Adult group tennis programs combine instruction with an opportunity to play tennis in the second segment of each class. The first 60–75 minutes focus on fundamentals, movement, technique, strategy, and game-based drills appropriate to the class level. The remaining time is organized Stay & Play, giving participants an opportunity to use what they are learning in real points and sets. Depending on attendance, players may rotate on and off court during the Stay & Play portion. The instructor remains on court to offer coaching tips, help organize play, and join in as needed when numbers are uneven. Programs are active, social, and designed to help players improve while playing actual tennis sets.
Adult programs will continue to run Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the fall. The first hour will be drill focused and the second hour will be play focused.
USTA NTRP System in place for the adult classes:
- Adult Beginner (NTRP 1.0 to 2.0)
- Adult Advanced Beginner (NTRP 1.5 to 2.5)
- Adult Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 to 3.5)
Location
Gates Tennis Center - Courts 1 & 2
Registration
Create your account *Note: Due to system constraints, only current students, faculty, and staff may use an MTU email. All others must use or create a different email address to create an account.
Create your accounts early to be ready!
Additional information on how to create your user account can be found here.
Registration and payment can be completed
online, or at the SDC Ticket Office.
MTU Recreation Programs Cancellation Policy
If the class you are looking for is full, please fill out the waitlist form found here. We will try to add additional sections based on level and demand.
Fall 2026
Session 1 Registration:
Opens: August 31, 2026
Advanced Beginner/Low Intermediate Closes: September 13, 2026
Beginner/Tennis 101 Closes: September 15, 2026
Session 2 Registration:
Opens: August 31, 2026
Advanced Beginner/Low Intermediate Closes: October 25, 2026
Beginner/Tennis 101 Closes: October 27, 2026
New players are welcome. This class is designed for beginners learning the fundamentals as well as developing players working to improve their stroke technique, serve, movement, scoring, court positioning, consistency, and confidence. Instruction and activities are adapted to players’ experience levels so participants can continue progressing from their individual starting points. Players are welcome and often encouraged to repeat this class as they continue developing their skills, consistency, and confidence.
Please bring a tennis racket if you have one. Demo rackets are available at Gates Tennis Center for players who need one, and tennis balls are provided. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable athletic clothing and non-marking court shoes.
Tennis shoes are strongly recommended because they are designed for the quick stops, starts, and lateral movement of tennis. Some cross-training shoes may also be appropriate. Running shoes are not recommended because they are designed primarily for forward movement and generally provide less lateral support.
Session 1:
Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm,
September 17 - October 15
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Member/Student: $125.00
Session 2:
Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm, October 29 - December 3
No class 11/26
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Member/Student: $125.00
Best suited for players who can serve, rally, keep score, and play points and sets. Instruction focuses on improving consistency, movement, shot selection, strategy, and stroke technique as appropriate through drills, games, and competitive play. Coaching is adapted to the experience, goals, and needs of the players in each group.Please bring a tennis racket if you have one. Demo rackets are available at Gates Tennis Center for players who need one, and tennis balls are provided. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable athletic clothing and non-marking court shoes.Tennis shoes are strongly recommended because they are designed for the quick stops, starts, and lateral movement of tennis. Some cross-training shoes may also be appropriate. Running shoes are not recommended because they are designed primarily for forward movement and generally provide less lateral support.
Session 1:
Tuesdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm,
September 15 - October 13
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Member/Student: $125.00
Session 2:
Tuesdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm, October 27 - December 1
No class 11/24
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Member/Student: $125.00
Parking
QUICK LINKS : SDC Lot 22 and Gates Lot 23
The two-hour free parking window for MTU students, members and community patrons using SDC and Gates Tennis Center facilities is now administered through the ParkMobile app.
Parking sessions beyond two hours will be charged $1.50 per hour for the additional time, plus a 45-cent ParkMobile transaction fee.
To start a ParkMobile session, scan the QR code posted on signage in the lot, visit the ParkMobile website, or download the ParkMobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Don’t have a smartphone? You can still start a session by calling 1-800-280-4149 or texting “Park” to 77223.
Have Questions?
Contact Michigan Tech Transportation Services by visiting us on campus in Room 100 of the University’s Administration Building, calling 906-487-1441 or emailing parking@mtu.edu. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours support is available through Michigan Tech Public Safety at 906-487-2216.
Meet the Instructors
John W. Miller joins the Michigan Tech recreational tennis program with over 25 years working in recreational and club tennis in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Holding an Elite Professional certification with the Racket Sports Professional Association, John brings a broad range of tennis experience to our tennis program. His background includes coaching high school tennis, teaching at Nakoma and Cherokee Country Clubs, at UW Madison, and in the public parks of greater Madison. He was the Tennis Director at Hawks Landing Tennis Club for eight years, he was a program coordinator and instructor in the Greater Madison Tennis Association for over two decades, and he was the USTA Jr Team Tennis Coordinator in Madison for seven years.
John grew up in the Southwest (Texas and New Mexico). He graduated (BA) from the College of William and Mary in 1989, where he was a member of the tennis team. After college, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand.
John and his wife Wanida moved to the Houghton area in 2021. Besides tennis, they enjoy biking, snowshoeing, and xc skiing.
John is excited to join the tennis program at Michigan Tech. He looks forward to working with our tennis clients and to the opportunity to grow tennis in the Keweenaw.
Email: jowmille@mtu.edu
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Mike Andrews was named the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach in June 2025. Andrews came to Houghton after one season of leading the tennis programs at Lake Superior State.
Andrews competed collegiately at LSSU from 1991-95 and played in the No. 1 position in both singles and doubles for the Lakers. The Iron Mountain native received a bachelor's degree in recreation management with a minor in business from Lake State.
Andrews is certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) for both tennis and pickleball and brings with him over 25 years of experience in the racquet industry. He has also served as an instructor, collegiate coach, director, and club manager in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, including serving as the director at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
Andrews has been actively involved in community programs and events for Buddy Up for Down Syndrome Athletes, Special Olympics Michigan, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Andrews has been recognized as the USPTA Midwest Professional of the Year and a USTA National Community Service Award winner. He is a former president of the USPTA Midwest Division and has been a guest speaker at multiple conferences and workshops.
His wife, Pam, daughter, Jenay, and two sons, Connor and Jordan, all played collegiate tennis. Pam and Jenay competed at LSSU, Connor at Purdue Fort Wayne, and Jordan at Saint Francis.
Email: miandrew@mtu.edu
