University Sport & Recreation announced Wednesday that Chris Field has been named the head coach of the Lions tennis program.
Field comes to York with a wealth of coaching and playing experience. He is currently the head tennis professional for the Moore Park Tennis Club and Toronto Tennis City, and he previously held an eight-year tenure in the same role with the Davisville Tennis Club. He has also developed multiple interclub league champions, players and programs for the Fitness Institute, Mayfair Lakeshore and Kew Gardens tennis club as head pro.
“Chris is exactly the type of coach we wanted to lead our tennis program and we are extremely excited to have him join our Lions coaching family,” said Gillian McCullough, manager of interuniversity sport. “His experience, passion and leadership skills are a great fit to lead our team and our student-athletes to greater success.”
As a player, Field was ranked nationally both in Canada and the United States. He was the captain of the varsity tennis team at St. Thomas University in Miami in his senior year and, after graduating with a business degree in sport administration, he travelled and taught tennis throughout Toronto, the U.S. and Australia.
He has an extensive background as a junior program director and high performance coach in South Florida, and he has a first-class perspective on competitive players reaching their full potential. He is one of only a few tennis coaches in Canada to be a certified international professional (PTR) and a certified USTPA professional.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Lions,” said Field. “Understanding the value of each student’s time, ability and desire to improve is clear to me, and I believe I can bring a lot to the program. I love to coach tennis, connect with my students and encourage players to strive for their personal best, and I am looking forward to working with the student-athletes here at York.”
The tennis team will begin play for the 2014 season on Friday, Sept. 12, in a match against McGill. The Lions will compete throughout the fall as they prepare for the OUA championships, which will take place in London, Ont., Oct. 10 to 12.