Loran Smith - Jeff Wallace

Loran

Smith

There is more to the Jeff Wallace story than you probably know. First there is his wife, Sabina, who, like Jeff, was a star athlete at UGA—both on scholarship, track for her, tennis for him. They have spent their professional careers coaching and teaching, frequently identifying with Av a n t – g a rd e and cultural pursuits. Then there is their son, Jarryd, who is a Pa r a l y mpian who has won medals in two Olympic games and whose life’s story makes you want to shout hosannas in tribute to him from the highest mountaintop. He chose amputation of a leg for peace of mind and physical comfort but allowed the process to motivate him into a living a life that inspires others. He enjoys life to the fullest and is doing good for the world.

Their daughter, Brittany Sjogren is very athletic but not into competition that gets attention in the sports pages. However, you might say that to be connected with 1.7 million followers in her fashion business, “Loverly Grey,” brings about elite business status in which she competes every day.

There is so much acclaim with this Bulldog family whose grandchildren are going to have a lot to live up to, but my guess is that they will glory in their heritage and will benefit from their remarkable foundation.

To begin with, the Wallaces are great sports fans. When Jeff and Sabina were not competing during their undergraduate days, they were going to games and matches with the passion of seasoned season ticket buyers. That continued through the days of their adult careers.

Now in retirement, they remain passionate about Bulldog teams but aspire to travel and not only see championship competition but participate as much as possible. For example, Jeff loves golf, and with a handicap of 7, he is a frequent participant in charity pro-ams. He’s still competing. And loving it.

They are into wine and food, museums and history. Most of all travel. The Grand Canyon, Grand Cayman Islands, fly fishing in Montana, golf at Doral and other celebrated PGA venues; Paris, Scotland, Croatia, Spain; wherever the fish are biting. Jeff plans to play the major golf courses across the world with Sabina in tow. Their happy marriage is based on a mutual admiration society.

This couple is enjoying life to the ultimate and anybody who knows them, enjoys cheering them on. They are the envy of their friends as they move about, crossing all borders.

One of the activities that has become emotionally rewarding for them is keeping in touch with former women’s tennis players—all established with families of their own but always circling back to campus to enjoy a football game or a spring tennis continued from page

match. They are always welcome to take respite with Jeff and Sabina where the food, wine and conversation are uplifting, stimulating and a reminder of the days of yore. Yesteryear’s scrapbook has a graphic influence on their lives and they cannot wait for get-togethers and reunions.

While Jeff was not tapped for induction into the UGA Circle of Honor for his off court influence and his lifestyle today, it is as signature in his life as the wins and losses.

The highlights alone confirm he is one of the greatest women’s tennis coaches in the history of the sport. The winningest coach in the game when he was active, he signed off for that trip into the sunset with 818 victories, 6 national championships (2 NCAA and 4 indoor), 20 Southeastern Conference titles (11 regular season and nine tournament), 41 All Americans.

He was named Coach of the Year, International Tennis Association, four times. Most would agree that these are the credentials of a man possessed when it came to running and coaching a collegiate tennis program. He is proud not only for the elite accomplishments of the program but the sisterhood that has become intrenched, which will benefit the women’s tennis program for years to come.

He doesn’t want it to go unnoticed that the model for his success was his mentor Dan Magill, who had the rare ability to command discipline and respect from his players and also have a beer with them. It was like a parent never sparing the rod but raising children who adore their home life.

Jeff has always reminded the players that the world can be their oyster but never forget that such opportunity is subordinated to a permanent rapport at home. In this case, alma mater.