For more than two decades, Chris Powers has been the steady hand guiding Coastal Carolina tennis, building not only a competitive program but also a thriving coaching network that now spans the collegiate and professional tennis worlds.
Powers' influence is evident in the careers of former Chanticleers who have gone from standout players to accomplished coaches.
Matt Gordon, who competed for Coastal from 2009–10, reached a career-high ITA doubles ranking of No. 82 and earned All-Big South first-team honors in 2010. After beginning his coaching career at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Florida, Gordon joined the University of Kentucky men's tennis staff in 2018. Since then, he has helped lead the Wildcats to a 159-68 record, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, an SEC regular-season title (2024), and back-to-back SEC Tournament championships (2023 and 2024). Twice named ITA Ohio Valley Regional Assistant Coach of the Year, Gordon has earned recognition as one of the top assistants in collegiate tennis.
His former doubles partner, Peter Billingham, has followed a similar path. A Chanticleer from 2009–10, Billingham shared that same No. 82 ITA doubles ranking. After six years coaching elite juniors and ATP/WTA players at Saddlebrook — including Alexander Zverev, John Isner, and Hubert Hurkacz — he entered the college ranks as associate head coach at Pepperdine. There, he guided the Waves to a 76-19 record, a No. 3 national ranking, and an NCAA runner-up finish in 2021. In 2024, Billingham joined the University of Southern California, helping the Trojans post a 17-8 record in his first season.
Alex Funkhouser (2009–11), a two-time All-Sun Belt honoree, took his experience global. After working at the Evert Tennis Academy and training ATP and WTA professionals such as Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, Nick Kyrgios, Madison Keys, and Cici Bellis, Funkhouser transitioned to college coaching at Cornell, helping the Big Red to a 40-20 record. Now at the University of San Diego, he played a key role in the Toreros' 2024 West Coast Conference title run.
The legacy continues with the next wave of Chanticleer standouts.
Bastien Huon (2021–22), a 2021 All-Sun Belt singles first-team selection, climbed as high as No. 100 nationally in singles. After graduating, he began coaching at James Madison University, helping produce two All-Sun Belt singles players and one All-Sun Belt doubles team before joining Charlotte as an assistant in 2024. There, he helped lead the 49ers to a 12-11 record and a doubles title at the inaugural AAC Championships.
Diego Giraldo (2021–22), an All-Sun Belt doubles honoree who reached No. 65 in the ITA doubles rankings, has built his coaching career at UMKC, mentoring multiple All-Summit selections while gaining valuable experience as an assistant coach.
Lucas Wayenburg (2022–23) moved seamlessly from player to coach, beginning as an assistant to ATP professionals including Benjamin Bonzi (World No. 42) and his brother Sascha Wayenburg (ATP No. 203). He has since joined Columbia University as an assistant coach, helping guide the Lions to a No. 67 national ranking in 2025.
When asked what connects all of these journeys, Powers points to his enduring coaching philosophy:
"My general philosophy is Work Hard/Have Fun, and I think all of my guys know that I genuinely care about them as a person," Powers said. "I'm not a micromanager, especially on the singles court. I encourage my players to embrace their strengths and be passionate about the blessing of competing for a team."
"It's a bit surreal and incredibly gratifying," Powers reflected. "Matt Gordon and Pete Billingham have both coached in NCAA National Championship matches. Alex Funkhouser was in the coach's box at Wimbledon this year against the No. 2 player in the world. Others are making their mark at highly respected programs. I have no doubt it's just the beginning for them."
For Powers, wins are meaningful, but the character of his former players matters most.
"They're all great guys as well as great coaches," he said. "If I had an impact on them as people, that's my proudest accomplishment. I've always tried to be an example—on and off the court—that being a good person comes before anything else."
Powers credits his own mentors — Jenny Mainz (Alabama), Anne Jones (Virginia Tech), and Jody Davis (Coastal Carolina) — for shaping his approach to coaching.
"The biggest lesson I learned was to never quit under any circumstances," Powers said. "Even when the season is tough, bring passion and positive energy every single day. That's something I've carried through all my years here at Coastal Carolina—and I'll keep doing until it's time to hang it up."
