DUDLEY, Mass. (6/17/2026) – Nichols College Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet has announced the hiring of
Chris Nordenson as the next head coach of the Nichols College men's and women's tennis programs.
Nordenson arrives in Dudley after serving as an assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis programs at Bates College from 2024-26, where he assisted in all aspects of the programs, including player development, recruiting, match preparation, and video and analytics operations.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chris to Nichols College," said Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet. "His extensive coaching experience, commitment to student-athlete development, and passion for the game makes him an outstanding fit for our tennis programs. Chris has built a reputation for fostering growth both on and off the court, and we are excited to see the impact he will have on our student-athletes and the future of Nichols Tennis."
During his time at Bates, Nordenson helped guide the Bobcats to several notable achievements; The Bates men's No. 1 doubles pairing earned Second Team All-NESCAC honors in both 2025 and 2026, while the women's program secured its first victory over Williams College in program history on March 16, 2025. On the men's side, Bates earned victories over nationally ranked opponents No. 32 Brandeis on March 1, 2026, and No. 38 MIT on April 28, 2026.
Prior to Bates, Nordenson served as the men's and women's assistant tennis coach at Earlham College during the 2019-20 academic year before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Nordenson has spent more than a decade as a teaching professional at tennis facilities throughout Maine, working with players of all ages and skill levels. He also served as the head girls' tennis coach at Freeport High School from 2012-15, leading the 2013 squad to the most wins in program history.
"I want to sincerely thank Athletic Director Kristan Mallet and the college for this opportunity," said Nordenson. "From my first conversations, it was clear that this is a place that values both competitive success and the student-athlete experience, and that immediately resonated with me.
"I am honored to be entrusted with leading the men's and women's tennis programs. Coaching is ultimately about relationships, growth, and creating an environment where student-athletes can reach their full potential. I am excited to invest in our players, build a strong culture, and work every day to make this community proud.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity, but more than anything, I'm ready to get to work."
Nordenson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of St. Thomas in 2009 before completing a Master of Science in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. He also holds Elite Professional Certification from the Racquet Sports Professional Association.
