Tennis Legend Chris Woodruff Set for 2025 Induction into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Chris Woodruff, the current head coach of Tennessee’s men’s tennis team and a Vol for Life (VFL), has been named a 2025 inductee to the prestigious Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
The announcement was made Thursday afternoon, with Brad Willis, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, leading the surprise at the Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, supported by the Tennessee Lottery, serves to honor the state’s sports legacy and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective sports and communities.
Woodruff’s induction is a testament to his outstanding achievements both on and off the tennis court, as well as his enduring legacy at the University of Tennessee.
According to Willis, “Chris Woodruff has represented the University of Tennessee and the state of Tennessee with incredible distinction throughout his career, both as a player and as a coach.
His dedication to the sport of tennis and his ability to develop young talent exemplify the values we honor in the Hall of Fame.
We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
A Knoxville native, Woodruff’s tennis journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
He remains the only NCAA singles champion in the history of Tennessee’s men’s tennis program, securing the title in 1993.
That same year, he was named both the ITA National Player of the Year and the SEC Player of the Year, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
His remarkable career began with the 1992 ITA National Rookie of the Year award and culminated in back-to-back singles All-American honors in 1992 and 1993.
Woodruff also earned All-SEC distinctions in both of those seasons, further demonstrating his dominance on the court.
During his two-year singles career at Tennessee, Woodruff compiled a stellar record of 81-16 (.835), including an impressive 45-7 (.865) performance in 1993.
His excellence on the court translated into a successful professional career, where he earned multiple ATP Tour titles and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 29 in singles.
Following his playing career, Woodruff returned to Tennessee to serve in various coaching roles.
He worked as an assistant coach and associate head coach for the Volunteer men’s tennis team from 2002 until his promotion to head coach in 2017.
In the 2024-2025 season, Woodruff enters his eighth year at the helm of the program, marking his 23rd year with the Tennessee tennis staff.
Under his leadership, Tennessee’s men’s tennis team has flourished, with Woodruff mentoring numerous standout players and helping elevate the program to national prominence.
Woodruff’s coaching achievements include the development of 40 All-Americans, 53 All-SEC honorees, and 34 NCAA Singles selections.
He has also played a key role in helping Tennessee’s men’s tennis program produce two NCAA Doubles champions and a pair of NCAA Singles finalists.
His players have earned five SEC Player of the Year awards, a testament to Woodruff’s skill in shaping champions on and off the court.
His impact extends beyond individual accolades. Under Woodruff’s guidance, the Volunteers have enjoyed significant team success.
Most notably, the team clinched the SEC Tournament Championship in 2021 and reached the NCAA Tournament Semifinals in both 2021 and 2022.
Additionally, Tennessee has advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals three times in the past four seasons, consistently competing at the highest level of college tennis.
Beyond his coaching success, Woodruff is celebrated for his dedication to mentoring young athletes and expanding the reach of tennis across the state of Tennessee.
His influence has inspired countless individuals, helping to grow the sport and providing opportunities for the next generation of players to thrive.
Woodruff will be formally inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Downtown.
This prestigious event, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will celebrate Woodruff’s immense contributions to both the sport of tennis and his community, cementing his place among the state’s greatest sports figures.
