Bronte Murgett knows exactly what Missouri tennis can become because she has already lived it.
The former Tiger returned to Columbia this summer as an assistant coach under new head coach Robin Goodman with a clear vision: restore a program she believes has always possessed the resources to compete in the SEC and build the culture needed to maximize them.
Murgett, who played professionally after starring at Missouri, said coming back to Columbia was never just about coaching. It was about recreating
the experience that transformed her own career.
“I found this place and was lucky enough to get recruited to come here,” Murgett said. “That experience that I had as a student-athlete, I really want to provide that for other girls when they come here.”
Murgett’s offseason has reflected the global nature of college recruiting. She has visited returning sophomore Alex Ackman in Florida and the incoming freshmen Evelyn Whiteside and Daria Budko in Texas before traveling to England alongside Goodman to recruit at the prestigious Roehampton junior event. The trip also allowed her to watch the Tigers’ newly signed SMU transfer and Hull, London native Millie Bauer compete before returning to Columbia.
While the recruiting miles continue to pile up, Murgett said identifying talent is only part of the evaluation process.
“There are so many great tennis players out there,” she said. “The biggest thing for us is the person. One person is never going to win a championship for us. It’s going to be a team effort.”
That philosophy has become the foundation of Missouri’s rebuild.
Murgett said every recruiting decision centers on finding players willing to embrace the team’s culture, support teammates and prioritize collective success over individual accomplishments.
“We want people that want to help the girl beside them,” Murgett said. “Eventually that’s going to help everyone in the long run.”
The emphasis on culture mirrors Goodman’s message throughout the offseason as Missouri rebuilds following significant roster turnover. Ackman, the Tigers’ lone returning player, has repeatedly spoken about the program’s untapped potential, a belief Murgett shares.
“I think culture is a massive part of that,” Murgett said. “Everyone on the same wavelength, understanding the same goals, the same vision, the same mission. We have everything we need here to be successful. We just need the right people.”
Murgett expects to divide her responsibilities between recruiting and player development, although she admitted working directly with players remains her greatest passion.
“I love to be on court with the girls,” she said. “I love helping them gain confidence in themselves and helping them grow as players.”
Her playing background also gives Murgett credibility when preparing athletes for professional tennis. She believes Missouri’s daily standards should mirror those expected on the professional tour rather than simply preparing players to compete in college.
“Our program is going to be professional from the get-go,” Murgett said. “Everything we do is going to have a reason and a why behind it.”
Murgett acknowledged patience will be necessary during the rebuild, especially with one of the nation’s youngest rosters. Rather than focusing solely on wins and losses, she wants players to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.
“You can’t go from the ground up in the space of a year,” she said. “You have to create a really good foundation. If there is a win or a loss, you have to reflect on it, understand where to get better and move forward.”
That foundation extends beyond the tennis courts.
Murgett hopes to strengthen Missouri’s ties with both the Columbia community and former players, believing alumni involvement can help establish the culture she experienced during her playing days.
“We want our matches to be exciting and loud,” she said. “We also want to reconnect with alumni and make sure they still feel like they’re part of the program.”
For Murgett, the return to Columbia is more than a homecoming. It is an opportunity to help build the version of Missouri tennis she always believed was possible.
