Chris Ellis begins his seventh season as head coach of Maryville’s women’s basketball program. He took over the reigns in 2001-02 after spending 18 years coaching at the high school level and one year coaching at the professional level.

Ellis has compiled an 109-51 overall record in his first six seasons with the Saints, including a 91-19 record in the past four seasons. He has been named St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Coach of the Year for four consecutive years, while leading his squad to four consecutive undefeated seasons in conference play. The Saints have made three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances under Ellis' reign, and they became the first team in school history to make the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2005-06.

The 2003-04 season marked the best season in women's basketball history at Maryville. In addition to finishing the season undefeated in the SLIAC, Ellis' team also posted a 23-3 overall record, recorded the program's first conference championship and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. The 2005-06 season ranks second in the program's history, including a team best 24 victories.

In his five years at the helm of the Saints program, Ellis has coached 14 All-SLIAC honorees, two conference Newcomers of the Year and one conference Player of the Year.

Before coming to Maryville, Ellis served as the head girl’s basketball coach at Parkway South High School in St. Louis and posted an 186-57 record in nine years. He led the Patriots to two State “Elite Eight” appearances, two District Championships and five Conference Championships. In addition, Ellis was named the Suburban South Conference Coach of the Year in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999, and he was also named the Outstanding Girl’s High School Coach in 1997 by the St. Louis Sports Commission.

Ellis’ coaching resumé also includes a five years as the head girl’s basketball coach at Webster Groves High School and  one year as co-head coach of the St. Louis RiverQueens of the Women’s Basketball Association (WBA).

Ellis’ other accolades include being named to the Keep Hoop Alive Magazine’s Hall of Fame in 1999 for his contributions to women’s basketball in St. Louis. He has also been twice named to the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”

Ellis, a graduate of Maryville, earned his bachelor’s in Education in 1984 and later received his master’s in Education from Lindenwood University in 1998. While at Maryville, Ellis was a member of the men’s basketball team that went 60-14 from 1981-84.

Ellis and his wife, Kelli, live in Ballwin, Mo., with their daughter Zoe and son Drew.

If you would like more information about Saints Women’s Basketball and Maryville University, please e-mail Coach Ellis.