Currently offering (3) levels of adult classes using the USTA NTRP system:
Tennis 101 - Beginner / Returning Player (NTRP 1.0-2.0)
Tennis 101 is designed for those who are new to tennis, returning to the game after time away, or who have played some tennis but have had little or no formal instruction. It is also a good fit for those with limited playing experience who want to build a stronger foundation in the fundamentals. The class introduces or reviews stroke production, movement and positioning, rallying, scoring, and basic point play, with the goal of developing the skills needed to serve, rally, score, and begin playing the game. The program will draw from USTA beginner-tennis curriculum and teaching progressions.
No previous tennis experience is required. Tennis 101 is also appropriate for those who have played before but want to review the fundamentals, improve basic skills, and become more comfortable playing points and games. Gates Tennis Center has loaner/demo rackets available for participants who need one. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and non-marking court shoes. Tennis-specific shoes are recommended because they provide better support for the stops, starts, and lateral movement of tennis.
Advanced Beginner Tennis (NTRP 2.0-2.5)
Adult group tennis classes combine 60–75 minutes of instruction and drills with 45–60 minutes of organized Stay & Play. The first segment uses a variety of drills to improve stroke fundamentals, movement, and tactics. During the play portion, the instructor helps organize play, offers coaching, and joins in as needed when numbers are uneven.
Designed for those with some tennis experience who are continuing to develop stroke and positioning fundamentals, movement, and consistency. The class will cover and practice scoring as needed as players begin playing points, games, and matches. Tennis skills develop over time, and repeating this class for multiple sessions is welcome—and even encouraged—as it helps players build greater consistency, confidence, and experience. Gates Tennis Center has loaner/demo rackets available for participants who need one. Wear tennis-specific, non-marking court shoes. Clothing should have pockets, or a ball clip or similar accessory should be used, so two tennis balls can be carried when serving.
Advanced Beginner / Low Intermediate Tennis (NTRP 2.5-3.5)
Adult group tennis classes combine 60–75 minutes of instruction and drills with 45–60 minutes of organized Stay & Play. The first segment uses a variety of drills to improve stroke fundamentals, movement, and tactics. During the play portion, the instructor helps organize play, offers coaching, and joins in as needed when numbers are uneven.
Designed for those who know how to keep score and have experience playing matches. Participants should be familiar with the various tennis strokes, be able to sustain rallies with some consistency, and have a basic understanding of court positioning for singles and doubles play. Wear tennis-specific court shoes. Clothing should have pockets, or a ball clip or similar accessory should be used, so two tennis balls can be carried when serving.
Location
Gates Tennis Center - Courts 1, 2 & 3 (
program specific)
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.
Spring 2027
Session 1 Registration:
Opens: December 1, 2026
Tennis 101 - Beginner / Returning Player Closes: January 28, 2027
Advanced Beginner Tennis Closes: January 18, 2027
Advanced Beginner / Low Intermediate Tennis Closes: January 14, 2027
Session 2 Registration:
Opens: December 1, 2026
Advanced Beginner Tennis Closes: March 15, 2027
Advanced Beginner / Low Intermediate Tennis Closes: March 11, 2027
Session 1:
Sundays from 12:00-1:15pm, January 31-March 21
No class 2/28, 3/14
Cost:
Guest: $105.00
Daily: $25.00
Session 1:
Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm, January 20-February 17
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Student/Member: $125.00
Daily: $35.00
Session 2:
Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm, March 17-April 14
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Student/Member: $125.00
Daily: $35.00
Session 1:
Mondays from 6:00-8:00pm, January 18-February 15
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Student/Member: $125.00
Daily: $35.00
Session 2:
Mondays from 6:00-8:00pm, March 15-April 12
Cost:
Guest: $145.00
Student/Member: $125.00
Daily: $35.00
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
