Mark Tjia
Mark Tjia was named the program's full-time assistant coach, on Oct. 29, 2010. Tjia lettered four years for the Horned Frogs between 1989 and 1992.
In his first season on campus, Tjia helped guide the Frogs to a 13-13 overall record, including a 5-1 ledger against the Mountain West Conference. TCU reached the MWC Championship finale for the second year in a row and defeated four nationally-ranked teams. The Purple and White's Emanuel Brighiu and Christopher Price both earned All-MWC considerations for singles and as a doubles tandem.
He then helped Nick Chappell to Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2012, while also coordinating TCU's travel arrangements and helping extensively in recruiting.
Tjia joined TCU after serving as the Head Tennis Professional at the 300 Swim & Tennis Club in Gainesville, Fla., since 1997. In 2010, he was a volunteer coach for the Florida women's tennis team that reached the final round at the NCAA Team Championship. The Gators dropped a 4-3 decision to national champion Stanford in the final match.
Tjia played singles and doubles for three top-10 Horned Frog between 1989 and 1992, including the 1989 squad that reached the semifinal round at the NCAA Championships. A native of Gainesville, Fla., Tjia played his entire college career under legendary former TCU coach Tut Bartzen.
After receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration from TCU in 1992, Tjia participated for several years on the ATP pro circuit. He achieved a high world ranking of No. 589 in singles in November 1994. After his playing days, he served as a coach on the WTA Tour and wrote and published the book "Loving the Battle!" - Tips to Improve Your Tennis Performance.
Tjia is married to the former Jenna Blythe, and the couple resides in Fort Worth.
