Missouri State University Handball Team

In 1987, Dr. Tommy Burnett started what would become one of the most successful collegiate handball programs in the country. After multiple national titles, All-Americans, and championships the program has flourished. The entire program is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2011) and the women’s team was inducted again in 2021. The handball team resides at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts at Missouri State University. Dr. Burnett passed away in July of 2021, but the legacy and program continue. For more information, see ALWAYS OUR COACH.

A team effort kept the program rolling for a year and a half and in May 2023, Christian Madsen was named the 2nd Head Coach of the Missouri State University Handball Team. The program is going strong and the tradition is rolling because of its solid foundation, the passion for handball from its players, alumni, coaches, and Coach Madsen’s leadership. A team of assistant coaches have also help lead the way including, but not limited to: Brian Watson (Missouri Handball HOF), Lyle Burback, Jimmy Napolitano, Garrett Bacon, Connor Bacon, Ross Colyer, and Taylor Bell. Missouri State University Handball is one of the top collegiate programs in the world and continues to promote the “perfect” game to college students and community members. To support this program at Missouri State University or the community non-profit handball program, Springfield Handball Club, contact Head Coach, Christian Madsen at ChristianMadsen@MissouriState.edu or Jeni Hopkins at JeniHopkins@MissouriState.edu.