Roland Thornqvist, a long-time coach of Florida women’s tennis, announced his retirement on Monday. He had over 500 victories and four national titles during his tenure. The 54-year-old Thornqvist guided the Gators to NCAA titles in 2003, 2011, 2012, and 2017. He finished each of his 23 seasons with a winning record, a spot in the NCAA tournament, and 11 Southeastern Conference championships.
“I will always be a Florida Gator, even though today is bittersweet,” Thornqvist, who previously led the team to two national runner-up finishes, remarked. Also read: Davis Cup Final: Italy to face Argentina
Roland Thornqvist, a Stockholm, Sweden native, arrived in Florida in June 2001 after serving as a coach at Kansas (1996–98) and North Carolina (1998–2001). With a 507-107 record at Florida and a 582-157 lifetime total, he concludes his coaching career.
He guided Lauren Embree, Jessica Lehnhoff, Allie Will, Brooke Austin, Alexis Gordon, McCartney Kessler, and Allie Will to SEC Player of the Year titles at Florida. While Florida authorities look for Thornqvist’s replacement, associate head coach Jeremy Bayon will assume the role of interim head coach. Also read: Who is Denis Shapovalov Girlfriend? Know all about Mirjam Bjorklund