Christopher Williams bids goodbye to TCU Women’s Tennis
7/31/2023 12:37:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Set to coach Louisa Chirico on WTA Tour after five-year stint in Fort Worth
FORT WORTH – TCU women's tennis assistant coach Christopher Williams announced he is departing the program to coach WTA world No. 202 Louisa Chirico on tour.
Williams arrived at TCU in 2018 and enjoyed a five-year run as TCU head coach Lee Taylor Walker's top assistant. He previously coached professional players across the ATP and WTA ranks from 2012-2018.
"It is a bittersweet day for our program," Walker said. "On one hand, we are sad about the loss of Christopher. He brought so much passion and professionalism to our team the last five years. Christopher constantly sacrificed above and beyond the job description, making the experience for everyone involved with TCU women's tennis a positive one. He will be missed dearly. On the other hand, we are excited about this opportunity for him. It's our desire that our program prepares players for the professional tour and equips staff to be TCU ambassadors on the world's highest stages of our sport.
"Christopher now has an opportunity to spread our values with Louisa and her team on the WTA Tour all over the world," Walker continued. "What an amazing opportunity! Personally, I am glad that Christopher and his wife will remain in Fort Worth during this career transition. We look forward to staying lifelong friends and having them stay closely involved with our program. I see it as a real win-win-win for all involved."
Williams helped lead the Horned Frogs to a 13-9 overall record and capture the inaugural UTR NIT Championship in his final season in Fort Worth. He coached four All-Conference players during his TCU tenure, including 2018 Big 12 Freshman of the Year Ellie Douglas.
"I'm beyond grateful for my years at TCU," Williams said. "When I first interviewed for the full-time position, I was told that TCU is a family. That remained true throughout my tenure. From the coaches and support staff to the TCU athletics department and administration, it was an honor to work alongside team members committed to the continued success of the program and the growth of the individuals in it. This community is first class, and I am thankful for the unwavering support of the Frog Family.
"It was an honor to work with our student athletes," Williams added. "Watching them navigate a growing list of challenges, especially from the past few years, and achieve their goals is a large part of why I do what I do. I am in awe of their grit and commitment to hard work and professionalism."
TCU produced 53 combined victories with Walker and Williams working in tandem.
"Working with Lee has been inspiring," Williams said. "Simply put, he has made me a better person and a better coach. I have enjoyed our daily back-and-forth, strategic planning, collective passion, and shared vision for the game and how it impacts life beyond the sport. I will always respect how Lee runs his program and could not have asked for a better partner on the journey.
"As I look ahead, I'm very excited about my new role working with Louisa Chirico. She is a rockstar. Coaching on tour is a unique opportunity, and when you connect with the right team, the sky is the limit. I am looking forward to bringing the perspective I gained at TCU back to the tour and adding my skill and expertise to Team Chirico. And while my cowboy boots may be kicking up more dust around the world, I will always have 'Frogs up.'"
Chirico has achieved a career high WTA singles ranking of 58 representing the United States.
"Christopher's vast knowledge of the game makes him a great asset on any team," Chirico said. "I am immensely grateful that he is willing to embark on this journey, and I believe he will have a huge impact on my game. I am also extremely grateful to Lee and the team at TCU Women's Tennis for the support they've shown me thus far. TCU Athletics has done a fantastic job of creating an inviting and professional environment for touring players. Lee and Christopher's dedication to the development of players is truly unique and unmatched."
TCU anticipates announcing a replacement hire for Williams in the coming days.
Williams arrived at TCU in 2018 and enjoyed a five-year run as TCU head coach Lee Taylor Walker's top assistant. He previously coached professional players across the ATP and WTA ranks from 2012-2018.
"It is a bittersweet day for our program," Walker said. "On one hand, we are sad about the loss of Christopher. He brought so much passion and professionalism to our team the last five years. Christopher constantly sacrificed above and beyond the job description, making the experience for everyone involved with TCU women's tennis a positive one. He will be missed dearly. On the other hand, we are excited about this opportunity for him. It's our desire that our program prepares players for the professional tour and equips staff to be TCU ambassadors on the world's highest stages of our sport.
"Christopher now has an opportunity to spread our values with Louisa and her team on the WTA Tour all over the world," Walker continued. "What an amazing opportunity! Personally, I am glad that Christopher and his wife will remain in Fort Worth during this career transition. We look forward to staying lifelong friends and having them stay closely involved with our program. I see it as a real win-win-win for all involved."
Williams helped lead the Horned Frogs to a 13-9 overall record and capture the inaugural UTR NIT Championship in his final season in Fort Worth. He coached four All-Conference players during his TCU tenure, including 2018 Big 12 Freshman of the Year Ellie Douglas.
"I'm beyond grateful for my years at TCU," Williams said. "When I first interviewed for the full-time position, I was told that TCU is a family. That remained true throughout my tenure. From the coaches and support staff to the TCU athletics department and administration, it was an honor to work alongside team members committed to the continued success of the program and the growth of the individuals in it. This community is first class, and I am thankful for the unwavering support of the Frog Family.
"It was an honor to work with our student athletes," Williams added. "Watching them navigate a growing list of challenges, especially from the past few years, and achieve their goals is a large part of why I do what I do. I am in awe of their grit and commitment to hard work and professionalism."
TCU produced 53 combined victories with Walker and Williams working in tandem.
"Working with Lee has been inspiring," Williams said. "Simply put, he has made me a better person and a better coach. I have enjoyed our daily back-and-forth, strategic planning, collective passion, and shared vision for the game and how it impacts life beyond the sport. I will always respect how Lee runs his program and could not have asked for a better partner on the journey.
"As I look ahead, I'm very excited about my new role working with Louisa Chirico. She is a rockstar. Coaching on tour is a unique opportunity, and when you connect with the right team, the sky is the limit. I am looking forward to bringing the perspective I gained at TCU back to the tour and adding my skill and expertise to Team Chirico. And while my cowboy boots may be kicking up more dust around the world, I will always have 'Frogs up.'"
Chirico has achieved a career high WTA singles ranking of 58 representing the United States.
"Christopher's vast knowledge of the game makes him a great asset on any team," Chirico said. "I am immensely grateful that he is willing to embark on this journey, and I believe he will have a huge impact on my game. I am also extremely grateful to Lee and the team at TCU Women's Tennis for the support they've shown me thus far. TCU Athletics has done a fantastic job of creating an inviting and professional environment for touring players. Lee and Christopher's dedication to the development of players is truly unique and unmatched."
TCU anticipates announcing a replacement hire for Williams in the coming days.
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