ELMHURST, Ill. - Elmhurst University and Director of Athletics Dr. Glen Brittich have announced the hiring of Chris Harrison as Director of Tennis for the Elmhurst men's and women's tennis programs.

"It is always great to have the opportunity to bring back a highly successful alum to help build your program. Coach Harrison has a rich pedigree of success as a student-athlete and continued that success in coaching including at the state championship level" Dr. Brittich said. "It was clear to us from the first conversation with Coach Harrison that he has a deep passion for Elmhurst University and wants to see Elmhurst Tennis be built into the strong program we believe it can be. We are very excited to bring Coach Harrison aboard and believe the future is extremely bright for Elmhurst Tennis!"

A 2016 graduate of Elmhurst, Harrison rejoins the Bluejays after serving as the head men's and women's tennis coach at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Ill for one season. Harrison also served as a tennis professional at Five Star Tennis Center in Plainfield, Ill. from his graduation in 2016 until 2024. 

Harrison also served as head coach of the boy's tennis team at Naperville Central High School for four years, coaching the 2021 IHSA State Doubles Champions in the process and serving as an assistant coach with the team during their 2017 IHSA State Team Championship.

One of the most decorated players in Elmhurst men's tennis history, Harrison was a key component of Elmhurst's back-to-back CCIW Championships in 2013 and 2014, earning a pair of First Team All-CCIW accolades in 2015 and 2016. He was the first player in program history to compete at the national tournament for the Bluejays. Harrison wrapped up his four-year career with the Jays with the fourth-most singles wins in program history (56) and third-best career singles record (.615). Harrison also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a member of the dean's list in his time at Elmhurst.

"It's a very unique opportunity to be able to coach at your alma mater. It's even more special to give back to a program that set my tennis career up for success" Harrison said. "I am so excited to coach these young men and women and bring this program back to its competitive, championship-level pedigree."

Harrison received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Elmhurst in 2016.