STAFF BIO:

Chris Friant serves as the Director of Operations for Richmond United Orange and Director of Tournaments, bringing over 30 years of coaching experience and 18 years with Richmond Strikers—now Richmond United—to his role. His extensive background in both coaching and operations allows him to play a key role in delivering high-quality programs and events across the club.

As a coach with the Strikers, Chris led five teams to the State Cup Final Four, highlighted by his U17 Girls team winning the 2009 State Cup. He has also coached multiple ECNL teams and gained valuable experience at the collegiate and PDL levels as an assistant coach, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development and competition.

In his current role, Chris oversees operational aspects of the Orange program while also leading the planning and execution of Richmond United’s tournaments, helping create top-tier experiences for teams and families from across the region and beyond.

Chris holds a United Soccer Coaches (NSCAA) Director of Coaching License, National Diploma, and National Youth Diploma, along with a USSF C License. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University.

Originally from a military family, Chris values connection and community through sport. He is a fan of Arsenal and the U.S. National Teams, and counts attending his first Premier League match at Arsenal and his first DC United match among his favorite soccer memories. Outside of soccer, he enjoys traveling and fishing, and a fun fact—he raised and showed Angus cattle nationally during high school and college.