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Boland Bounces

Men’s tennis coach leaves for USTA

Matthew Riley

With tears in his eyes, Virginia men’s tennis coach Brian Boland stood on the Snyder Tennis Center court in April. UVA had just come back to beat ACC rival North Carolina, and the Z Society was paying homage to him following one of his last-ever home matches. “Every so often, we encounter a member of the University staff who pushes our students to fully uphold the virtues of the University of Virginia,” read the letter presented to Boland. “This type of individual is epitomized by Coach Brian Boland.”

In late March, the 44-year-old—arguably the most successful coach in UVA history—resigned to become the head of men’s player development at the United States Tennis Association. “I believe it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Boland said during a press conference. Boland said living closer to family in Florida and a new challenge were the key factors.

In 16 years, Boland took a Virginia program that had won just one NCAA tournament match in its history to a nearly 10-year ACC winning streak, six ITA National Team Indoor titles and three NCAA championships. Only former men’s soccer coach Bruce Arena, with five championships, won more NCAA crowns at UVA than did Boland. At press time, Virginia was gunning for its fourth NCAA title in the last five years. “I think this will motivate us even more to compete as hard as we possibly can to send Brian out on the right note,” said Virginia fourth-year Luca Corinteli (Col ’17).

UVA Athletic Director Craig Littlepage says he has no time frame for finding Boland’s successor.