What a treat to stop by my old stomping grounds of the University of Florida to speak with my former coach Roland Thornqvist! As a Swede who played Division I college tennis before becoming a DI coach, Roland has great insight for Scandinavian tennis players about the benefits of playing in college, especially if they have professional aspirations.
Thornqvist has created a very successful program at UF: he has led the team to four National Championships, 11 SEC regular-season titles, and 10 SEC Tournament crowns. Individually, Thornqvist has been honored as the ITA National Coach of the Year (2011), the ITA Southeast Region Coach of the Year (2010 & 2012), and the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year (2004, 2006, 2010, 2013 & 2016).
Roland was instrumental in facilitating my success as a student athlete and professional player, and has been an incredible mentor and friend since then. :) Thank you, Roland, for taking the time to chat with me!