Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics and Recreation Jesse Balcer has announced the hiring of Joe Heckley as the institution's Head Women's and Men's Tennis Coach.
Heckley becomes the eighth head coach in the history of the men's tennis team and the 22nd  in the history of the women's team, which dates back to 1933. The women's tennis team is currently the second oldest sports program in the history of the college.
Heckley brings a proven track record of success across NCAA Division I, Division III, and elite junior environments.
A USPTA and PTR certified coach, Joe is thrilled to lead the Griffins. He is drawn to Chestnut Hill's rich tennis history and the unique blend of a close-knit, small-campus community feel with the vibrant energy and opportunities of Philadelphia. Joe sees tremendous potential for CHC tennis to become a powerhouse in NCAA Division II, building on the program's strong foundation, and academic focus. He is committed to fostering well-rounded teams that compete at the highest level while prioritizing personal growth, teamwork, and success in the classroom.
A native of San Jose, California, Heckley grew up competing in the competitive Northern California tennis scene before playing NCAA Division I tennis at Niagara University. The profound impact his college coaches had on him inspired a lifelong passion for guiding student-athletes in collegiate tennis.
Heckley launched his coaching career as Head Men's Tennis Coach and Assistant Women's Tennis Coach at Salve Regina University (NCAA Division III) in Newport, Rhode Island. In his debut season, he guided the men's team to a Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
He advanced to Division I coaching as an Assistant Men's Coach at Northern Arizona University (Big Sky Conference) for two years, while earning his Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Psychology from NAU—equipping him with deep insights into athlete development, motivation, and mental performance.
After NAU, Heckley coached at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, Connecticut, working alongside tennis legend Gigi Fernández, a 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. This experience honed his expertise in high-level technique, strategy, and mental toughness. He has also provided private coaching at renowned facilities nationwide, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fremont Hills Country Club.
