The world of college tennis is mourning the loss of one of its most esteemed members, Dave Borelli. Dave was not just a coach, but a mentor, a friend, and a role model to countless athletes during his illustrious career. Dave’s passing has left a void in the tennis community that can never be filled.
This article serves as an ode to Dave’s life and his incredibly lasting legacy. We’ll be looking back at his wonderful contributions to the sport and his unforgettable impact on countless lives. Keep reading more.
Who was Dave Borelli?
Dave Borelli was an incredibly brilliant and vivacious coach who stood tall and handsome, commanding presence on any court he stepped on. He was a beloved figure among his colleagues and peers, who knew him for his positivity and kindness that knew no bounds. As a coach, he was instrumental in guiding young athletes towards reaching their full potential. He was a friend to his players and took the time to support and mentor them not only on the court but also in life. He was the kind of coach who gave tough love when it was needed but always had his players’ best interests at heart.
Dave Borelli’s Impact on College Tennis:
Describing Dave Borelli’s impact on college tennis as significant would be an understatement. Throughout his illustrious career, he played an instrumental role in shaping the sport and mentoring young athletes to reach their full potential. As a coach, mentor, and friend, Dave left an indelible mark on the lives of countless players, instilling in them not only a passion for the game but also invaluable life lessons.
Beyond being a Coach: A True Friend and Mentor
Dave Borelli transcended the role of a typical coach; he became a genuine friend to many. His innate kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone he encountered. He made time for personal conversations, offering guidance and support both on the tennis court and in life. Dave’s willingness to lend an ear and share his wisdom forged bonds that extended far beyond the confines of the tennis court.
Karen Reiss Duncan
RIP Davo! Gone way too soon! your legacy will always live on! We will never forget you. You touched so many lives in such a positive way! those that knew you loved you! The last message I had from you was you wanted to call me because you needed some advice! 😢🙏💔
Honoring Dave Borelli’s Legacy
As we bid our final farewell to Dave Borelli, let us cherish the joy and inspiration he brought to the world of college tennis. His legacy will continue to motivate future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the court. While we mourn his loss, we find comfort in knowing that his influence will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all those he touched.
Riki Ellison
Greatness is Greatness and Dave Borelli is Greatness- met him my freshman year at USC with a lot of his great elite athletes Lucy, Anna Maria, Anne … as he was at the prime of USC when USC was at the prime in all sports.
He spent 14 seasons (1974, 1976-88) at USC, where his teams earned seven national titles, three runner-up finishes and 10 conference championships. During his time in Los Angeles, he coached five individuals to national collegiate singles titles and two doubles teams to collegiate championships. In total, 25 different players earned 56 All-America honors.Following the 1981 season, he was named the NCAA National Collegiate Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 33-1 overall record and a third-place national finish. In 1983, he became the youngest coach to win an NCAA women’s tennis title at the age of 32 when the Women of Troy finished with a 33-0 record.
Dave Borelli Obituary
Dave Borelli was a true legend of college tennis who inspired and supported countless young athletes throughout his career. His incredible dedication to the sport and his players is a testament to the kind of person he was. His memory lives on, and his impact on the tennis community will be forever celebrated. Rest in peace, Dave Borelli. You will be missed.
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Kathy McGarrigle
I am saddened to hear of the passing of the great USC women’s Tennis Coach, Dave Borelli. There is so much I owe to him and really never told him:he is why I became a coach. I recall his attention to the game, inclusivity for us all, patience, camaraderie, hard work, truthtelling and FUN as he encouraged and welcomed me as a walk-on athlete to a team for which I had NO PEDIGREE to be with; he gave me so much.
I played 4 different varsity sports in high school and I had only been playing tennis 3 ½ years when I entered USC at 17. A nervous wreck, I didnt think I had any shot of ever making the USC TENNIS team. Dave worked with me my freshman year and advised me to redshirt and develop my game , he continued to work with me but also recommended someone to help me. All this while that season’s team was dominating and would win the NCAAs.
I earned a spot the next year, and while I would never be a dominating force in college tennis, it didnt matter. The experience with such a great group of women was amazing. Dave Borelli taught us so much about the strength of a team, the will to work hard and win, teambuilding, giving back, nicknames, leaving it all on the court AND getting the most out of yourself, because you always had more in there. He would later invite starving student-me to coach tennis camps in the summer and continued to mentor me to teach and coach. That experience led me to 35 years in coaching (10 in tennis, 25 years in ice hockey – the next sport I took up & loved). We never crossed paths again as my journey took a path thru ice hockey but, until today I just figured I would still have the chance to re-unite and talk about it. I missed that chance but, his influence will always be with me.
