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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

My Interview with Florida Women's Coach Roland Thornqvist; Husack Named Alabama Head Coach

Last month I had the opportunity to sit down with Roland Thornqvist, head coach of the University of Florida women to talk about coaching, recruiting and all things college tennis.

These interviews are fascinating for me, and I'm determined to try to do more of them in the future. So far I've done these question and answer sessions with Brian Boland of Virginia, Bryan Shelton of Georgia Tech, Peter Smith of Southern Cal, Manny Diaz of Georgia and now Thornqvist. In every case, I've been struck by the candid and thoughtful responses, and although no two coaches are alike, all share a confidence and awareness that makes these interviews enjoyable and enlightening for me.

The Thornqvist interview is available now at the Tennis Recruiting Network.


It seems as if every day this month there has been big news in the college coaching department, and today was no different, with Southern Cal associate coach George Husack announced as men's head coach at the University of Alabama. Husack, who was with USC three years, takes over for Billy Pate, who left to take the job at Princeton. 

For more on Husack's previous coaching experience, see the complete release.

There are still a few jobs still open, with both Fresno State's men's and women's teams seeking head coaches, along with Georgia Tech women, University of South Florida men, William and Mary women, among others.

I've been spending quite a bit of time on college athletic websites recently with all this activity, and I've run across a few transfer announcements of interest.

Nelson Vick has left Ohio State and will be joining the University of North Carolina.

The University of Michigan has announced the transfer of Vlad Stefan to their school and tennis program. Stefan was a freshman at Maryland last year.  With the Maryland men's program slated for elimination, other players with eligibility remaining are likely to transfer, so more such announcements should be coming in the next few months.

On the women's side, Tulane announced that Clemson's Klara Vyskocilova will transfer in, with two years of eligibility remaining.

And Boise State is adding Sammie Watson, who played one year at the University of Utah.

3 comments:

Austin said...

Alabama upgraded, very good hire. Husack has a lot of work to do, but could have them Top 15 in a few years if he recruits well.

South Florida is a sleeping giant. With the right coach they could become a top power immediately. They need a better facility, but the location is perfect.

How did I not know Maryland was getting cut? Somehow missed that one. Stefan was announced three or four weeks ago, before NCAA's was even over, he must have been looking all spring at new schools.

GoCollege said...

Molly O'Koniewski is transferring form Virginia to Notre Dame after her first year. Unfortunately when the coach signs 3 blue chips with only 2 scholarships available, something has to give.

DJ said...

Great hire by Bama, Husack is a great recruiter and will have the Tide rolling! Watch out SEC