Head coach Cris James enters his third season with the Illinois State men's tennis team after taking control prior to the 2007-08 season. From the start, James has set high expectations for the Redbird tennis program.

James brings a wealth of tennis experience as a player, coach and instructor at the junior, collegiate and professional levels to Illinois State's men's tennis program. Hard work, dedication and passion have helped James excel, both as a player and coach. This work ethic has allowed James to bring a wealth of young talent to ISU. Three players who were named all-conference selections last season were all recruited by coach James.

Tennis Experience

At a young age, James spent most of his time with his father, who worked as a tennis coach. Achieving success early in his career, James won a junior national championship. The Canadian native enrolled at Purdue in 1995. As a four-year letterwinner for the Boilermakers, James was an All-Big Ten selection, Academic All-Big Ten honoree and the team's most valuable player in each of his last three seasons. In addition, James served as team captain and achieved an NCAA ranking of No. 26 in singles and No. 7 in doubles. James graduated from Purdue in 1999, with a degree in political science.

Following his outstanding career at Purdue, James entered the pro circuit. James won three ATP doubles tournaments and earned professional rankings in both singles and doubles, despite enduring several injuries that cut his professional career short.

Coaching History

While competing on the pro circuit, James was employed by the University of Alberta Tennis Center. He began working there in 1996 as a college student and had the opportunity to teach camps, programs and private lessons for all levels, including elite junior players. In the summer of 2002, James worked as the head professional at the Riverbend Tennis Club, in Alberta, Canada. He gained valuable experience in marketing club events, scheduling and organizing, as well as conducting programs, leagues and tournaments. As an assistant coach at Purdue, James played a key role in developing players. While coaching at Purdue, James earned his master's degree in sport management.

Tennis Philosophy

James has two central philosophies when it comes to the Redbird tennis program:
Improve yourself daily
Balance a passion for tennis with academic excellence and social experience
James expects his players to work hard, both on-and-off the court. He emphasizes each player should commit to improving themselves each and every day.

"Part of my job is to help develop good people, not just good athletes," said James. "I try to help them prepare for the next step in their lives."

His two central philosophies help shape the positive and dedicated attitudes of the Redbird student-athletes.

Personal
• Born: July 29, 1976
• Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Family: Wife, Emily (Married July 5, 2008)

Education
Purdue University
• Bachelor's degree in political science, 1999
• Master's degree in sport management, 2007

Coaching Experience
Illinois State University........... Head Coach(2007-Present)
Purdue University................... Assistant Coach(2002-07)
Riverbend Tennis Club............... Head Professional(2002)
U. of Alberta Tennis Center... Assistant Coach(1996-2002)

Playing Experience
Purdue University, 1995-99 • Three-time All-Big Ten Team selection
• Three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree
• Three-time team MVP
• Big Ten Team finalist (1999)
• NCAA singles ranking No. 26
• NCAA doubles ranking No. 7
• Team captain
ATP Tour, 1999-2002
• Won three ATP doubles tournaments
• Professional ranking in singles and doubles

.

Cris James