Chris Williams Named Men's Tennis Assistant Coach
12/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Dec. 8, 2010
Chris Williams has been hired as an assistant coach for the Air Force men's tennis program, according to head coach Dan Oosterhous. Williams, who spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Iowa State women's tennis program, will begin his duties immediately.
Williams was a full-time assistant for the Cyclones the past two seasons. In his first year, Williams helped the team reach unprecedented success. He teamed up with head coach Armando Espinosa to lead ISU to 10 dual meet victories, including the Cyclones' first Big 12 Conference win in seven seasons. He also saw Erin Karonis become just the second player in ISU tennis history to earn All-Big 12 accolades and the first player in school history to be named the Big 12 Player of the Week.
"Chris is an outstanding addition to our program," said Oosterhous. "I've worked with him on the court and I know he'll bring a lot of energy and technical knowledge to our program."
Williams, a native of Atlantic, Iowa, served as a volunteer assistant for the Iowa State tennis team for one season in 2007-08 before being promoted to a full-time position. He has previous college coaching experience as Buena Vista University's head men's tennis coach in 2004.
"I am really excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Oosterhous and be part of a strong tennis conference like the Mountain West," said Williams. "Air Force tennis is on the rise and I can't wait to get to work."
Prior to joining the Iowa State staff, Williams was the Director of Junior Tennis at the Ames Racquet and Fitness Center and a team coach for the Iowa District Boys and Girls 12-and-under program. As director of junior tennis, he managed clinics, assisted in organizing and running district tournaments and coached players in district and sectional tournaments. He has coached 16 players in the Iowa District.
He also served as the head tennis professional at the 7 Flags Fitness and Racquet Club in 2004-05, and also completed a strength and conditioning internship at Central College in 2004.
Williams is a 2004 graduate of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, with a bachelor's degree in sports and fitness management and a minor in business. In his time at Buena Vista, he played number one singles and doubles and was an Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion.
Williams and his wife, Nikki, have been married for five years and have a 1-year old daughter, Reese.
