In a storied career spanning over two decades, legendary tennis coach Roland Thornqvist has announced his retirement from the University of Florida’s women’s tennis program. The 54-year-old Swedish native leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled success, boasting an impressive 507-107 record at Florida and a cumulative 582-157 mark throughout his career.
During his 23-year tenure, Thornqvist guided the Gators to four NCAA championships (2003, 2011, 2012, and 2017) and 11 Southeastern Conference titles. His teams consistently performed at a high level, finishing each season with a winning record and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Thornqvist’s impact extended beyond the court, as he mentored numerous talented players who went on to achieve great success. Notable alumni include Lauren Embree, Jessica Lehnhoff, Alexis Gordon, Allie Will, Brooke Austin, and McCartney Kessler, all of whom earned SEC Player of the Year honors under his guidance.
As the university begins its search for Thornqvist’s successor, associate head coach Jeremy Bayon will assume interim head coaching duties. While Thornqvist’s retirement marks the end of an era, his contributions to the world of college tennis will be remembered for years to come. As he departs, he leaves behind a proud declaration: “Today is certainly bittersweet, but I will forever be a Florida Gator.”
Leave a Reply