Destin High School Names Veteran Tennis Professional Chris Barbe as Head Tennis Coach
DESTIN, Fla. — September 8, 2026 — Destin High School is pleased to announce the selection of Chris Barbe as the school’s Head Tennis Coach, bringing more than four decades of tennis instruction, coaching, player development, and program leadership to the Sharks’ athletic program.
Barbe comes to Destin High School with an extensive background in tennis at the recreational, club, junior, high school, and competitive levels. He has taught players of all ages and skill levels for more than 40 years and has held state, sectional, and national rankings during his playing career. His résumé includes leadership positions at some of the country’s prominent tennis facilities, including the New Orleans City Park Tennis Center, Audubon Park Tennis Courts, and the New Orleans Recreation Department Commission.
“Coach Barbe is exactly the right fit for Destin High School and for the future of our tennis program,” said Dr. Williams, Executive Director of Destin High School. “His depth of experience and knowledge of the game are exceptional, but what impressed us most is his commitment to developing young people. He understands that a successful high school program is about more than wins and losses. It is about building character, creating a strong team culture, developing players at every level, and giving students an experience they will carry with them long after they leave the court.”
Barbe’s career includes serving as Director of Tennis at the New Orleans City Park Tennis Center, where he oversaw a 31-court facility, as well as serving as Head Professional and Manager at Audubon Park Tennis Courts for approximately 15 years. Most recently, he served as District Manager/Tennis Director for the New Orleans Recreation Department Commission, overseeing two public tennis facilities with a combined 19 clay courts and responsibilities ranging from programming and tournaments to staffing, budgeting, maintenance, and facility operations.
His career also brings a connection to the Destin area. From 1984 to 1986, Barbe served as Head Tennis Professional at Seascape Golf and Tennis Resort in Destin, where he taught private and group lessons and helped oversee tennis operations.
Barbe has also coached junior players and USTA teams throughout his career. His professional honors include being named the 1994 USPTA Louisiana “Pro of the Year.” While under his direction, the New Orleans City Park Tennis Center was recognized by Tennis Magazine as one of the nation’s top municipal tennis facilities and later received national recognition as a USTA “Public Facility of the Year.” He also served as Tournament Director for the 1993 U.S.F. & G. Sugar Bowl Tennis Classic. Barbe is currently a Certified USTA Coaching Professional in good standing.
At Destin High School, Barbe will focus on building a program that develops players across skill levels while establishing a culture centered on hard work, accountability, sportsmanship, and team pride. His experience in player development and program management will also help position DHS tennis for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
“We want our student-athletes to know that when they become part of Destin High School tennis, they are joining a program that will challenge them, support them, and help them grow,” Dr. Williams added. “Coach Barbe has spent a lifetime teaching this sport, and we are excited for our students to benefit from that experience and leadership.”
Destin High School welcomes Coach Chris Barbe to the Shark family and looks forward to an exciting new chapter for DHS Tennis.
About Destin High School
Destin High School is committed to providing students with opportunities to excel academically, athletically, and personally while preparing them to become confident, responsible leaders in their community.Destin High School
info@destinhighschool.org
850-204-4044