Chris Mack, the head basketball coach at the College of Charleston, has built an amazing career, leading his teams to the absolute peak. But behind the whistle and the wins lies a family man who balances his personal and on-field duties day after day.
Married to Christi Hester, a former Basketball star herself, Mack is raising three kids. Here’s a peek into the personal world of the legendary Charleston Coach.
Chris Mack and His Hectic Household Rooted in Louisville
Christi Mack has three children, Hailee, Lainee, and Brayden, as well as a 45-pound Labradoodle. According to some interviews, Chris often surprises them by bringing home his towering players for dinner, a perk of his role as head coach. Now in Charleston, the Macks once turned their basement into a mini arcade for team hangouts.
Cougar Nation
Just about a year ago my family joined me at Cistern Yard to celebrate the start of something special here in Charleston. You have been incredibly supportive from day one. The Macks can’t wait to run it back in year two. Better than ever.
Go Cougs!!
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) March 26, 2025
Christi, a Louisville native, thrives in the chaos. She’s got a soft spot for Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. “‘Switched At Christmas’ is my favorite,” she says during an interview back in 2018.
“You know why I like that one? Candace Cameron Bure plays twins, so there’s two of her!” Back in Louisville, she’d have two TVs humming with holiday flicks all day. The kids might groan, but Christi unapologetically finds her happiness through them.
Christi has deep basketball roots. Before marriage, she led Holy Cross High School to two All “A” Classic state titles. She starred at the University of Dayton, earning a spot in their hall of fame. Later, she joined the Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame when Chris took the Louisville job in 2018.
According to Christi, every big move, like leaving Xavier for Louisville, came from family talks with the kids weighing in. Growing up in Shively, she watched Denny Crum coach from Freedom Hall’s upper seats. Now, legends like Crum, Milt Wagner, Herb Crook, and Lancaster Gordon visit her table.
Basketball isn’t just Chris’s gig; it’s the family business. Christi’s dad coached her early teams. Her childhood revolved around Shively’s St. Denis Catholic Church, where her family goes back four generations. She grew into a 5-foot-9 point guard, leading Holy Cross to many victories.
At Dayton, she started strong, dropping 20 points in her debut. Fans dubbed her “Socks” for her tube sock style. They’d line up post-game, socks on, seeking autographs. According to her, she always obliged.
Chris, born in Cleveland and raised near Cincinnati, shares that team spirit. He played at Evansville and Xavier and graduated with a communications degree. Now, with Christi and their trio of kids, he’s coaching at Charleston. Family and basketball intertwine, driving the Macks forward.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
