TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics are mourning the passing of former men's tennis coach Bill Wright. Wright led Arizona Men's Tennis from 1986 to 2005 while compiling 182 wins in his 19 seasons at the helm of the program. He was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2006.
 
"Bill spent nearly 20 years coaching, mentoring and developing Arizona student-athletes in tennis and life beyond tennis," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. "He was a champion of the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics and made an everlasting impact in the lives of many. Bill's service and dedication to the Wildcat family are still felt to this day, which speaks to the power of his legacy. Our thoughts are with Coach Wright's family and loved ones at this time."
 
Wright coached a pair of Wildcats to All-America honors as Doug Livingston in 1991 and Jan Anderson in 1994 earned distinction in singles play. He was later named the ITA Region VII Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2004.
 
"I first met Coach Wright when I was 7 years old in Vail, Colorado when he gave me my first tennis racquet and inspired my family to play this game we all love," said Arizona Men's Tennis head coach Clancy Shields. "There is not a better person or ambassador for the game of tennis than Coach Wright. He inspired so many of us to give our best, to care more deeply about each other, and to play this game with passion and joy. He was a guiding light in the world of college tennis and will be dearly missed. He loved the University of Arizona, the community of Tucson, and all of his players. I consider myself lucky and fortunate to be coaching in his footsteps, and I know that my life is far richer because of Coach Wright."
 
The Atlanta native retired in 2005 following 27 years of coaching that included stops at Denver, Colorado State, Illinois and California prior to Arizona. Wright tallied 436 victories in his career, earned a Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year award in 1979 and guided Cal to a USTA-ITA National Team Indoor title and a NCAA Finals appearance in 1980.

"I think I can speak for all the Wildcats that played for Coach Wright that our decision to attend the University of Arizona was greatly based on "Coachie" being at the helm," said former Arizona standout Tom Lloyd. "He resembled all that was good in the world, and he made you feel that he was a part of your life every single day. We competed, fought and went to battle not just because we were Wildcats, but because Coach Wright gave us the belief and confidence that we could do anything. It's that confidence and belief that made us who we are today, and for that, I am forever grateful for the man that asked nothing and gave us everything. He will always be remembered and never forgotten."