Joby Foley: A Tennis Legend’s Legacy Lives On
A Luminary Among Mountaineers
In the annals of West Virginia University sports history, Joby Foley’s name shines brightly. A three-time All-American men’s tennis player and WVU Sports Hall of Famer, Foley’s exceptional talent and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the program. His sudden passing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a profound loss for the Mountaineer community and the world of collegiate tennis.
Dominance Defined
Foley’s collegiate career was a symphony of dominance. During his illustrious four-year tenure at WVU, he led the Mountaineers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, etching his name as the greatest men’s tennis player in school history. With an overall record of 80-40 in singles play, his prowess on the court was undeniable.
National Recognition: A Testament to Greatness
Foley’s brilliance transcended the confines of Morgantown. He earned All-America honors twice in doubles, partnering with Ray Kurey in 1988 and Brad Kelly in 1989. In his senior year, he reached the pinnacle of individual achievement, earning All-America accolades in singles, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Respected Rival
WVU men’s tennis coach Terry Deremer, who had the privilege of coaching Foley during his collegiate career, holds him in the highest regard. Deremer considers Foley the best player to ever grace the Mountaineers’ courts, recalling his impressive ranking of 8th in the nation in singles and top 10 in doubles during his senior year.
Trailblazing the East
Foley’s impact extended beyond his individual accomplishments. He played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of West Virginia men’s tennis. The Mountaineers consistently ranked among the top teams in the ITA East Regional rankings, becoming the first non-Ivy League program to reach the No. 1 spot. Their national spring schedule featured formidable opponents from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Southwest, and Pac-10 conferences, showcasing Foley’s ability to compete against the best in the country.
A Triumph for the Ages
One of the highlights of Foley’s career came during his senior year when West Virginia defeated the No. 4-ranked Miami Hurricanes 5-1 on their home courts. This remarkable victory, considered the greatest in school history, was a testament to Foley’s leadership and the team’s collective strength.
NCAA Tournament Success: A Team Effort
Foley’s contributions to the Mountaineers’ success were instrumental in securing NCAA Tournament bids in 1989 and 1990. In the final match of the spring, West Virginia emerged victorious over Harvard, earning their place in the prestigious tournament.
Individual Accolades: A Symphony of Success
Foley’s dominance on the court was recognized through numerous individual accolades. He was crowned the Atlantic 10 singles champion at the No. 1 position four times, won two doubles championships, and accumulated an impressive 136 match victories during his collegiate career. In 1990, he received the prestigious John Van Nostrand Award, bestowed upon the top singles player in the East.
A Relentless Competitor: Never Say Die
Deremer remembers Foley as a fierce competitor who possessed an unwavering killer instinct. His ability to overwhelm opponents with his immaculate strokes and sound fundamentals made him a formidable force on the court. Once he gained the upper hand, his opponents rarely recovered, as he relentlessly pursued victory.
U.S. Open Qualifier: A Brush with Greatness
Foley’s exceptional talent extended beyond the collegiate level. During the summer of 1989, he achieved a remarkable feat by sweeping the four USTA National Amateur Championships, becoming the first amateur “grand slam” winner in USTA history. This achievement earned him a No. 1 ranking and an invitation to compete in the 1989 U.S. Open Qualifier.
Professional Ambitions: A Different Path
Despite his success at the amateur level, Foley faced challenges in pursuing a professional tennis career. Although he competed in several professional satellite tournaments to gain experience, he lacked the financial resources necessary to sustain a professional career after graduating from college.
Reunion and Remembrance: A Fond Farewell
Deremer fondly recalls the last time he saw Foley, during a reunion in Atlanta last October. Several former WVU players gathered to reminisce about their shared experiences and celebrate Foley’s remarkable career.
Life Beyond Tennis: A New Chapter
Foley resided in Virginia Beach, where he found success in the information technology field. According to his LinkedIn profile, he held the position of chief IT strategist and chief enterprise architect at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Hall of Fame Honor: A Deserving Tribute
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Foley was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, becoming the only men’s tennis player to receive this prestigious honor.
A Legacy Endures: Inspiration for Generations
Joby Foley’s legacy as a tennis legend will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing his greatness.