The love of Lee University Athletics runs deep in the Hardin and Award Realty family. Floyd and Genelle Hardin, the founders of Award Realty the Hardin Company, could be seen on any given game day cheering on the Vikings and then later the Flames. Their passion to support the Lee Athletics was more than just an opportunity to advertise for their business.
 
The Flames were family. Jack Souther, the former women's basketball coach and Flames golf coach, is the father-in-law of Floyd and Genelle's son Allan. Larry Carpenter, Flames Athletic Director and former men's basketball coach is married to Floyd's niece. Their son-in-law, Dennis Botts, and grandson Ben Sweeney played basketball for Lee. Three of their children attended Lee University along with several grandchildren.
 
The tradition has stayed strong over the years. Although Floyd is no longer with us, but on occasions, you may still catch Genelle in the stands eating her popcorn and cheering for the Flames. In 2008, Floyd and Genelle's daughter and son-in-law, Marcia, and Dennis Botts, took the reign and continued to support the Flames through the family business.
 
Through a generous gift from Award Realty and the estate of Floyd and Genelle Hardin, the Lee University Lady Flames basketball locker room was renovated. Supporting Flames Athletics will continue to be a tradition for Award Realty.
 
Coach Marty Rowe thanks Hardin family for support
"We are so grateful for supporters like the Hardin family who care deeply about not only our program but Lee Athletics in general. When Marcia (Botts) approached me about the family's interest in helping women's basketball with this generous gift, we were obviously excited and humbled at the same time."

Our locker room is now a space that our players and alumni can take great pride in. Our players love it, recruits love it and honestly it has just added to the overall perception of our basketball program. I will never be able to thank Marcia, Alan, and the rest of the Hardin family enough for all the support they have shown me personally over the years. It is just a blessing to know that we have people that genuinely care about our group and what we're trying to do here at Lee."