Virginia Raises Banner at John Paul Jones Arena to Honor Terry Holland

A beautiful celebration took place on Saturday afternoon at John Paul Jones Arena, where Terry Holland's 'dream team' of former players, coaches, friends, family, and loved ones all gathered together to honor his life and memory. 

“Terry enjoyed very, very many wins, successes and highs throughout his over 50 years in college athletics,” said Ann Holland, Terry's wife of 57 years. “Without a shadow of a doubt, he would say today he rests easy, knowing he finally won. You see, today, in one giant room, with a basketball court as the stage, the team of his lifetime has come together. He truly loved each person that’s here today, and this is his dream team."

Holland, who served as the head coach of the Virginia men's basketball team from 1974 to 1990 and as UVA's director of athletics from 1994 to 2001, passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday, February 26th in Charlottesville after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

In his 16 years coaching the Cavaliers, Holland led UVA to two NCAA Final Four appearances in 1981 and 1984, the program's first ACC Tournament Championship in 1976, an NIT title in 1980, three-straight ACC regular season titles from 1981-1983, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, a period that put the UVA men's basketball program on the map. At the time of his retirement in 1990, Holland was UVA's all-time winningest head coach with a record of 326-173, a record that stood for 33 years until Tony Bennett surpassed him earlier this season.

Bennett provided some touching opening remarks, referencing one of Holland's favorite Bible verses. "When I think of coach Holland and I think of his life, he never, ever backed away from a challenge, even how he faced life from the beginning all the way to the end of this life," Bennett said. "He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and he finished the race." 

Bennett was one of many people - whose lives were touched by Terry Holland - to offer words of commemoration during Saturday's tribute. Three-time national player of the year Ralph Sampson welcomed everyone in attendance and later on, several other former UVA basketball players who played for Holland spoke, including Wally Walker, Marc Iavaroni, Rick Carlisle, Jimmy Miller, Bryant Stith, Jeff Jones, Jeff Lamp, and Bobby Stokes. 

Virginia director of athletics Carla Williams directed everyone's attention up to the rafters of John Paul Jones Arena, where a banner was unfurled honoring Terry Holland and his service to the University of Virginia.