She was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Arlington, Virginia at the age of 13.

During her playing career she lived in New York City and since 1968 in Miami, Florida.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary, she won her first national junior title at age 15.

She captured the singles title at the second national collegiate tournament for women in 1959.

Fales won the U.S. Clay Court singles title in 1962, and was the U.S. mixed doubles champion in 1966.