Monte Tilgner is entering his third season as the head coach of the Northwestern men's tennis program, taking over the program in January of 2019.
"Northwestern is such a welcoming place for students to enjoy their college experience," said Tilgner. "Both of my daughters had great experiences and met their spouses while attending Northwestern. When asked about Northwestern's athletic mission Tilgner stated, "Sports provides young men and women with so many qualities that will help them through the highs and lows that they will experience in life."
While at Northwestern, Tilgner has coached six all-conference performers in his time in Orange City, including his first All-Conference team honorees in Brian VandenBerg in 2022 (doubles and singles) and David Bomgaars (doubles) in 2021-22. Additionally, he has coached three NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Prior to taking over Northwestern's tennis program, Tilgner coached high school golf for 26 years at MOC-Floyd Valley. He was also a head softball coach for ten years and coached girls and boys basketball.
Tilgner is a graduate of Wayne State College (1990) and earned a Masters degree from Morningside College. While attending Wayne State Tilgner played golf.
He is married to his wife, Missy. He has two daughters, Kelsey and Morgan. His favorite Bible verse in John 3:16. If Tilgner isn't coaching you can find him officiating Division I football in the Big Ten Conference, following a promotion after the 2021 football season. Prior to his promotion to the Big Ten, Tilgner officiated in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
