The 2002-2003 School year brings a very young team to Montana State.  Our team consists of one junior, two sophomores, and six freshmen.  This means that we are not actively recruiting this year but players interested in Montana State tennis should feel free to e-mail coach phillips with questions.

LETTER TO RECRUITS

Dear Student Athlete,

                Thank you for your interest in the Montana State tennis program.   As the head coach, I believe MSU provides an ideal environment for playing college tennis, while still achieving a high level of success academically.  Montana State competes at the Division I level in the Big Sky Conference.  The Bobcats are usually a top three finisher in the conference, and achieved a conference championship in 2000, earning a bid into the NCAA championships.   

                Montana State is located in the beautiful town of Bozeman, MT.  Recently, Bozeman was voted one of the top three small cities to live in the United States.  With an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, there are an unlimited amount of recreational activities available.  Bozeman sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering world class skiing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking to the students of MSU.  Bozeman is also considered the gateway to the world famous Yellow Stone national park.

                Academically MSU is very strong.  The average GPA for starting freshman is 3.2.  MSU is also fifth in the nation in Goldwater scholarship recipients, ahead of prestigious schools such as MIT and Berkley.  Offering 49 undergraduate areas with over 100 options to choose from, there are plenty of options for students, and if you are not sure what you want to major in, our general studies program is very good for freshman and sophomores, offering small classes with lots of individual attention available to students.

FACILITES:

                The Bobcat Tennis Center is one of the best tennis facilities in the region, and is quickly improving.  MSU boasts four beautifull indoor courts.  Currently Montana State is working on replacing the bubble with a permanent structure.  Construction is likely to begin this summer and be completed in the fall of 2002.  In addition MSU has eight newly resurfaced outdoor courts, complete with new nets and wind screens.  Just next to the courts is the Bobcat Tennis Center, which includes locker rooms, showers, coaches offices, and a players lounge.  In addition to the tennis facilities, the Montana State athletic department has a state of the art weight room and training center with highly qualified staff members to help athletes stay healthy and reach their goals.

                As the men’s tennis coach at Montana State, it is my job to help make your college experience the best imaginable.  By creating a fun, positive atmosphere where student athletes are challenged to improve and compete at a new level, I believe playing college tennis for the Montana State Bobcats can be the experience of a lifetime.  I hope you keep MSU in mind when considering your colleges.  For more information please feel free to call or e-mail any time.  Good luck with your search for a college.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                Mike Phillips

                                                                                                Men's Tennis Coach