The University of Virginia community lost a legend this week when Terry Holland, long-time basketball coach and athletics director, passed away at 80 years old. During his tenure, he won 326 games and led the Hoos to two Final Fours and two Elite Eights.
The news led to an outpouring of tributes around the college basketball world. That included current Cavalier coach Tony Bennett, who captured what many remember about Coach Holland – his kindness and gentlemanly nature.
“He put this place, at least from my upbringing, on the map.”
Tony Bennett on the passing of legendary UVA basketball coach Terry Holland: https://t.co/ZdEGGQBkjd pic.twitter.com/DpWk2nhMz5
— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) February 27, 2023
Other tributes covered social media. Among them: current UVA radio commentator and former player Jimmy Miller, former player and college coach Bryant Stith, and television analysts Seth Greenberg and Dan Bonner.
Coach Terry Holland changed the trajectory of my life. He was a great coach and mentor…an even better husband and father. My heart ❤️ goes out to his amazing wife, Ann, of 56 years, and two terrific daughters Kate and Ann-Michael and their families. pic.twitter.com/5t6RYMqknc
— Jimmy Miller (@JimmyMagicno4) February 27, 2023
I am by the passing of my coach, my mentor, and my friend. I am a better person because a man from Clinton, NC saw something in a kid from Freeman, VA. I hope people truly appreciate your legacy. Your heavenly wings are awaiting you…R.I.P. Coach pic.twitter.com/mVehr7QSUq
— Bryant Stith (@BLS_swish20) February 27, 2023
Remembering Terry Holland. He was more than a basketball coach.
My heart goes out to his wife Ann, daughters Ann-Michael and Kate and all those who knew Coach Holland. RIP Big Whistle. pic.twitter.com/lbRApcTOfj
— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) March 1, 2023
A wonderful tribute to @VirginiaSports legend Terry Holland just now during @accnetwork‘s #CLEMvsUVA telecast – and fitting that @UVAMensHoops alum Dan Bonner (’72-75) voices the piece, including the final “Love ya, Coach.” pic.twitter.com/EJGzQpGmfJ
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) March 1, 2023
UVA fans shared some of their memories on TheSabre.com message boards as well. Here are some of the tributes for Coach Holland. Many of these spun off into full threads honoring Coach Holland.
- The first time I saw Terry Holand was my first year when he brought his Davidson team into UHall. ~ Roanoke Rich
- 2 Terry Holland stories. ~ HoosYourDaddy003
- Memories of Coach Holland. ~ SouthPoleElf
- Another memory: how Holland help me with perspective (Calmness). ~ CalmHoo
- Back in 1998, I met Terry Holland at an alumni breakfast when I dropped off my eldest son for his first year at UVA. ~ Williamsburg Wahoo
- My Unique Experience with Coach Holland. ~ HooToTheCore1951
- I had a couple of interactions with Coach Holland. ~ LTHoo
- If I may add a later era one:Terry is at ECU, and in charge of new faculty convocation. My daughter, a UVa grad, is joining the faculty, and introduces herself to him beforehand. ~ corkydoggy
- Sorry to pile on with recycled thoughts of Coach Holland, but here are mine. ~ UVaFan
- Funny Terry Holland story excerpted from an article on Food Lion’s Tom Smith who bore an uncanny resemblance to Terry. ~ WanderingHoo
- I have a thought about how Holland helped change the culture at UVA. ~ Hoos in da house
Fan(s) Of The Week
Good times at John Paul Jones Arena.
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Vander Plas Rules.
Feature Photo Of The Week
Armaan Franklin is Virginia’s leading scorer at 12.4 points per game with one game remaining in the regular season.
