Coach Brian Boland is a proven evaluator of talent and potential, and a developer of that talent to its' maximum level of performance. He has been one of the most successful tennis coaches in NCAA history... Such a resume of sustained success is more than enough to gain anyone's admiration, but I saw first hand how Brian accomplished so much, as I was the head football coach at the University of Virginia while Brian was the head tennis coach. We shared many conversations about various aspects of the training and motivation of athletes that bring out the very best in each individual player. college tennis is unique in that it is both an individual and a team sport. The team success is a result of individual not team play. Championships are won by teams, yet the points are all scored in singles competition. In a very real way each match requires very specific strategy and mental preparation. I attended many of the team's matches and marveled at how Brian kept track of each of six matches at once and skillfully provided needed tactical adjustments, fundamental advice and needed motivation to each player. Successful coaching of every sport involves a myriad of tasks-organization, planning and preparation, fundamental training and strategy, at the heart of it all is the player-coach relationship, and that relationships built on mutual trust and respect. And therein is the secret of Brian' success: his his commitment to the welfare and success of each player builds a genuine partnership between the two. When Brian came to Virginia there was very little administration support and fan interest. He built a college tennis dynasty through his relentless work ethic and love of tennis, competition and his players. Any young player will benefit from his direction and mentorship.