she didn’t live to see her induction into the Women’s International Bowling Conference Hall of Fame. Fulton died of cancer in 1988.

She is remembered still as a top competitor who broke down barriers for African-Americans.