CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- The WVSSAC (West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission) named Washington High School (WHS) boys tennis coach Chris Walter the 2022-2023 WV Coach of the Year for boys tennis. Walter, who also serves as the principal at Wright Denny Intermediate School, said any success he has seen as a coach is due to his players.
"This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their families, the Jefferson Jr. Tennis Program, and the Jefferson Memorial Park Summer Tennis Program," Walter said.
Walter began his coaching career in 1999 as the assistant coach of the Jefferson High School (JHS) girls tennis team. Walter remained there until taking over as head coach of the girls tennis team at WHS when the school opened in 2008. The girls' teams compiled a record of 54-4 during that time, and Walter was named girls coach of the year in 2012. Walter later moved over to coach the boys tennis team at WHS. The boys' teams have compiled a record of 153-42 during his time as coach. Walter said it's been fun coaching the students over the years.
"I am extremely fortunate to be able to work with athletes that are prepared to play the game of tennis at the high school level," he said.
As the West Virginia Coach of the Year, Walter is eligible to be considered for the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Coaches Association Sectional and/or National Coach of the Year. The winners will be announced next year.