Richmond Hires Billy Boykin As Men?s Tennis Head Coach
7/31/2008 4:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
The University of Richmond announced Thursday the hiring of Billy Boykin as its new men's tennis coach. Boykin, 29, becomes a Spider after a one-year stint as the men's and women's assistant tennis coach at the College of Charleston.
“Coach Boykin has a contagious enthusiasm for coaching on collegiate level and I am confident he has the background, skills and the drive to lead our men's tennis program back to the top of the Atlantic 10,” said LaRee Sugg, assistant athletic director and tennis administrator. “Richmond's commitment to men's tennis continues to be strong and we feel fortunate to have found a person of Billy's character and dedication in our national search.”
While at the College of Charleston, Boykin was involved with all phases of the Cougars' nationally-ranked tennis program. Last season, the women finished with a 23-4 overall record (8-1 in the Southern Conference) and were ranked No. 75 in the ITA national polls, while the men were ranked No. 63. Seven student-athletes were selected to the All-Southern Conference Team in 2007.
Prior to his stint in Charleston, Boykin served for one year as the assistant coach at his alma mater, Davidson College.
“The University of Richmond has a tremendous tradition of academic and athletic success and I'm excited for the opportunity to make my contribution,” said Boykin. “It is clear that Richmond is committed to the growth and development of the student-athlete and an ideal place for me to begin my head-coaching career.”
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Boykin received a B.A. in political science from Davidson in 2001 following a successful collegiate tennis career with the Wildcats. Boykin, who was awarded the school's Dalton McMichael Scholarship for excellence in academics and athletics, served as team captain and went undefeated in his flight during Southern Conference regular-season play in 1999.
He owns an overall collegiate record of 41-30 in singles and 36-18 in doubles, logging time at several positions throughout the singles lineup.
Boykin has previously served as a tennis professional and financial analyst in Charlotte, and spent one summer in Spain teaching English-related business and economics concepts to business professionals.
The Richmond men's tennis team captured four Atlantic 10 Conference team titles between 2002 and 2006 and has had 11 All-Conference selections since joining the league in 2001.
