WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW Director of Athletics Michael Oblinger has announced the hiring of Chris Bizot as the Seahawks' head women's tennis coach.
"We are excited to welcome Chris Bizot to the Seahawk family as the next leader of our women's tennis program," Oblinger said. "Chris brings a proven record of building championship-caliber programs, developing student-athletes and creating a culture of competitive excellence. As we continue to invest in the future of UNCW Women's Tennis, including plans for a transformational new facility, Chris is the right leader to build on that momentum. We look forward to welcoming Chris and his family to Wilmington and are excited about the future of the program under his leadership."
Bizot brings 24 years of head coaching experience to Wilmington, compiling a career record of 667-296. He most recently served as head coach of the men's and women's tennis programs at UT Tyler, marking his second stint with the Patriots after leading both teams from 2004-16.
Since returning to UT Tyler in 2022, Bizot guided the Patriots through one of the most successful stretches in each program's history. The women's team captured its first Lone Star Conference Championship this past season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. On the men's side, he led the Patriots to four consecutive Lone Star Conference titles and four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a national semifinal appearance in 2025 and a quarterfinal run in 2024.
Between his tenures at UT Tyler, Bizot spent five seasons (2017-22) rebuilding the women's tennis program at Angelo State after its reinstatement following a 32-year hiatus. He guided the Belles to three Lone Star Conference regular-season championships and three NCAA South Central Regional appearances while compiling a 76-27 record. Under his leadership, Angelo State consistently ranked among the nation's top 15 programs.
Bizot began his head coaching career at Palm Beach Atlantic, leading the men's and women's programs from 2002-04. During his tenure, the Sailfish women's team captured the NCCAA National Championship, and Bizot was named the NCCAA National Coach of the Year.
He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Mississippi College, where he was a part of the men's program that went on to win the American Southwest Conference Championship.
A highly decorated coach, Bizot has earned 18 American Southwest Conference East Division Coach of the Year honors, four Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year awards, three ITA South Central Region Coach of the Year honors, and two ITA West Region Coach of the Year recognitions.
"I would like to thank Chancellor Volety, Michael Oblinger, Stacy Kosciak, and the entire executive team for the opportunity to lead the UNCW women's tennis program," Bizot said. "I am looking forward to getting to work with these ladies and building something special together. My family and I can't wait to be part of the Wilmington community and the Seahawk Athletics family!"
