Kris Powell will embark on his first season as Illinois Institute of Technology head tennis coach.

Powell came to Illinois Tech after six seasons as assistant men's and women's tennis coach at University of Chicago. The Maroons men's and women's tennis programs combined for a 163-46 record over Powell's six seasons as assistant coach; which resulted in 32 All-American selections, three NCAA semifinal appearances, and seven NCAA quarterfinal bids.

Prior to his stint at University of Chicago, Powell was a tennis pro at the Peachtree Tennis Center in Peachtree, Georgia. He is also a coach at the Scarlet Hawks' home complex, the XS Tennis Center.

Powell graduated from NCAA Division I Prairie View A&M in 2013, where he was a member of the men's tennis team. He led the Panthers to two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men's Tennis Championships, and an appearance in the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship.