Charlotte 49ers head men’s tennis coach Jim Boykin, the program’s all-time leader in career victories, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
“Coach Boykin has been so important to the development of our tennis program,” said 49ers athletics director Judy Rose. “He is the ultimate teacher who made his players better. He is well respected by so many. He was instrumental in helping us move forward in building a new tennis facility. We owe a lot to Coach Jim Boykin.”
Boykin, who is one of the longest tenured coaches in any sport in 49ers history, finished his career with 200 wins in 17 seasons at the helm of the men’s tennis program. During his tenure at Charlotte, the 49ers recorded double-figure wins 13 times, finished among the top five teams in the conference six times, won their first league title and reached their first NCAA Tournament.
“It was just my time to retire,” said Boykin. “I appreciate Judy Rose giving me the opportunity to coach here and the direction as she allowed our program to move towards, including (the upcoming construction of) a new facility,” said Boykin. “I have had a great time being the coach here at UNC Charlotte."
Under Boykin, the 49ers have had 12 different players earn all-conference honors including two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Roy Sichel. In 2007, the 49ers captured the A-10 title, which was the school’s first-ever league title, and advanced to the program’s first NCAA tournament. Boykin earned A-10 Coach of the Year honors that season.
“When I was 15 years old, I saw myself being a coach,” said Boykin. “I always said I wanted to do something I liked and that’s what I found in coaching. I will continue to follow the program because the good guys they have coming back will continue towards graduation."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Longtime 49ers tennis coach Jim Boykin retires
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2 comments:
Coach Boykin is a class act that will be missed by all 49er fans.
God bless you Coach Boykin. You were an inspiration to me. I remember when we hired and we couldn't afford to pay you a fraction of your worth, yet you gave every ounce of everything you had until this day. You are among the Top 5 coaches in our history all-time: (1) Mullins for impact on everything; (2) Kohlenstein for his success in a sport that was starved for it and he snatched it right out from the ACC; (3) Lee Rose for doing everything no one expected, except him; (4) YOU, for continued success despite obstacles with facilities and teeny budgets; (5) Bob Oleson -- he's just a freak and his athletes perform in amazing numbers! And, Lutz and Hibbs aren't far behind.
Much respect coach. Please make sure your Bear Bryant hat gets put in Tom Whitestone's tropy time capsule...
Your friend, always,
Mark Colone
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