University of Tennessee Athletics
Woodruff Named Assistant Tennis Coach
November 22, 2004 | Men's Tennis
Nov. 22, 2004
Tennessee's acting men's head tennis coach Chris Mahony [pronounced MAH-nee] announced Monday that Chris Woodruff, the most decorated tennis player in school history, has been promoted to the position of assistant men's tennis coach. A Knoxville native, Woodruff has worked with the program as a volunteer assistant coach since the 2002-03 season.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have Chris Woodruff join our coaching staff in an increased capacity," Mahony said. "Chris and I were both Tennessee guys from day one, and his addition as the assistant coach is invaluable to our program here at the University of Tennessee.
"In addition to serving as the volunteer coach for the past two seasons, Chris is a close personal friend and former teammate of mine, so I have full confidence that our transition into a coaching staff will be an easy one.
During his spectacular professional career, which ran from 1993-2002, Woodruff claimed two ATP tour championships (1997 Montreal Super 9 Canadian Open and the 1999 Miller Lite Hall of Fame Tennis Championships). In 2000, Woodruff had his best year on the tour as he advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and clinched the United States' Davis Cup win over Zimbabwe. In February of that year, Woodruff attained a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the ATP champion's race.
With more than $1 million in career earnings, Woodruff boasts tour victories over some of the most recognizable tennis players of his generation, including Pete Sampras, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Phillipoussis, Tim Henman and Andre Agassi.
"Having a former top-20 ATP pro, NCAA Champion and former UT All-America working with our team and passing on his experience to our guys, will help keep Tennessee near the top of college tennis in the future," Mahony said. "Chris' intensity, work ethic, discipline and professionalism are legendary amongst the tennis community, and I'm sure these qualities will rub off onto our team members.
During his two-year stint on The Hill as a student-athlete, Woodruff was a two-time All-America and All-SEC honoree. In 1992 he was named the ITA Rookie of the Year, and in 1993 he became the only Vol ever to win the NCAA singles title. He finished his career with an .835 singles winning percentage, which ranks second all-time in Tennessee history.
In addition to serving as volunteer assistant coach for the past two seasons, Woodruff has also returned to the classroom to pursue his degree.
