NEW YORK (AP) — Dick Gould, a name synonymous with collegiate tennis excellence, was honored at the U.S. Open on Saturday, marking a significant return to the event after years away. Gould, who led Stanford University’s men's tennis team to an impressive 17 NCAA championships during his tenure from 1966 to 2004, was celebrated during the first match of the night session.
Gould's remarkable coaching legacy was highlighted by his specially designed Nike sneakers, which featured his signature colors of white and cardinal red. One shoe bore the number 17, representing his total NCAA championships, while the other displayed his impressive coaching record of 776-148.
Reflecting on his coaching career, Gould expressed his passion for working with young athletes, particularly those aged 18 to 22. “I loved coaching. I really enjoyed working with the age group, especially the 18 to 22-year-olds,” he stated. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by young adults transitioning to independence, emphasizing the importance of providing subtle guidance during this critical period.
Throughout his career, Gould coached numerous players who achieved great success, including tennis legends John McEnroe and the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob. His players not only excelled at the collegiate level but also went on to secure multiple Grand Slam titles, showcasing the profound impact of his coaching.
During his return to the U.S. Open, Gould noted that he had not yet connected with many of his former players, as they were busy with their own roles in the tournament. John and Patrick McEnroe, both of whom played under Gould, were present as broadcasters, while Bob Bryan served as the U.S. Davis Cup captain.
“I think that’s one of the things I’m most proud of, just the idea that they’re still involved in tennis and they’re giving back to the game in some shape or form,” Gould remarked, highlighting the ongoing contributions of his former players to the sport.
Gould reminisced about his coaching days, recalling a standout moment in 1983 when four of his players reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. He also shared his thoughts on the current landscape of college tennis, particularly in light of recent changes such as name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations that allow athletes to earn money while maintaining their eligibility. “With all the NIL money, transfer portals and stuff, it’s just the Wild West out there,” he commented, expressing concern over the potential for financial influence in recruiting.
As a respected figure in collegiate tennis, Gould, who was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association coach of the decade for the 1980s and 1990s, hopes that his presence at the U.S. Open will shine a light on the challenges faced by current college coaches. “I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I think hopefully my being here in some way brings some recognition to these coaches who are in the trenches and really have such a big, important part in the world,” he concluded.
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