The University of Pikeville has hired a new tennis coach, one who comes in with coaching experience at the collegiate level.
 
Daniel Christian was hired this week by Corey Fipps, director of athletics to coach both the men's and women's tennis programs.
 
Christian comes to UPike from being a private tennis instructor at Ridgefields Golf & Athletic Club, where he provided private and group lessons.
 
"Daniel brings a lot of experience to UPike, particularly for someone his age," said Fipps. "We're thankful to have him as part of our program and look forward to watching him succeed with our student-athletes."
 
Prior to his time Ridgefields, the Statesville, N.C., native spent a year as racquet sports professional at Green Valley Swim & Tennis, where he provided instruction in tennis and other racquet sports for players of all ages and skill levels.
 
Christian has also been assistant women's tennis coach at Elon University, an NCAA Div. I institution in Elon, N.C., and assistant men's tennis coach at Grimsley High School.
 
Christian also has been a tennis professional at Starmount Forest Country Club in Greensboro, tennis coach and court manager at Sherwood Swim & Racquet Club. He was a tennis coach in the Greensboro Tennis Program and at Cedarwood Tennis Camp.
 
The men's and women's tennis programs will resume their season in the spring semester, building to the AAC tennis tournaments, which are April 20-22 at Champions Club in Chattanooga, Tenn.