Virginia tennis player Brian Vahaly was already the Cavaliers' all-time winningest tennis player and a two-time All-American and ACC Player of the Year prior to the 2001 NCAA Individual Championships in Athens, Ga. But that didn't stop him from advancing to the finals and making the deepest run into the tournament by any Virginia player ever.
Although he fell to third-seeded Matias Boeker from Georgia, 6-2, 6-4, on May 28 in the title game, Vahaly's performance at the championships ended his senior season with a 40-6 overall record, and his four-year career record stands at an impressive 106-29.
Vahaly's success was no surprise to former Virginia tennis coach Dick Stockton, who coached Vahaly for three years before resigning two weeks ago.
"I always knew Brian had the potential to be NCAA champion," Stockton said. "There was never any doubt in my mind that he was good enough to do it, and he almost did. Everyone should be proud of his career and how it ended."
Vahaly's 40 victories established the single-season record for number of victories as a Cavalier and gave him a place on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's All-America Team for the third time. Vahaly also finished the year with a national top five singles ranking.
"It's such an honor," Vahaly said. "This has definitely been a great year for me."
Vahaly, who played at No. 1 singles for the Cavaliers throughout most of his career, led Virginia to its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA tournament this past season. The Cavaliers lost to Southern California in the first round and finished with a team record of 14-8.
In addition to singles, Vahaly also had a successful career in doubles with senior Huntley Montgomery. The duo finished with a 34-8 overall record in 2001 and advanced to the semifinals in the doubles competition of the Championships.
For Vahaly, who grew up in Atlanta, the championships were a perfect finale. He was able to play in his home state and received support from his family and close friends from the University.
"I can't think of a better way to end my collegiate career but to play for a national championship," Vahaly said. "It was incredible - reporters everywhere, 6,000 fans watching the matches and playing only an hour away from my home."
Now, two and a half weeks later, Vahaly is launching his professional tennis career. He has signed with SFX Sports Group sports agency, which is working on getting endorsements and helping Vahaly prepare a schedule.
Vahaly is in Canada at the moment, where he is competing in various professional tournaments.
Read More
Virginia gets second Notre Dame rematch in a dynamic ACC Tournament bout Friday
By Michael Liebermann | 6 hours agoThe Cavaliers will get a shot at redemption against a vaunted ACC foe, in a game with serious postseason seeding implications.
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
Virginia schools can pay players through NIL, but the University should proceed with caution
By Emory Huffman | 2 days agoGiven the unique academic and athletic opportunities Virginia is able to offer its athletes, it is not shocking that Virginia has been resistant to extravagant, NIL-induced changes.
