Cavs ink Boland to deal

It’s been no secret that Virginia men’s tennis coach Brian Boland has been one of the most successful young coaches on the national — and even international — college tennis scene over the last few years.

On Wednesday, Boland’s employer acknowledged that fact when it rewarded the 36-year-old with a new five-year contract. In doing so, Boland was kept off the free-agent market, where he reportedly had a number of admirers.

“There is no place that I’d rather be than at the University of Virginia,” Boland told The Daily Progress. “My family and I are thrilled to spend many years to come in Charlottesville and at the University of Virginia. We couldn’t be more excited.

“I really appreciate [UVa Athletic Director] Craig Littlepage and his staff for their professionalism and commitment to our program.”

When Boland left Indiana State (his alma mater) for Virginia in 2002, UVa had not finished higher than third in the ACC in nearly a quarter-century.

Three years later, behind a recruiting class that included Doug Stewart and Rylan Rizza, Virginia finished first in the ACC — a feat no Wahoo squad had ever accomplished.

This past season, Boland’s team won its fifth straight league crown and reached the NCAA Tournament Final Four for the second straight year.

“I think when you sign a contract like I have, you have to pay homage to the players who have given so much of their energy and time over the past seven years,” Boland said. “I’m extremely grateful to all their hard work and dedication.”

Littlepage is certainly glad he’ll have Boland — named ITA Coach of the Year this past season — locked up through 2013.

“In seven years we’ve seen our men’s tennis program move from the bottom of the ACC standings to the top of the national rankings,” said Littlepage in a press release. “Brian Boland is responsible for the growth and success in our program. He’s been a coach, a mentor, a colleague, and a leader in the tennis community. I look forward to our success at the conference and national levels continuing for years to come.”

In the last five years, Virginia has posted a gaudy 137-21 record, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament every year.

In 2006, the program received a major boost with the addition of a new $7.5 million indoor facility at the Boar’s Head Sports Club that was made possible by Dave Matthews Band violinist Boyd Tinsley.

This season, UVa firmly established a home-court advantage, leading the nation in attendance

“I always believed that the University of Virginia had the potential to be the best tennis program in the country, year in and year out,” said Boland, who, during his tenure, has graduated 100 percent of his players who have extended their scholarships. “I believe it’s one of those schools that can really provide a student-athlete the best of all worlds.

“I’m not surprised that we’ve had the success we’ve had, but there’s been a lot of hard work and commitment from so many people over the years.”

Boland will have his work cut out this season — he loses two-time NCAA champion Somdev Devvarman, among others.

“Our goal is to continue to compete at the highest level and produce a program year in and year out that we can all be proud of,” he said. “We believe we can pick up where we left off. Certainly we lost some key players, but we’re also really excited about the nucleus of young players we have. I believe it will be a really exciting year for Cavalier fans.”