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SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced Wednesday (June 1) the hiring of former player Ellie Burger to serve as head coach of the Bears women’s tennis program.
Originally from Chesterfield, Mo., Burger played tennis for the Bears from 2017-21 and was a three-time All-MVC performer. She ranks third in program history for career singles winning percentage (.782) with a 43-18 career record.
Since graduating from Missouri State, Burger has remained active in the sport of tennis, continuing as an instructor, coach and administrator at the Forest Lake Tennis Club in St. Louis.
“There really are no words that can adequately express the excitement I feel about returning to Missouri State as a head coach,” Burger said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to lead the Missouri State tennis team, and I’m so thankful for Kyle (Moats) and Casey (Hunt) trusting me in this role. I’m looking forward to August and beginning our fall season.”
Burger captained the 2020-21 MoState tennis squad, leading the Bears to a 12-10 overall record and a runner-up finish in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. She was also a key part of the 2018 MVC Tournament championship squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament under coach Mallory Weber.
Individually, Burger won a conference title in 2019 at No. 3 singles, becoming just the 13th Bear to win a singles flight in the Missouri Valley. She also earned All-MVC honors in 2018, 2019 and 2021, and was named as the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Female Student-Athlete of the Year by her fellow MSU student-athletes in 2020-21.
Off the court, Burger was a two-time MVC Scholar-Athlete selection in 2020 and 2021. She also served on Missouri State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee from 2018-21 and was also Missouri State’s representative on the MVC SAAC. Burger served on the Legal and Regulatory Matters subcommittee as part of her MVC SAAC duties. She earned recognition on the Missouri State University Dean’s List five times before graduating in 2021 with a double major in General Business and Modern Language-Spanish.
She will replace former Bears coach Randall Knox whose contract was not renewed.
Burger’s hire is contingent upon formal approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.
