CNU Hires Director of Tennis Eric Christiansen

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Christopher Newport University Interim Director of Athletics Jon Waters announced Eric Christiansen has been named CNU's new Director of Tennis. Christiansen, an assistant coach for CNU's men's program for the last five seasons, takes over daily oversight of both the men's and women's tennis programs as the first Director of Tennis in school history.

"We are very excited to add Eric Christiansen to our staff as Director of Tennis," Waters said. "Eric has his finger on the pulse of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic region. His experience at all levels of both men's and women's tennis, coupled with his love for the University, makes him the perfect person to lead both program's continued regional and national development."

Christiansen has been an assistant coach for the Captains men's tennis program for seven years, including a five year stint beginning in February 2008. He has been heavily involved in the Hampton Roads tennis community for over a decade. Prior to his stint at Christopher Newport, Christiansen served as the men's and women's assistant coach at Division I Old Dominion University for two years. He was responsible for planning and running team practices and also recruited student-athletes both domestically and internationally.

While at ODU, Christiansen led the women's team to 37 wins in two years, with four All-Conference nods. The ODU men were 47-16 during Christiansen's tenure, and climbed to No. 18 in the national rankings. Since Eric joined the Christopher Newport staff, the Captains have won 70 matches paired with just 42 losses, while coaching four players to All-American status. The run included the 2008 USA South Conference Championship and subsequent NCAA Tournament appearance.

"I am excited about the opportunity to lead the men's and women's tennis programs into the future," said Christiansen. "I have a passion for coaching tennis and there is nowhere that I would rather be then Christopher Newport University."

Christiansen's 10-year coaching resume also includes founding the ECTennis Academy in 2002, of which he has remained Director since its inception in 2002. In January of 2010, he was named Director of Tennis for The City of Hampton. He is a United States Tennis Association (USTA) High Performance Coach, USTA School Programs Trainer, USTA sanctioned Tournament Director and is a USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) certified professional. He has helped produce numerous nationally and regionally ranked junior tennis players, including one top five and two number one ranked players in their respective Mid-Atlantic age groups.

"I have always enjoyed the process of player development and helping each player that I work with maximize their individual potential," Christiansen said. "Serving as the Director of Tennis will allow me the resources to help our student-athletes develop, not just athletically, but in all areas of their lives."

The Yorktown, VA native graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2002 from the University of North Florida. As a player, Christiansen was the team captain of the fifth-ranked Ospreys, a Division II program. He earned All-Peach Belt Conference honors in 2002.

Release courtesy of the Christopher Newport sports information department.