Chris Givens was born and raised in Hancock, MI. He was an all state athlete in both hockey and football at Hancock Central High School. Following graduation in 1985 he attended Central Michigan University on a football scholarship. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from CMU in 1989 then moved to Traverse City, MI where he makes his home today with wife Jennifer, and son Cam.

Chris has been the head hockey coach at Traverse City Central High School since 1995. He is also a volunteer coach in both the Grand Traverse Hockey Association and Traverse City American Legion youth baseball program.