Head Volleyball Coach Chris Chown Resigns

With the conclusion of the volleyball season, Providence Christian College head coach Chris Chown informed his team that he will be stepping down at the end of the 2021-22 academic school year. Coach Chown was the founding coach of the Sea Beggar Volleyball program and has established a culture of care, intentionality, and attention to detail. He has poured his heart and soul into helping the program get off the ground, but more importantly he has cultivated deep and meaningful relationships with his student-athletes that extend far beyond the volleyball court.

Coach Chown began laying the framework for the program immediately following his hiring in April of 2015, and team one had their inaugural season in 2015-2016, finishing with a 10-23 record. Chown led the Lady Sea Beggars to the programs first appearance in the Cal Pac Championship tournament in 2019 (this was Providence's first team in school history to qualify for a Cal Pac Tournament), and that same year led them to the programs first appearance in the NCCAA Championship tournament. He was named the NCCAA West Region Coach of the Year in 2019 and has produced nine NCCAA West All-Region student-athletes, eight Cal Pac All-Conference student-athletes, four NAIA Scholar Athletes, three NCCAA Scholar Athletes, and the only Providence athlete to be named an All American of any type, Abigayl Doiron in 2019 to the NCCAA All American 2nd Team. Throughout his seven years of leadership, Chown has exhibited a high level of integrity, professionalism and organization. He consistently models an unwavering commitment to Christ in everything he does, which reflects directly on his authentic care for everyone involved in his program.

When asked about Coach Chown's departure, 2020 graduate Alyssa Pigao said, "Being coached by Chown has been one of the biggest blessings God has given me. I've had many coaches throughout my life but never have I bonded with them the way that I have bonded with Chown. His actions derive from his intentionality, and he never failed to show his players that he genuinely cares. Chown helped me find my way back to God when it felt like I couldn't find Him. He helped me become a more effective leader on and off the court. He always made himself available to us if anything was going on in our lives outside of volleyball. Chown is someone that I know I can reach out to if I need a prayer or if I need any life advice. He exemplifies all the qualities of what a great coach is, and I hope that one day I will be the same for my players when I decide to start coaching again. It has been a privilege to be one of his players. Chown has truly impacted my life and I can't wait to see where God takes him next!" Current senior Telanni Childs (SR/Walnut, CA) reflected on her time playing for coach Chown saying, "I can honestly say Chown is the best coach I have had throughout my entire volleyball career. He actually saw me as a person and not just a player on the roster. He cared to get to know me as a person, and truly wanted to see me be the best version of myself. At a point before I came to Providence, I contemplated quitting volleyball because I didn't believe in my ability. Chown saw something in me that I couldn't even see in myself and inspired a change that I didn't think was possible. Even in my darkest times dealing with various things in life he prayed for me and encouraged me to keep pushing. I have grown mentally, spiritually, and athletically during my time at Providence with his help. I know in my heart that he was a God send; not only for me, but everyone that has been able to have him in their life."

Athletic Director Brian DeHaan added on Coach Chown's impact on the Providence program saying, "Chris Chown has been Providence Volleyball. As the first and only coach in program history, his leadership is all we have known, and he has laid an incredible foundation for the future. Coach Chown's steadfast love for his players and his constant pursuit of growth have established a competitive volleyball program where one did not exist. His leadership and love for those he works with have extended far beyond the volleyball court and his daily presence will be missed on campus. We wish Chris and Amanda the very best as they enter a new chapter of life and hope they remember that "Once a Sea Beggar, Always a Sea Beggar." Coach Chown commented, "I am extremely grateful for the countless opportunities this role has given me to build meaningful relationships, grow in my faith, learn and experience exciting new things, and have a lot of fun. As has been the focus for our team, I will continue to pursue a posture of gratitude, ownership, humility, and heart. Thank you all (players and colleagues) for the huge role you have played in making this a very special and unique chapter of my life. I care deeply for you. It is with a heavy heart that I end my tenure as Head Volleyball Coach, but I am excited for what God has in store for both Providence and my family."

Coach Chown will be greatly missed, but his legacy within the volleyball program and the countless lives he's touched will extend for years to come. The athletic department is currently searching for a new head volleyball coach, and we trust that God will be guiding the search for the perfect candidate. If you, or someone you know is interested in applying to be the next Head Volleyball Coach at Providence Christian College, follow this link to the application. The future is bright for the next leader of Providence volleyball because of the solid foundation built by Coach Chown and the many young woman who have toiled to make this program so incredibly special.